Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
We like to know that people have questions about our school. It tells us that there are families exploring options for the very best education for their children. We have found that families who look into a Friends education are interested in finding the right fit philosophically, academically, and socially. We have compiled this collection of frequently asked questions over many years by listening to parents (and students) who appreciate
- high quality academics,
- a deep, learning-centered curriculum versus a test-driven curriculum,
- attention to the whole child -- physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually,
- a values-based learning community,
- an inclusive, nurturing school culture.
We hope you'll find answers here to many of your questions and that you'll take the next step of visiting our school to see students and teachers at work and play. We also hope you will call or write with any additional questions that weren't addressed here.
For forty years, State College Friends School has enjoyed a tradition of helping children become successful learners who are confident, creative, and compassionate. Our Parent Ambassadors are eager to meet with families interested in knowing -- on a more personal level -- the benefits of our approach to education.
For forty years, State College Friends School has enjoyed a tradition of helping children become successful learners who are confident, creative, and compassionate. Our Parent Ambassadors are eager to meet with families interested in knowing -- on a more personal level -- the benefits of our approach to education.
How did Friends School get it's name?
State College Friends School began in 1980 as a result of a small group of people in our community who were interested in a particular type of progressive education. A number of these people were members or attenders of State College Friends Meeting, a local congregation of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
State College Friends School began in 1980 as a result of a small group of people in our community who were interested in a particular type of progressive education. A number of these people were members or attenders of State College Friends Meeting, a local congregation of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Is State College Friends School a religious school, where a particular religious dogma is taught and practiced?
State College Friends School is registered by the PA Department of Education as a nonpublic religious school. We are "under the care of" State College Friends Meeting, with a cordial and friendly relationship between our communities. We operate independently from State College Friends Meeting with no formal affiliation, financially or otherwise. State College Friends School provides an education grounded in the beliefs and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends. Friends (Quakers) do not proselytize; nor do they seek to convert others to the Friends religion. Our school philosophy, culture, and curriculum are grounded in the Friends belief that "there is that of God in everyone." We are guided and inspired by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These testimonies, or values, inform our decisions about the School's vision, mission, and daily operation.
We include the study of Quakers and Quakerism throughout history and participate in the Quaker practice of Meeting for Worship, as part of our daily classroom and weekly all-school program. Generally speaking, Meeting for Worship is a time of sitting in silence, where participants settle into stillness, feeling a connection with those around them, their loved ones, and themselves. After a period of quiet worship, we greet one another with a handshake and cheerful, "Good Day." We follow this with several brief announcements and close with a few folk songs, songs of freedom, and other school favorites. For an in-depth look at Quakerism and Quaker education, please visit Friends Council on Education.
How many families at the school are Quakers?
Historically, there have been anywhere from several - to more than a handful of students from families of the Quaker faith, either members of Meeting, or regular attenders. As a matter of fact, there are not many Quaker families in Centre County; and like most Quaker schools, we attract families who come from various faith traditions and backgrounds. While "religious" and cultural backgrounds differ, families who enroll their children in State College Friends School share common values -- inclusivity, compassion, integrity, and citizenship to name a few. Families who enroll their children at Friends School value character development and education of the whole child, just as much as they value academic growth.
How many students are in a class?
Small, multi-age classes are a very successful learning model at Friends School. Typically there are between 15 and 18 students per class. This year, due to the pandemic, our class sizes have been significantly reduced. We are hopeful that for fall 2021, we will resume our typical school operation.
How much is tuition . . . or "We never visited because we thought it was out of the ballpark" . . . "We probably don't qualify."
State College Friends School is committed to offering flexible tuition to help make Friends education available to all families who value our unique approach and who wish to invest in their child's education. Tuition varies based on parents' income, assets, and other pertinent financial information. Most families with an annual income under $75,000 could benefit from flexible K - 8 tuition. Families with a greater annual income (under $200,000) and more than one child may also benefit from flexible tuition made possible through financial gifts to our school from individuals and businesses that value a Friends education. A personal conversation with Lori Pacchioli, Director of Admission, Outreach, and Scholarship will help a family to determine their tuition. A telephone call is best. 814-237-8386.
Can my children take the bus to and from school?
Yes. Families who live in State College Area School District, Bald Eagle, Penns Valley, and parts of Tyrone and Huntingdon school districts are eligible for free transportation through their district.
Does Friends School have an after-school program?
Yes. Friends School students enjoy a well-supervised afternoon of active games and outdoor play, as well as reading, music, crafts, or quiet time for those who prefer to unwind after a busy day at school. After school care is available for Pre-K through 8th grade until 5:30 p.m. daily. There is a small fee for this service. Presently, due to the pandemic, school ends at 3:00 p.m. We are unable to offer our after care program at this time.
When does school begin?
The school day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. for all grades. Administrators are here to greet students beginning at 8:00 a.m. at which time students may go to their classrooms to get settled in, visit with classmates, read a book, or begin working on teacher-led projects.
Does Friends School provide meals for students?
Children in all grades bring their own lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day. Throughout the year we offer optional hot lunch days (parent volunteers prepare and serve a nutritious meal from our school kitchen); pizza day; and Subway day. We are a completely peanut-free school and are wheat and nut aware.
Do students participate in PSSA testing?
No. As a nonpublic school we are not required to participate in such standardized testing. Our teachers are so tuned in to their students, they are assessing in a variety of ways, every day in the course of a week, month, year. As a small school, our administrative staff are readily accessible to teachers and parents should any concerns arise around academic or social development and progress.
State College Friends School is registered by the PA Department of Education as a nonpublic religious school. We are "under the care of" State College Friends Meeting, with a cordial and friendly relationship between our communities. We operate independently from State College Friends Meeting with no formal affiliation, financially or otherwise. State College Friends School provides an education grounded in the beliefs and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends. Friends (Quakers) do not proselytize; nor do they seek to convert others to the Friends religion. Our school philosophy, culture, and curriculum are grounded in the Friends belief that "there is that of God in everyone." We are guided and inspired by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These testimonies, or values, inform our decisions about the School's vision, mission, and daily operation.
We include the study of Quakers and Quakerism throughout history and participate in the Quaker practice of Meeting for Worship, as part of our daily classroom and weekly all-school program. Generally speaking, Meeting for Worship is a time of sitting in silence, where participants settle into stillness, feeling a connection with those around them, their loved ones, and themselves. After a period of quiet worship, we greet one another with a handshake and cheerful, "Good Day." We follow this with several brief announcements and close with a few folk songs, songs of freedom, and other school favorites. For an in-depth look at Quakerism and Quaker education, please visit Friends Council on Education.
How many families at the school are Quakers?
Historically, there have been anywhere from several - to more than a handful of students from families of the Quaker faith, either members of Meeting, or regular attenders. As a matter of fact, there are not many Quaker families in Centre County; and like most Quaker schools, we attract families who come from various faith traditions and backgrounds. While "religious" and cultural backgrounds differ, families who enroll their children in State College Friends School share common values -- inclusivity, compassion, integrity, and citizenship to name a few. Families who enroll their children at Friends School value character development and education of the whole child, just as much as they value academic growth.
How many students are in a class?
Small, multi-age classes are a very successful learning model at Friends School. Typically there are between 15 and 18 students per class. This year, due to the pandemic, our class sizes have been significantly reduced. We are hopeful that for fall 2021, we will resume our typical school operation.
How much is tuition . . . or "We never visited because we thought it was out of the ballpark" . . . "We probably don't qualify."
State College Friends School is committed to offering flexible tuition to help make Friends education available to all families who value our unique approach and who wish to invest in their child's education. Tuition varies based on parents' income, assets, and other pertinent financial information. Most families with an annual income under $75,000 could benefit from flexible K - 8 tuition. Families with a greater annual income (under $200,000) and more than one child may also benefit from flexible tuition made possible through financial gifts to our school from individuals and businesses that value a Friends education. A personal conversation with Lori Pacchioli, Director of Admission, Outreach, and Scholarship will help a family to determine their tuition. A telephone call is best. 814-237-8386.
Can my children take the bus to and from school?
Yes. Families who live in State College Area School District, Bald Eagle, Penns Valley, and parts of Tyrone and Huntingdon school districts are eligible for free transportation through their district.
Does Friends School have an after-school program?
Yes. Friends School students enjoy a well-supervised afternoon of active games and outdoor play, as well as reading, music, crafts, or quiet time for those who prefer to unwind after a busy day at school. After school care is available for Pre-K through 8th grade until 5:30 p.m. daily. There is a small fee for this service. Presently, due to the pandemic, school ends at 3:00 p.m. We are unable to offer our after care program at this time.
When does school begin?
The school day begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. for all grades. Administrators are here to greet students beginning at 8:00 a.m. at which time students may go to their classrooms to get settled in, visit with classmates, read a book, or begin working on teacher-led projects.
Does Friends School provide meals for students?
Children in all grades bring their own lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day. Throughout the year we offer optional hot lunch days (parent volunteers prepare and serve a nutritious meal from our school kitchen); pizza day; and Subway day. We are a completely peanut-free school and are wheat and nut aware.
Do students participate in PSSA testing?
No. As a nonpublic school we are not required to participate in such standardized testing. Our teachers are so tuned in to their students, they are assessing in a variety of ways, every day in the course of a week, month, year. As a small school, our administrative staff are readily accessible to teachers and parents should any concerns arise around academic or social development and progress.
