Quaker Education

The first Friends School was founded in the late 1600s as a way to educate Quaker children separate from the Anglican, and Catholic religious influences often found in English schools at the time. These schools focused on biblical study and scientific learning, with an emphasis on nature. As more schools were established and educational centers spread beyond England, other subjects were added to the curriculum, including music, art, and theater.

Early Quaker schools were mostly an extension of Friends Meetings, which is where members gather for worship. Many schools became separate entities throughout the centuries, although some, including Abington Friends School, still gather for Meeting. In fact, all students in each division hold a weekly Meeting for Worship, which serves as a time for community members to be still, listen, reflect, and share their thoughts with others.

Anyone is welcome to attend a Friends School. We have many students who are not of the Quaker faith but share our values, goals, and mission.

Guided as we are by Quaker principles, our approach to education isn’t solely academic. One of the core beliefs of the Religious Society of Friends is that every person, regardless of age, creed, gender, economic status, or social position, has the Light of the Divine. We aim to nurture that Light and teach students how to use their gifts to grow that Light in others.

Every child has remarkable potential with a capacity to change the world if they are given the opportunity to explore, reflect and be inspired. While many schools are fixated on test scores, we believe that helping children discover their talents and strengths is essential to a successful education. At AFS, we seek deep understanding and welcome the diversity of perspective that allows each member of our community to feel seen, heard and valued.

Families looking for a meaningful education for their child — one that embraces bold convictions, has an ambitious curriculum, and provides opportunities for powerful experiential learning — will find a good fit at Abington Friends School. If you want your child to boldly follow their curiosity wherever it leads, then you will find an enriching and welcoming community here at AFS.