A leader in education through a social justice lens, Cambridge Friends School is an elementary and middle school (preK-8) committed to project-based, experiential learning.
The only Quaker school in Massachusetts, CFS educates the whole child in an environment that fosters the development of each child`s potential. Dedicated to preparing children for the future, CFS inspires a life-long love of learning.
As part of our commitment to social justice, Cambridge Friends School is engaged in building an anti-racist, anti-homophobic community and actively seeks students and staff from a diverse range of family structures and racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.
Our community tries to go beyond mere tolerance to more deeply address issues of bias and privilege.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 140 students
- Yearly Tuition: $27,000
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1961
Student Body
Total Students
140 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
48%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
11 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$27,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition rates for 2021-2022
Pre-K - $28,212
K - $29,247
Grade 1 - $31,266
Grade 2 - $32,612
Grade 3 - $34,104
Grade 4 - $34,104
Grade 5 - $35,459
Grade 6 - $37,271
Grade 7 - $37,271
Grade 8 - $37,271
% on Financial Aid
43%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
Admissions Director
Lizzie Leonard
Admissions Associate
Shola Adekeye
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
8 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Lower School Extended Day, Middle School Extended Day
Arts and Music Programs:
African Drumming, Instrumental Music and Dance, Jazz Band, Piano, Saxophone, Woodwind
Arts and Music Programs:
African Drumming, Instrumental Music and Dance, Jazz Band, Piano, Saxophone, Woodwind
School Notes
- As part of our commitment to social justice, we are engaged in building an anti-racist, anti-homophobic community, and we actively seek students and staff from a diverse range of family structures and racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Our community tries to go beyond mere tolerance to more deeply address issues of bias and privilege.
- The Quaker belief that there is that of God in every person -- the Light or Spirit within -- is the foundation of our faith both in the worth of each student and in his or her potential for growth. We honor each student's strengths and abilities. The school will challenge and support each child to achieve excellence in all areas of the curriculum. We believe this happens best in a diverse community of children and adults working together in mutual trust and respect.
- Our curriculum is designed to develop broad literacy and to stimulate intellectual integrity and love of learning in all students. Daily work focuses on developing competence and confidence in analytical, critical, verbal, creative, mathematical, aesthetic, physical, and spiritual areas. In accordance with Quaker commitment to the search for truth, we believe that learning is not only acquiring a body of information but a process and a mode of inquiry. Our goal is that students will be learners and seekers throughout their lives.
- We strive to create a safe environment where children are encouraged both to stand up for their convictions in the face of opposition and to listen to others with a willingness to change. Teachers help children of all ages to develop a commitment to truthfulness and personal integrity and to be responsible and effective members of a group and the larger community. As children acquire an inner discipline and sense of themselves, they learn that their knowledge and understanding are created through their own work, not received as unexamined truth from others. Our expectation is that students will grow as active participants, not bystanders, in their own affairs and in those of the world around them.
- Silence is an integral part of the life of the school, and its use arises from Quaker practice. Silence can lead to an awareness of that inner stillness where we can have moments of clarity. Periods of silence are valued in a variety of settings, including a weekly Quaker Meeting held throughout the school.
- We live in a world where racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression exist, not only among individuals but in our society and institutions. As an educational community of faith, we are challenged to empower students to make positive change in this world, and to do the same, ourselves, as an institution.
- In keeping with the Quaker Peace Testimony, we are committed to peaceful conflict resolution. Disagreement and conflict are inevitable in any group; we work to achieve understanding through respectful dialogue, negotiation, and an ongoing redefinition of perspectives. We trust in the power of the Spirit within to help us achieve the just and caring community we envision.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cambridge Friends School cost?
Cambridge Friends School's tuition is approximately $27,000 for private students.
What schools are Cambridge Friends School often compared to?
Cambridge Friends School is often viewed alongside schools like Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Shady Hill School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Cambridge Friends School offer?
Cambridge Friends School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Soccer.
When is the application deadline for Cambridge Friends School?
The application deadline for Cambridge Friends School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Cambridge Friends School located?
Cambridge Friends School is located in the Neighborhood Nine neighborhood of Cambridge, MA. There are 1 other private schools located in Neighborhood Nine.
School Calendar
View the Cambridge Friends School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
February Break - School Closed
February 17, 2025 (Monday)
Last day of School for All Grades
June 10, 2025 (Tuesday)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Cambridge Friends School also viewed these schools: Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Shady Hill School, Fayerweather Street School, International School Of Boston and Belmont Day School.
The nearest high school to Cambridge Friends School is The Cambridge Matignon School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Cambridge Montessori School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 1,048 students 1.2 miles 80 Gerry's Landing Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-6100
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-6100
1.2
PK-12
1,048
Grades: PK-8 | 531 students 1.2 miles 178 Coolidge Hill
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
1.2
PK-8
531
Grades: PK-8 | 205 students 1.2 miles 765 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-4746
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-4746
1.2
PK-8
205
Grades: NS-12 | 579 students 1 miles 45 Matignon Road
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 499-1451
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 499-1451
1
NS-12
579
Grades: PK-8 | 338 students 2.9 miles 55 Day School Lane
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
2.9
PK-8
338
School Reviews
5 2/21/2022
Our family is absolutely thrilled and grateful to be part of the CFS community. Small class sizes, diverse communities, and wonderful teachers really help us feel seen and cared for as a family. I especially appreciate the thoughtfulness to which this school communicates with families both on an individual basis and as a community. Between photos and notes sent home on classroom happenings to the school newsletter, we feel informed and connected. The after-school program is a huge highlight for our child (and our family).
5 1/1/2020
Progressive but not preachy like other area schools. New leadership at the school is setting a strong course. Our first hand experience has been very good. Children learn by doing along with important "values."
5 4/6/2019
Our family's experience at CFS has been nothing short of wonderful. We chose Cambridge Friends for our child for several reasons: the focus on social justice in the curriculum (including explicit anti-racism and anti-bias curriculum); the warm, welcoming, and diverse community; the expertise of the teachers; and the maturity and well-roundedness of the students and alumni we met at the informational events we attended. We could see clearly that the young people graduating from CFS were leaving with not only a strong academic grounding, but perspectives that were deeply thoughtful, collaborative, confident, and self-aware.The staff and teachers have been outstanding, the communication from the school is excellent, and the quality of education our child is receiving definitely meets or exceeds our expectations. We have a math fiend who is ahead of his cohort on math skills, and his teacher has made the effort to provide enrichment materials; I've seen again and again how much care the teachers put into getting to know each child and supporting their growth and development, both academically and socially/emotionally. We especially appreciated CFS's approach to the Pre-K/K years it's very age-appropriate and an easy transition from preschool. There is a great sense of community among the families here, and a shared commitment to practicing the values of community, integrity, social justice, and so on not just preaching about them.
5 4/6/2019
Our daughter has attended the school since kindergarten, and we have all been extremely happy to have her there. Core academic subjects are well taught, but the school really excels in its emphasis on social justice: not only do the children learn the necessary information, but they do so in such a way that they really absorb the teachings, and it becomes second nature to them.The small class sizes help engender strong friendships, and teachers have all been of extremely high quality. There are excellent programs for extended day, that allows children to mix with a broader range of ages, and 'auxiliary classes', that include music, dance, drama and art.I wholeheartedly recommend CFS to parents for whom social justice is an integral part of their child's education.
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