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Dedicated to providing a dynamic, experiential education in the context of Quaker values, to fortify each student's mind, body, and spirit within a diverse environment, and to empower students to let their lives speak in their community and in the world.
Real Learning for Real Life: Students get their hands dirty, literally and figuratively, sorting out the problems of the world and developing skills that prepare our students for college - and for life.
Award-winning arts and athletic programs balance a vigorous, college-preparatory academic workload.
Club or Organization: National Honor Society, School Newspaper, Service Club, Student Government, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs: Chorus, Community Play, Drama
School Notes
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our mission is to build a place where students are supported to
take risks in the spirit of learning, discovering, and letting
their lives speak.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "LET YOUR LIFE SPEAK?"
Our program is rooted in Quaker principles and practices. Quakers
believe that everyone is deserving of respect,
everyone possesses an "inner light." (We`ll elaborate on that
below.) They also believe that the truth (or "Truth") is never
revealed in a single moment; rather, it gradually emerges through
experience. Reading about ideas can be helpful, identifying one`s
core beliefs can be grounding, but nothing replaces the value of
experiencing things first-hand-acting on your beliefs to
bring about growth and positive change. That`s how you let
your "let your life speak."
QUAKER PRINCIPLES A universal framework for making moral
decisions
There are six Quaker testimonies that emerge from the belief that
everyone has an "inner light."
SIMPLICITY: Distinguishing between needs and
wants. Removing distraction to strengthen your relationships,
pursue your beliefs, and remain grounded.
PEACE: This is not about avoiding conflict.
Our focus on peace informs how we respond to inevitable
disagreement. When done well, the response has the power to broaden
perspectives and strengthen relationships. Our "Restorative
Resolution" program exemplifies this testimony.
INTEGRITY: So often, children are put in
situations where they try to fit in. This creates inner tension and
undermines self-worth. When one is authentic, true to one`s beliefs
and free to pursue one`s passions, it`s liberating.
COMMUNITY: All schools have a community.
However, when a school community is undergirded by Quaker
principles, it ensures that every student belongs and the whole is
stronger than the sum of the parts.
EQUALITY: No one person is more deserving of
respect than another. Wisdom can emerge from any member of our
community. This is why students refer to our teachers by their
first name.
STEWARDSHIP: Tending to our environment must
happen locally and globally, and the environment includes our
culture and community as well as earth.Students at Friends Meeting
School engage in weekly "meeting for worship," which is a Quaker
religious service. Meeting for worship is an opportunity for the
community of students and adults to gather for a period of silence
and reflection. During the service, anyone may be moved to share a
message-Quakers call this "vocal ministry"-with the group. It
provides a valuable opportunity to step outside the chaos of the
day, to connect with the larger community, and to exercise one`s
voice.
FMS has been the perfect match for both my child and my family. The caring teachers and staff provide a warm environment and safe space for the students while offering an excellent academic program. We felt welcomed by the entire school community from the start. My child has grown in so many ways since we enrolled in FMS. We couldn`t be more pleased.
- Posted by Parent - Wendy H
54/22/2021
When we toured Friends Meeting School for the first time 9 years ago, I noticed two things right away: the first was that the kids didn`t put locks on their lockers. The second was that the students we met looked me in the eye and spoke with confidence.Our three sons have had an amazing, life changing ,experience at Friends Meeting School. Friends has a rigorous academic program that prepared our oldest for college. He`s going to Shepherd, friends from his class went to Hopkins, Hood, & University of Maryland. More import for our family are the values of the other families and the faculty. The community supported our goal of raising confident, decent, generous kids.Friends Meeting School has an amazing performing arts program and a group of gifted teachers who encourage curiosity and a love of learning.
- Posted by Parent - Dennis Hoffman
54/22/2021
The teachers and the curriculum in Friends Meeting School promotes development of strong academic skills, good social skills, and mental habits that support lifelong learning . I truly believe that FMS students will share their gift to the world as responsible, confident and compassionate leaders as I have seen this growth and development in my children. It is such as beautiful community to be a part of.
- Posted by Parent - Maryc
51/14/2021
Friends was a life changer for our daughter. Before we put her in FMS, she attended public school . She was miserable. Even though she knew her classmates since kindergarten, she felt alone and anxious. She is very intelligent, but because she is anxious and afraid to speak up, her teachers would assume she didn't know the answers or call on her to help with anything that called for extra academics. We toured FMS and felt like we had entered a community, not a "school" . By the second day of school our daughter said, " I finally feel like I can be myself" . That was over 5 years ago, we hear those same words often from new students, it's a wonderful thing.
- Posted by Parent - Cate
58/16/2016
I have been going to the school forever and I highly recommend this school for everyone. I have friends who arrived at the school who were previously bullied, and had fallen into depression, but upon arriving at the school their lives changed for the better. The school contains nurturing teachers who care about the well being of the students. I have ADD and I know that my knowledge/comprehensive skills could have been lacking based on my "disability" but, I am a straight A student and I wholeheartedly believe that this school, this home, is why. Learning is exciting and engaging with labs, active conversational classrooms, outdoor experiences (nature walks, gardening, and assorted additional events), and teachers who teach in such a way that if you don't understand something, than you can ask. I could talk about this school forever and all its merits (I won't for the sake of time), but I recommend this school.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Arian
51/1/2016
This School has changed my daughters life. She started FMS in 6th grade, she was struggling with insecurities and tons of bullying. From the moment we visited FMS we felt welcome. The parents and the teachers love their school and it shows. I hope to be enrolling my son next year as he enters 6th grade. My daughter is now in 8th grade and she is happy, independent and active in sports and drama. If you're looking for a beautiful school, filled with kind excepting people, this is the place for your child. Amazing arts program too!
- Posted by Parent - shann
51/1/2016
FMS is a great community to have a child attend. It is a school that encourages the students to move along at his/her own speed. The encourage the students to be part of the world and learn what they can do to help the community. The teachers care about each student and understand what they need to be successful. I want my child to continue through high school. WE LOVE FMS.
- Posted by Parent - alanb
57/24/2015
FMS encourages diversity and a strong sense of independence! Our son is in his first-year of study and we already notice a remarkable difference in his reading and vocabulary skills. The staff and teachers are kind and supportive and the parents truly take pride and are actively involved in every aspect of the school. The love and support received at FMS is unlike any other!
- Posted by Parent - dynam
510/27/2012
FMS has both rigorous academics and an emphasis on creative thinking. Classes are small, diverse, and unequivocally provide a safe place for learning. The teachers, staff, and parents are extremely supportive. I give FMS the highest recommendation.
- Posted by Parent - msspr
55/1/2012
FMS is a beautiful place to learn and grow. Teachers really know my children and offer an academically rigorous curriculum in a more hands-on way. My children are strong critical thinkers and problem solvers as a result. I love the focus on social justice and environmental care-taking too.
- Posted by Parent - jocoh
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