Friends School Haverford

Our experience with the nursery school at FSH has been excellent. The teachers have a clear pedagogical philosophy, they work very hard to make sure children learn to manage their emotions, and they integrate learning into everyday life. My children have flourished and their individual interests have been fostered by the school. Every teacher and staff member knows my children, and it feels like they are really part of a community. I am looking forward to seeing how they continue to thrive in preschool.

I cannot say enough great things about Friends School Haverford. It is such a wonderful and nurturing environment. I currently have two children at the school and they are both in their third year. My children genuinely love going to school and have a blast learning. The teachers and staff are amazing and because it is a smaller school, they all know my children, and my children know them. The campus is beautiful and they spend lots of time outside. It has truly been a privilege to have our children attend Friends School Haverford.

I can't speak highly enough about the fantastic programming and staff at Friends School Haverford (FSH) - both as a pediatric psychologist and mom. Faced with a global pandemic and timid kiddo, my husband and I had so many feelings about sending our oldest son to school. FSH made the decision so easy. We felt welcomed into their community and knew our son would be safe and surrounded by nurturing professionals that would help him explore and learn, all while safely interacting with same-age peers. He is truly having the time of his life and blossoming before our eyes. We feel so blessed that we found FSH, and cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts to bring so much joy, love, and learning into our family's life during this unprecedented time.

Our favorite things about FSH are the teachers and the sense of community for the whole school. Everyone knows my son's name when we walk by to drop him off in the morning and says hello. There are partners from older grades who spend time with the younger classes for projects during the week. Every morning my son wakes up and asks if he gets to go to school today - some evenings too! - and is disappointed if it's not a school day. The teachers are so receptive and gentle with the children, while continuing to begin their love of education and foster good social/emotional skills. We are in regular communication with the teachers and are provided wonderful insights into what the classes are working on each day. The school places an emphasis on allowing kids to play outdoors whenever possible (except for extreme weather), which is one of our favorite things as well. We have loved our experience with FSH.

We have seen such a significant blossoming effect with our son since being a part of Forest Edge class at Friends School Haverford. We know it is deeply influenced by the intentional ways the teachers validate feelings, model kindness, and respect, encourage resiliency and flexibility, and celebrate individuality. Every day, our son looks forward to going to school and spending the day with his teachers and all his friends. As a parent, it is the most wonderful thing to witness - seeing how happy he is to go to school and seeing his amazing growth as a result of these phenomenal teachers. Lastly, both teachers have been extremely kind to our family. The teachers have always attended to our experience (as parents) and made time to talk to us - both to validate and allay our worries. Friends School Haverford is a phenomenal educational experience and community!

FSH truly is a unique school that offers a great sense of community, embraces diversity, and emphasizes outdoor experiences. The teachers take the time to really know the children, allowing them to individualize academic experiences so that the students feel supported and challenged. Students learn to think critically and expansively. While academically rigorous, FSH also places a premium on supporting students` social development. Knowing each child well means the teachers can offer just what each one needs to grow into a compassionate, empathic friend and socially-conscious citizen. Teachers at FSH see the best in each child and teach their students to look for that in others. Students graduate from FSH with a strong sense of themselves that fortifies them in the world beyond school. We couldn't be happier with our experience at FSH.

So nice to be back at school where the whole community knows your children. My 7th-grade daughter rode the bus the first day of school. She hasn't been on the bus for many years for different reasons. When I arrived in the afternoon, Ken, our all-around person to do just about anything, told me he was so surprised to see her get off the bus that morning and that she was looking happy. It made me feel so good that someone had noticed she had taken the bus, reported it to me, and said she looked happy. I love this place! :)

The teachers at this school gave my daughter the personal attention she needed to overcome her fear of math and of public speaking. She has developed a passion for politics and for writing. She plays in the school's unique marimba ensemble. She even mustered the bravery to play sports!