The Cambridge Friends School is a private school located in Cambridge, MA, serving students from the age of 3 through grade 8. The school offers an education with strong academics rooted in Quaker values, which include a strong focus on the worth of each individual.
Overview
Cambridge Friends School is committed to practicing the values of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), especially those of peace, community, social justice, nonviolent conflict resolution, and tolerance and respect for all people. There is no direct religious instruction at the school, and less than ten percent of students are from Quaker families.
School’s Mission Statement (partial)
It is the mission of Cambridge Friends School to provide an outstanding education. Guided by Quaker principles, we engage students in meaningful academic learning within a caring community strongly committed to social justice. We expect all students to develop their intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual potential and, through the example of their lives, to challenge oppression and to contribute to justice and understanding in the world.
Academics
The school’s emphasis is on individual critical thinking skills balanced with group learning. Quakers believe in the strong encouragement of the individual. According to the school, students who graduate from a Quaker school walk away with a strong sense of self.
-
Lower School: The Lower School focuses on children’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. The curriculum draws on the developmental theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky’s understanding of the social construction of knowledge, and Howard Gardner’s insights on multiple intelligences. Learning is strongly shaped by the individual interests of students and teachers. The curriculum includes reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, and music.
-
Middle School: The middle school programme is based on a strong commitment to progressive education and to a student-centred approach. The curriculum is designed to develop a growing range of skills in reading, writing, mathematics, creative expression, athletic skills, and performing abilities. The core curriculum includes the study of English, mathematics, science, history, and Spanish. In addition, all middle school students have classes in visual art, drama, and physical education.
After-School Programmes
The school offers a broad range of after-school activities. For the smaller children, many creative options are available, such as drama, crafts, cooking, outdoor play, and gym. Activities take place in a relaxed and dynamic atmosphere with many group activities, cooperative projects, and independent exploration.
For middle school students, the school offers a balance of physical, mental, and social activities with arts and crafts, board games, computer games, blogging, cooking, sewing, knitting, STEAM activities, and additional gym or outside time.
Performing arts
For students in grades 2–8, professional instruction on a variety of instruments is offered, including a recorder, piano/jazz piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet. There is also group instruction for African drumming, world dance, jazz bands, and mixed ensembles.
Athletics
The primary aim of the school’s athletic programme is to provide the best possible team experience for all students who are interested. Beginning in sixth grade, the school offers interscholastic teams in soccer and basketball. There is a no-cut policy, which provides the opportunity for all students to participate on a team.