In Friend Select’s exemplary college preparation program, students master core academic content. The courses—English, history, mathematics, science and world languages—require ever-increasing levels of independence, critical thinking and leadership. Students are taught to excel as researchers, writers and public speakers. Just as important, they develop a sense of ownership about both process and product.
Philadelphia acts as an extraordinary resource—where students connect with a wide range of cultural arts, professional disciplines and intellectual pursuits. Here, students explore interests beyond the core curriculum. Ninth and tenth graders engage in a variety of community service projects, while juniors and seniors enjoy internships or independent study on or off campus. In this way, Friends Select consistently rewards intellectual inquiry with scholarly opportunities, and produces graduates with a life-long love of learning.
Class size ranges from five to 18 students, and major courses meet five times in a six-day cycle, including a double period for each course.
Faculty advisors counsel students on academic and social issues. A grade dean, a faculty member who monitors student progress and oversees the grade’s advisory structure, remains with the class through graduation. Advisories, groups of eight to 10 students, also stay together through twelfth grade.