Quaker Education

In addition to its college preparatory academic mission, Friends Select is fully committed to the testimonies and practices of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), which are integral to the life of the school and its community. This Quaker influence manifests itself daily in the practice of peaceful resolution of conflict, service toward others, and respect and inclusion. The school is "under the care" of Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting (Race Street) and the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street).

Meeting for Worship
Every Wednesday, each of the three divisions of the school walks to the meetinghouse on Race Street. In the manner of Friends, the Meeting takes place in silent search for Truth; those who are moved to speak rise to do so out of the silence. At times during the year, the entire school community comes together for Meeting.

Meeting for Community
Lower school students are taught to listen to each other and to work through challenges as a group. Meeting for Community, for example, brings together classes or groups for cooperative decision-making and planning in a manner that strengthens the community.

Conflict Resolution
Clear expectations for behavior contribute to the well being of the individual and the community. Friends Select is committed to teaching nonviolence and creating a community in which all members seek peaceful resolution to conflict.

Community Service
Inherent in the school's belief that "learning should be placed at the service of society," community service is an integral feature of the curriculum. Service begins in the lower school with classroom responsibilities and participation in school-wide projects. Middle school service may include teaching assistance or helping medical and social support organizations outside of the school. In upper school, as part of the Religious Thought curriculum, ninth and tenth graders work on several student-chosen projects. Examples include work with public elementary school children, repairing houses of the elderly and preparing food for homebound AIDS/HIV patients. Many upper school students in eleventh and twelfth grades continue to volunteer for service sponsored by the Worship and Ministry Committee.

Worship and Ministry
The student Worship and Ministry committees in middle and upper school plan all-school Meetings for Worship, organize special theme-focused Friends Days, and otherwise help to enrich the spiritual life of the community.