School Culture

Philosophy
Friends Select School believes in the Quaker values of respect for all, simplicity, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and a constant search for truth. We seek to teach our students, in the words of George Fox, to "walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone." We work to achieve balance between the needs of individuals and our community in an atmosphere of cooperation and concern for the betterment of all. We value the rich diversity of our urban setting and the opportunities and challenges it provides for the education of our students.

The aim of education is preparation for the whole of life: the vigorous development of intellectual and physical capacities and those of the spirit. Our teaching is structured around these key beliefs--that both direct experience and the young person's developmental needs are central to the learning process, and that learning should be invested in the service to society. Under caring oversight, our students gain the knowledge, the skills and character that will enable them to lead full lives.

Upper School Advisory Program
The upper school advisory program at Friends Select School is grounded in the Quaker practice of self-reflection in the search for truth, and the school's commitment to community. Beginning in ninth grade, six to 12 students are assigned to a faculty advisor who ideally remains with the group for their four years in upper school. Grade-level teams of advisories are guided by a grade dean, who also remains with the grade level throughout its four years at upper school.

Each grade level explores relevant topics through queries—questions that guide reflective thought and sharing. Ninth grade focuses on the academic transition from middle to upper school, building cohesion as a grade and integrating into the larger Friends Select community. Seniors begin the year exploring issues around leadership and role modeling, and handling the challenges of the college application process, before moving to questions around their legacy and their transition from high school to college.

Advisors also oversee the academic program and performance of individual students. Advisors meet with their advisees to set goals, discuss challenges and successes in classes, help process faculty comments shared through report cards, and quality of performance notices, and to help each student select courses each semester. Advisors advocate for their students, and often serve as liaison between faculty and student as well as faculty and parents.

The advisory program at Friends Select is constructed to encourage upper school students to forge strong bonds with faculty who are committed to their growth and success, and to build together a cohesive community of learners and citizens prepared for productive lives at Friends Select and beyond.