Welcome to Friends Select’s lower school—a transformative expedition through the foundational years of pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.
At Friends Select, we believe that education is a dynamic process, a series of interconnected steps that foster curiosity, creativity, and compassion. We empower students as agents in their own learning and embrace the guiding values of Quakerism while developing strong skills in our young learners, both academically and social-emotionally.
Our educational philosophy is deeply rooted in constructivism—the idea that learners actively build their understanding through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. From collaborative projects to inquiry-based learning, our classrooms are dynamic spaces where students understand that school is something done “by” them, not “to” them. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and to make choices within the framework set out by the teacher and curriculum. We embrace research-based practices and create a culture of learning that includes adults as well as students.
Guided by Quaker principles, our educational journey places a strong emphasis on simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equity and justice, and stewardship (the “SPICES”). Students engage in regular Meetings for Worship, where they learn the value of stillness, reflection, and communal sharing. These moments foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and responsibility toward one another, shaping a compassionate foundation for their academic and personal growth. Students understand that they are important members of a community, and they have both rights and responsibilities in their classroom, their school, and their larger communities.
Our lower school journey is enriched with distinctive programs and curricular highlights that elevate the learning experience. In addition to their classroom academic subjects, lower school students go to specialist teachers for science, art, music, world language (Spanish or Mandarin), physical education (including swimming), and STEAM library, where students borrow books, listen to stories, learn to code, and build STEAM projects. Students enjoy partnerships with older students (and younger students once they reach 3rd or 4th grade). The whole lower school participates in Social Justice Day, which includes learning together about the theme for the year, working on a service project, and creating a collective artwork. More than half of our lower school students attend our After School Program (ASP) and/or our Vacation Care, which offer additional opportunities to learn, play, and explore the city.
In our educational journey, the city becomes an extension of the classroom. We believe in learning by doing, and what better way than exploring the rich tapestry of our urban environment? Field trips, community service projects, and collaborative ventures with local institutions transform the city into an expansive learning landscape. This not only enhances academic understanding but also nurtures a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness. Pre-K students study portraiture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Kindergarten students first learn about our school, and then about our Parkway neighbor institutions. First graders learn about the food system in our city. Second and third graders go to the Academy of Natural Sciences weekly for a trimester to learn from science educators about paleontology and freshwater ecosystems. Second graders also do a neighborhood study, learning about the Chinatown community, its history, and current issues the neighborhood faces. Third graders study the Lenni Lenape as well as colonial Philadelphia, learning some of the rich history of our region. Fourth graders do a deep dive into the American Revolution, taking advantage of many local resources and sites.
From the early days of pre-kindergarten, where curiosity is sparked, through the foundational years of primary education, and up to the cusp of the upper elementary grades, our students embark on an expedition that lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. The journey is not just about academic milestones but also about the social, emotional, and ethical growth of each child. We inspire a love of learning and develop the knowledge and skills our students need in order to create positive change in the world.
