Quaker Roots & Social Justice

Fostering peace, inclusion, and unity at Friends Select School.

QUAKER EDUCATION

In addition to its college preparatory academic mission, Friends Select School is fully committed to the Quaker testimonies—simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equity and justice, and stewardship (SPICES)—and practices of the Religious Society of Friends, 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. Friends Select is in a “care relationship” with the Central Philadelphia Friends Meeting (Race Street) and the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Arch Street).

Community

QUAKER COMMUNITY

Quakerism is also incorporated into social-emotional learning in our school. Students are encouraged to manage their conflicts peacefully, to advocate for each other, and to seek resolution in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Our curriculum emphasizes social justice as central to the promotion of peace.

Worship

MEETING FOR WORSHIP

From an early age, Friends Select students learn what it means to experience and participate in Meeting for Worship. Once a week, each of the school's three divisions walks to the Race Street Meetinghouse. In the manner of Friends, Meeting for Worship takes place in a 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 gathers together for Meeting for Worship.

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“The intersection of our Quaker roots and the heart of social justice work does not exist; it is one and the same.”

Toni Graves Williamson

Director of Equity and Inclusion

Social Justice in Action

Students Participate in the Mayor’s African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee

Two Friends Select students had the privilege to serve on former Mayor Jim Kenney’s African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee convened by the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy (OACCE).

Students Lead Voter Registration Drive at Shackamaxon Powwow

Friends Select upper school students facilitated a voter registration drive last September at the Shackamaxon Powwow at Penn Treaty Park. Hosted annually by the Native American House Alliance (NAHA)—a nonprofit organization that supports family, housing, and employment services to the local Native American community—the Shackamaxon Powwow honors Lenape culture and heritage.

Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: A Q&A with Author Amy Cohen ’82”

Amy Cohen’s first book, Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Continuing Legacy, was recently published by Temple University Press.

The Growth of Our Big Sibs/Little Sibs Program

The Big Sibs/Little Sibs program was piloted in a virtual format for less than 10 pairs of students at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It now enrolls over 35 pairs of Black students, as well as other students of color in the school’s Latine and Asian communities.

Students Participate in the Mayor’s African American Historic Statue Advisory Committee

Students Lead Voter Registration Drive at Shackamaxon Powwow

Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: A Q&A with Author Amy Cohen ’82

Amy Cohen’s first book, Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Continuing Legacy, was recently published by Temple University Press.

The Growth of Our Big Sibs/Little Sibs Program

Fri, 02 May 2025

Going For Gold: Andrea Kremer ’76, Traci Green ’96, and Maia Weintraub ’21

Friends Select School is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our alumni, who excel in diverse fields while embodying the values instilled in them during their time at the school. Three remarkable Friends Select alumnae—Andrea Kremer ’76, Traci Green ’96, and Maia Weintraub ’21—exemplify this tradition.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Michael Gary Speaks: Spring 2025

As I reflect on the vibrant and dynamic community at Friends Select School, I am filled with a profound sense of awe.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Global Perspectives: Expanding Friends Select’s Study Abroad and Cultural Exchange Programs

By expanding partnerships with schools throughout the world, Friends Select provides upper school students with opportunities for cultural exchanges and language immersions, all rooted in its commitment to cultivating global perspectives and transformative learning experiences.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Empowering the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

Friends Select School hosted a Student Civic & Community Engagement Summit (SCCE) last October in celebration of National Voter Education Week.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Caring for Our Community: In Conversation with Recently Hired Employees

In this continuation of our Select News series, we highlight some outstanding employees who have recently joined Friends Select as they share their perspectives of our school.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Unveiling a Newly Refurbished Gymnasium

In time for the winter sports season, Friends Select School updated the gymnasium of its Parkway Building, creating a modern, multipurpose facility to support the school’s athletic programs, holistic curriculum, and community events.

Fri, 02 May 2025

From the Archives: Updating Our Athletic and Physical Education Facilities

The evolution of Friends Select’s athletic and physical education facilities mirrors the school’s growth over time.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Inaugural Falcon Fest Soars

On October 17, Friends Select students, faculty, and staff celebrated the inaugural Falcon Fest, an event designed to cultivate community and school spirit across all grade levels.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Excellence in Teaching and Learning Beyond Our Classrooms

Friends Select faculty and staff exemplify a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning beyond their classrooms.

Fri, 02 May 2025

Giving Back: Ben Behrend '12

As a young alumnus, Ben Behrend '12 has been a dedicated supporter of the school that shaped his life in meaningful ways.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE

Friends Select is committed to being an antiracist school, as evidenced by professional development for employees, as well as our efforts to shape our curriculum to include a range of perspectives. We have social justice projects woven through all divisions, a Big Sibs/Little Sibs program that pairs upper school and lower school students of color, and affinity groups and spaces where students can speak freely. We are proud to provide high-quality education rooted in the Quaker values of respect for all, simplicity, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and a constant search for truth. Our teachers lift up student voice and agency, educating and empowering students to challenge the status quo regarding social justice, climate justice, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and more. In this way, Friends Select students are prepared to become active citizens for the whole of life.

Social Justice

Quaker Roots & Social Justice | Friends Select School | Philadelphia

Quaker Roots & Social Justice