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

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

A Transformative Partnership

Friends Select School recently received a $1.7 million multi-year grant from The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a San Diego-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

Michael Gary Speaks: Spring 2026

This year will mark my decade of service as head of Friends Select School.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Upper school students at Friends Select School know firsthand that learning is not confined to the classroom.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Record Number of Falcons Pursuing Collegiate Athletics

The class of 2025 represents a milestone year for the athletics program at Friends Select School, with a record number of students pursuing collegiate sports.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Dr. Catherine Murray Joins Friends Select as Director of Upper School

Dr. Catherine Murray will join Friends Select as the new director of upper school, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Michael Gary Named Board Chair of Reading Allowed

Friends Select head of school Michael Gary was recently named chair of the board of directors of Reading Allowed, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding and ensuring access to structured literacy support services for all learners.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Caring for our Community: In Conversation with Recently Hired Coaches

In this continuation of our Select News series, we highlight some of the outstanding coaches who have recently joined Friends Select and have shared their perspectives on our athletics program and our school.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Unveiling the Parkway Campus Expansion Project

Friends Select upper and middle school students, along with employees, returned from winter break to ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Parkway Campus Expansion Project.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

Above Board: Spring 2026

10 years! As you can see throughout this issue of Select News, the past decade has been an exciting time for the Friends Select community.

Tue, 02 Jun 2026

From the Archives: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Classic

The Alumni Thanksgiving Classic has become one of Friends Select School’s most cherished traditions, bridging generations of alumni, current students, families, and employees.

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