“Quaker education does not seek to inculcate a particular set of beliefs or doctrines; it seeks to nurture a particular sort of personhood, someone who:

• knows deep down that sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing are not all there are to life;
• has first-hand experience of the reality and importance of the Spirit in life, especially in this age of rampant materialism;
• is rooted as much in the unseen as the seen, as much in the spiritual as in the physical;
• has a capacity for reverence and is as well equipped to experience the Spirit as to do work in the world
• is optimistic about the ability of love and good will to mend the affairs of humanity.”

(From Samuel Caldwell’s “Toward a Clearer View of Quaker Education”)

While each Quaker school is unique, they share a deeply rooted educational philosophy that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility. Whether you're a student looking for a meaningful and empowering learning experience or an educator seeking a community where teaching is a partnership, here’s what sets Quaker schools apart:

A Nurturing Community Built on Care and Connection
Quaker schools create an inclusive, supportive environment where every individual is valued, seen, and heard.

Teachers as Mentors, Guides, and Co-Learners
Education here is a shared journey, where teachers and students collaborate in the pursuit of knowledge and growth.

Curiosity-Driven, Inquiry-Based Learning
Students engage deeply with their studies by asking thoughtful questions and seeking meaningful answers.

Experiential Learning that Inspires Reflection and Growth
Education that goes beyond textbooks—students learn through hands-on experiences and reflection, turning knowledge into wisdom.

Collaboration that Extends Beyond the Classroom
Learning is a communal effort, involving peers, educators, and the broader community in an interconnected web of discovery.

Service as a Core Value—On Campus and Beyond
Quaker schools emphasize service-learning, instilling a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

A Culture of Respect and Equality
Every voice matters. Whether student or teacher, all are treated with dignity, and hierarchy takes a backseat to mutual respect.

A Deep Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
Quaker education nurtures compassionate leaders who stand up for inclusion, fairness, and meaningful change.

A Passion for Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability is more than a lesson—it’s a way of life, shaping students into responsible caretakers of the planet.

Empowered Voices, Shared Leadership
Students and educators alike have a say in decision-making, fostering confidence, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

Spiritual Reflection, Silent Worship, and Inner Growth
Guided by Quaker values, schools embrace silence as a space for reflection, mindfulness, and deep listening. Meeting for Worship provides time for stillness, personal insight, and shared wisdom, helping students connect with their inner voice and the larger community.

Quaker schools don’t just prepare students for college or careers—they prepare them for a life of purpose, integrity, and impact.

Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, are a spiritual community that began in England in the 1600s. Quakers have played a significant role in shaping American history since that time as well. Quakers believe that every person has an inner light—a direct connection to the divine—which leads them to emphasize equality, peace, integrity, simplicity, and service. Quakers traditionally worship in silent, expectant waiting, allowing individuals to reflect and, if moved, share their insights with the community. Their commitment to equality extends to their unique decision-making process, which is based on consensus rather than majority rule. Through deep listening, reflection, and mutual respect, Quakers seek unity in their decisions, ensuring that every voice is heard and that choices align with their shared values.

Throughout American history, Quakers have been at the forefront of social change, guided by their deep commitment to equality, peace, and justice. William Penn founded Pennsylvania as a haven for religious freedom and democratic ideals. Lucretia Mott and Alice Paul championed women’s rights, while John Woolman and Levi Coffin fought tirelessly against slavery, with Coffin’s home becoming a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Bayard Rustin, a key strategist behind the Civil Rights Movement, helped shape Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. From abolition to suffrage to civil rights, Quakers have consistently challenged injustice, proving that faith and action can change the world.

Quaker schools in the United States are built on these values, fostering inclusive and student-centered learning environments that emphasize critical thinking, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Many of these schools incorporate Quaker practices such as Meeting for Worship, where students and staff gather in reflective silence, encouraging thoughtful listening and a sense of community. Quaker schools, also known as Friends schools, welcome students of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. They are rooted in a tradition that values academic excellence alongside a commitment to justice, respect for all, and making a positive difference in the world.