In concert with other religions, Friends believe that each person has a spiritual life and an energy that connects us with each other and to God. Some people call the energy “the Inner Light,” some call it “That of God Within,” some call it “the part of us that deeply cares.” Friends believe that everyone has equal access to this spiritual life and energy. Friends also believe that we live our lives better as students, teachers, parents, and as individuals when we make our decisions from this place of spirit. In simple terms, this is what is means to practice Quakerism.

Quakerism is an experiential religion, because it places emphasis on pragmatic outcomes, a sort of "trial and error" approach—a spiritual path that each of us travels and that we travel together. Deepening understanding of our core values and assessment of how effectively we are honoring them are ongoing, through self-evaluation as well as evaluation by others.

Practicing Quakerism is a community endeavor, more than an isolated individual experience. Whether through Meeting for Worship, community service, or value-based actions of conscience, throughout history Friends schools have thrived as places where students learn how to consult the spiritual life and energy within them and explore its practical implications for how they live in the world.