About
Mission & Values
Our Mission
At Friends Community School, children are inspired to reach their full potential as individuals and engaged community members, discovering that of God in themselves and others. We nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers.
Our Quaker Values
Quaker practices form the foundation for our progressive, child-centered approach to education. Simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship—core Quaker values referred to as the SPICES—permeate the education and atmosphere at FCS. These values are taught, modeled, and lived by both students and teachers.
The Religious Society of Friends believes that there is that of God in every person—an Inner Light, which knows right, is loving and honest, and has tremendous potential. At FCS, we encourage children to be aware of their Inner Light and affirm that in each other. Differences are valued, and we find joy in diversity. We are inclusive and respect the religious beliefs and practices of all in our community.
At FCS, Meeting for Worship occurs weekly for 20 minutes with the whole school. This is a time of quiet reflection and occasional speaking. Parents often marvel at the sight of their active, fidgety children settling into a few moments of contemplation and reflection and allowing some bit of understanding to come to light.
In all grades, we study history with an appreciation for the peacemakers. Creative conflict resolution is learned and practiced by all in our school, and it is a foundation for the respect and joy of learning that fill the campus.
FCS Diversity Statement
DIVERSITY/INCLUSION STATEMENT
Friends Community School is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive educational environment that affirms the dignity of all people. As a Quaker school, we believe there is that of God in every person and strive to be a place where all people feel a strong sense of belonging. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community in terms of race and ethnicity, culture, ability, religion, gender identity and expression, sexuality, family form, socioeconomic status, and all their intersections.
Friends Community School is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive educational environment that affirms the dignity of all people. As a Quaker school, we believe there is that of God in every person and strive to be a place where all people feel a strong sense of belonging. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community in terms of race and ethnicity, culture, ability, religion, gender identity and expression, sexuality, family form, socioeconomic status, and all their intersections.
The FCS community is committed to:
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Empowering students, faculty, staff, and our whole community to advocate for themselves and each other.
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Centering historically marginalized people.
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Teaching loving and responsible ways of being in community across differences.
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Integrating a pedagogy of social justice throughout all aspects of school life.
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Dismantling systems of exclusion, inequity, and oppression.
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Inspiring students to express pride, confidence, and healthy self-esteem without denying the value and dignity of other people.
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Learning from our mistakes.
Through these commitments, our students will learn to identify and address injustices, develop their vision of a caring and just community, and position themselves to be builders of a better future.
Approved by the Board of Trustees 12/12/2022
Approved by the Board of Trustees 12/12/2022
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Environmental stewardship is fostered on the school's 17-acre campus. -
Students, faculty, and families learn to be together in silence when we gather for Meeting for Worship. -
Opportunities to explore artistic and creative expression help all of our students discover more about who they are. -
We call one another friends and practice all that word means in our school community. -
FCS students practice peacemaking and creative conflict resolution. -
Students learn about taking care of the earth and each other. -
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are part of the culture, community, and curriculum. -
At FCS, students are encouraged to be aware of their Inner Light.
1
of
8
The Quaker SPICES
Simplicity
Peace
Integrity
Community
Equality
Stewardship
Located in College Park, MD, Friends Community School is a progressive Quaker K-8 day school, founded on the belief that every child is a valued member of our community. We offer a challenging curriculum imbued with strong values of equality, integrity, community, environmental stewardship, simplicity and peaceful conflict resolution, rooted in our Quaker heritage.
Friends Community School
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
