Friends' Central Lower School

Our Lower School (Nursery to grade 5) is a place where joy-filled learning is embedded in play, exploration, and discovery. Whether at a desk or in the garden, maker space, or playground, learning is engaging as “skills and drills” take their place alongside teamwork, collaboration, and critical questioning—why?, how?, what if? The experience is as academically challenging and exciting as it is supportive and structured.

At the core are our Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and service. These values guide children and adults to treat one another with respect and appreciation, creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere that inspires the very best in children.

The broad and varied lower school curriculum offers opportunities for each child to explore, discover new interests, and shine. Classes are small and instruction is individualized, allowing students to progress at their own rate, with many students excelling far beyond their grade levels.

Our thematic approach to education unifies learning across disciplines, from the core subjects of literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies to electives like art, music, physical education, and foreign languages. This unified method allows Friends’ Central Students to develop the confidence to serve as advocates and allies, as well as the skills to articulate their thoughts insightfully and effectively.

Lower School students learn to be good problem solvers—both academically and interpersonally. Through a careful balance of expectations and freedom, students are held accountable for their words and actions while they learn to develop internal judgment and control. Individual social development and awareness of others are nurtured in tandem with academic benchmarks.