Quaker Philosophy as Guiding Principal at FMS

A fundamental belief of the Religious Society of Friends, known as Quakers, is that there is "that of God" in every person- that which knows right, is loving, is honest, has tremendous potential and power- that which is sacred. Many Friends call this divine spark the Inner Light. Friends Meeting School is dedicated to helping students seek guidance from, and expression of, that Inner Light.

We aim to achieve this in a setting where academic work, artistic endeavor, physical development, and all aspects of school life are strongly influenced by the Quaker testimonies of equality, integrity, peace, stewardship, simplicity, and community. We work in partnership with parents to provide a safe environment for our students. FMS fosters a sense of responsibility within each student for their own personal learning and growth.

FMS views the search for Truth as both an academic and spiritual endeavor.

We hold high academic expectations of every student in order to help them realize their full intellectual potential. We also recognize that each student must find their own spiritual path. Childhood and adolescence is a time of growth and change. Our role is to create an environment where each student is embraced for who they are now and encouraged to fully realize the potential being they may become. When students experience respect,  caring and compassion from their teachers and their peers, they themselves become compassionate, caring, and respectful of others. They come to understand they are part of a global community, something far larger than themselves. In that context they experience the freedom to simply "be" and learn the value of letting others "be."

The outward expression of each person's Seeking is their Speaking - the way they live their lives. At Friends Meeting School we expect adults in the school community to serve as examples of lives that speak of integrity and high moral standards. We expect the same of our students. Our intention is that students' Inner Lights will shine brightly throughout their lives.