Friends' School

As parents at Friends School (now in our eight year), we can only rave about our family s experience here. We have two children currently in the elementary school. We have found the teachers, staff and the new head of school to be at the top of their game. Our children, who have two very different learning styles, are excited and eager to head off to school each morning. They have developed a true joy of learning. The teachers and new head have a true passion for childhood education. And the environment and community are outstanding. We are so grateful to have found Friends and cannot say enough positive about our time here.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends' School is an outstanding school and educational community. My child attended Friends' for eight years and my family felt like part of this special community from the start. We experienced consistently strong, professional leadership across two different heads of school-- each with an ability to guide the exceptional teachers and maintain the warm and supportive community environment that we treasure. Our child was known and valued for who she is and, thanks to Friends', has developed a very positive sense of herself and what she can do-- every child at Friends' benefits from the teachers' abilities to connect with the individual learner so that they are happy, engaged and thriving. Friends' has a unique combination of great academics, individual attention, focus on the whole child and an amazing community of children, teachers, staff and parents. These years have been an incredibly valuable foundation for our child-- thank you Friends' School!
—Submitted by a parent

I gave Friends' a great review years ago and wanted to come back to add my perspective on the school's new leadership. I have been nothing but impressed with the new head of school. Among staff, I see a greater sense of camaraderie and fun. For students, I think the new leadership has been positive as well. For example, the new head has applied his passion for and considerable experience in children's theater to helping teachers and students reach new levels of creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism in class plays and even the Halloween costume parade. My kids have very different personality traits and learner characteristics, and both continue to thrive at Friends'. One has received specific speech and occupational therapies on site at various times during elementary school, and that experience has been excellent. I also volunteer in the classrooms regularly and am impressed by the teachers' ability to respond to the needs of children who are wildly varying in personalities and learning styles and challenges. Equally importantly, I think the school does an incredible job of teaching kids to respect and value each individual regardless of learning differences.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends' School is a truly, unique place. I have three children who attend the school and I only wish it went on past 5th grade as it is a hard act to follow. Friends' is innovative in the way that it understands social/emotional curriculum. Children that are in a nurturing environment and feel a sense of belonging and being known, learn better. They are happier and feel safe and appreciated. The students here thrive from the opportunity to experience life (experiential learning) while developing knowledge of themselves and intellectual curiosity and passion. Character development is talked about explicitly and include traits such as empathy, respect, gratitude, personal responsibility and integrity. My children are excited by school and they know they are part of a community. Parents are welcome to be involved here but it is not necessary. There is the full spectrum of very involved to not at all. The new head of school is doing a great job. He is different as he should be. He is a doer, a listener, very diplomatic and has good experience to draw from. Friends' School is a very special place.
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to respond to the parent who spoke about elitism and new leadership at the school. We have had kids at the school for the last six years and have experienced both heads of school. Whereas there is no doubt that the current Head's style is different than the previous one's (Polly Donald led the school for 17 years), they have been both amazing in creating an environment where kids learn, are respected for their individual learning styles and are encouraged to experiment and find their own way as life-long learners. It is true that many of parents are involved in the community, but quite frankly, that is what makes the school very special. We also happen to have a large number of working parents and families who benefit from the school's generous financial aid program which has been oscillating around 30% of students receiving F.A. awards. In sum, I agree that every family needs to do their research and find a best fit for their child, but we found Friends' a warm, welcoming community where our kids have thrived.
—Submitted by a parent

I've looked around a lot of schools, and Friends really stands out as a totally unique and wonderful place. I have two kids there, both of whom are thriving and experiencing joy, love and learning on a daily basis. The teachers are amazing -they truly care, are very accessible and communicative, and respond thoughtfully to the slightest concern. They are also completely dedicated to bringing the best out of the children in their care, not just academically but also socially and emotionally. It is a small school with a very friendly, warm, safe and welcoming atmosphere. The classes are small enough (less than 20 kids with 2 main teachers plus a host of specialty teachers) that each child gets a lot of individual attention, and there are the resources to teach to the individual's level. Each child is made to feel special, unique and deeply appreciated for who they are. My children are not alone in looking forward to school every day, and in leaving the classroom with a huge smile on their faces and full of excitement and stories about their adventures. Do yourself and your children a favor and take a look at this unique and amazing school - it may be the best thing you ever did.
—Submitted by a parent

After previously giving this school a glowing review in 2010, our opinion has unfortunately changed. We experienced some less than ideal situations after the school recently underwent a change in leadership. While no school can fit every child and every family, we felt compelled to update our review to more accurately reflect our experience. This school is not immune to issues facing most private independent schools, but the level of elitism and parent over-involvement has gone to extremes and has been left unchecked during the leadership transition. The type of learning style that the school seems able and willing to serve seems to be narrowing to a great degree. Adjustments aside, this school is based on wonderful ideas and we hope that the school will rebound. In the meantime, please carefully consider whether this school is a good match for your child and your family. We advise you to ask questions, attend a community meeting, talk to other parents, and trust your instincts.
—Submitted by a parent

After being surrounded in my adult life with people with strong academic backgrounds and miserable social lives, I wanted more for my children than just sitting in over-crowded classrooms, listening to lectures and doing worksheets. Since preschool, the children have learned social and emotional skills along with their academic skills. The Area of Expertise (AOE) presentation that the elementary children make each year is a great example of the way that the children learn as a group, yet get to shine in their own particular way. By the time they are in fifth grade, they have developed the confidence in themselves to get up in front of several hundred people and describe their learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends' School is a wonderful place to be a parent, teacher, and especially a student. Everyone feels part of the community and each member's strengths contribute to a whole that is truly more than the sum of its parts. The children are kind, the parents are warm and welcoming and the teachers are open and empathetic. It is in this atmosphere that learning in all three areas -- head, hand and heart -- takes place.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is truly getting an education of head, hand & heart at Friends' School. They have done such a great job creating a feeling of community within the classes, the school , the parent community and the community of Boulder. As I watch the Boulder Valley students get their art, music and PE cut, I feel fortunate that Friends' School finds this an integral part to education. The small class size means that nobody slips through the cracks. As a parent, I feel supported through the many parent education nights that are offered. If I could change one thing about Friends' School, it would be that they went all the way through 12th grade!!
—Submitted by a parent

Friends' has exceeded our expectations in every area in the two years we have been part of its community and we eagerly look forward to the elementary years. The teachers are compassionate, caring and highly qualified. The school's motto (Educating the Whole Child - Head, Hand, Heart) is evident in all involved with the school. They truly nuture each child's self-esteem and facilitate each child's learning conflict resolution. The class sizes are ideal for both child and teacher - allowing for individualized attention and support. The portfolio assessment model is used which is so empowering to the child, parent and teacher. I could go on and on about the school but wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering it to just check it out - you will be glad you did!
—Submitted by a parent

Their mission is to educate the head, hands and heart. Each child is treated as an individual and every teacher is AMAZING!
—Submitted by a parent

You won't find more committed teachers than those at Friends' School. They are smart, funny, caring, and creative. They value children as individuals and help them reach their potential. Most importantly, perhaps, they teach kids a language to use when resolving conflicts that promotes self-respect and confidence as well as empathy. My children love to go to school at Friends' because of these teachers; they love to read, to learn, to play, to solve problems, and to challenge themselves. Further, the greater community at Friends' couldn't be more supportive. There is always another parent to laugh with or help you solve a problem. Most kids want to stay on the playground for hours after school, and all the parents seem to enjoy hanging out as much as the kids. Finally, Friend's benefits from superb leadership from Polly Donald. She is a top-notch educator in all respects.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids attend Friends'. Before Friends' neither of my kids were excited about going to school and now i literally find them in the car waiting for me to drive them there. I appreciate the focus on helping kids develop socially and emotionally. Helping them develop important social/emotional skills early on in life will serve them forever. At Friends' they have also developed a real love of learning and I find them turning games into learning opportunities. The small class sizes allow for incredible focus on each child and I love to 2-year looping system. The teachers really get to know each child. Before choosing Friends' I asked several people who I deeply respected (all Ivy league grads) who sent their kids there and they all spoke so highly and each of their children were so different. I truly think it works for all different types of kids!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Friends' for 4 years now and my daughter for 1. I have been heavily involved in the classroom as a volunteer as well as on numerous parent-driven school volunteer projects. With this experience, I feel I have been able to get a very broad perspective on how Friends' School supports both the child and the parent community. Frankly I'm not sure 5 stars are enough to rank this exceptional institution. With the small class size, rich teaching philosophy which addresses the 'whole' child and the extraordinary quality of teachers, Friends' School provides an ideal learning environment. Children receive tons of individual attention and input, they learn to embrace not only intellectual pursuits but pursuits of community service/charity and to value social interactions with honesty, respect and their individual voice. My children and I have blossomed at Friends' School. --Lisa Albright
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a pre-schooler at Friends' School for the past two years and will be entering Kindergarten next year. Since he's an only child, we were particularly drawn to the focus on social and emotional development. The teachers and staff are wonderful, the environment and facilities are beautiful and warm, and there is a strong sense of community at Friends' School. Overall, I've been very happy with my experience as a parent, and most importantly with my son's experience as a student at Friends'.
—Submitted by a parent

As I looked at elementary schools for my child, I really wanted to make sure he didn't get 'lost in the crowd.' I also wanted to find teachers that would recognize that kids have their individual learning styles and be able to incorporate that into the classroom so that the teachers reach each child in a personal way. Well, Friends' School has exceeded my expectations on both fronts. I now have two boys at the school and I can honestly say that they both love learning. That is really all you can ask for as a parent! I appreciate the small classrooms, lack of state-mandated testing, social development and rock-star teaching at Friends' School. I feel very fortunate that my kids are able to get a great start to the many years that they will spend in school. Not only have they become confident learners, but also confident, well-rounded individuals.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, and a former public school elementary teacher, I cannot recommend this school highly enough: the teachers are inspirational, and Polly runs the school with a firm hand and a warm heart. We are extremely happy with the education our children receive at Friends' School (we've been here for five years). Our children look forward to school, and they love learning.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Friends' School, and we are thrilled. The teachers are fantastic-kind, caring, engaged, invested in the future of our children. They are supported by the faculty, staff and parents. The teacher-student ratio is excellent as well. The facility is beautiful, and the children just love going to school. And finally, the faculty is top notch. Many parents at both public and private schools don't realize how very important it is to have a solid faulty running a school.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at Friends for two years and couldn't be happier with our experience. The teachers truly honor and recognize each child's individuality, encourage their strengths and support them through their challenges.
—Submitted by a parent