Connecticut Friends School

A weekly part of the curriculum at this school is "Original Play," a program described by one of the Heads of School as "delicious," which involves students rolling around on mats with other students and with members of the staff. You can see videos of Original Play on YouTube.
—Submitted by a parent

Connecticut Friends School is a lovely, lively place for children to grow and learn. We are so excited about the FOUR "Rs": Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic and aRts! We love the experiential learning curriculm, the value system and the safe, secure environment that facilitates social and intellectual growth.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school i am currently in 7th grade and loving it! the teachers are very hands on and we get a lot of opportunities most children don't get. The teachers care and are very welcoming of everyone.

I recently enrolled my child here and could not be happier with the quality of education. I was a little wary of the Quaker aspect, but there are so many different cultures and religions here, the affiliation ends up simply guiding some really good principles more than anything else. (recently learned Chelsea Clinton went to the Friends school near D.C. and so do the Obama girls!) Because of the school's small size, the children get to learn things in such a hands-on way, and with such individualized attention. Instead of just memorizing facts, our child is developing a true love of learning, which is far more important. The teachers care so much about each kid even the middle schoolers go out of their way to help the little ones. I've never met teenagers with such confidence and poise. Not in a "too cool for school" kind of way, either. They're mature and thoughtful and genuinely interesting to talk to. The other new parents and I keep commenting on how great it is that even besides the great academics is the fact that our kids have such amazing role models in the higher grades! I could go on and on about how happy we are to have found CFS, but I'm out of room!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter was home schooled up to age 6.We wanted her placed in a supportive school environment where the children and teachers would not shock her.At the early Kindergarten level we were happy with the care and attentiveness of the 2 teachers ("Maples" level).The following 2 years she advanced to the "Pines" level, and this is when we began to notice disorganization of the teaching curriculum and poor quality of education.Although the staff and administration are certainly caring people, in my opinion they do not have their acts together enough to call themselves an adequate educational facility. Our daughter learned practically nothing there in the 2 years she was in the Pines, which equates to 2nd and 3rd grades.We are now in the process of summer tutoring especially for math, to bring her up to speed for her new school. She is catching up with the tutors at present noting to us that she was never taught the materials the tutors are now teaching her.We had several meetings with the teachers about her being behind however they simply pointed it back on her without taking any responsibility. Administration seems more interested in money than proper education. A poor school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in 8th grade at CFS. We transferred her after a socially challenging 7th grade in public school. CT Friends School has given her back her self confidence and sparkle. She has been provided a safe and nurturing haven to learn in. Because of the small class sizes, the curriculum can be tweaked to each childs learning abilities. She is definitely being challenged on an academic level. She has made new friends and has learned to weave and knit.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy to recommend this school. I love the values that the school upholds: simplicity, equality, peace, respect, community, which are crucial for children these days. The staff and teachers go to great lengths to create a nurturing and engaging environment which enables children to grow and develop the resources to handle whatever comes their way. I feel that CFS has given my children the emotional and intellectual resources to handle all situations with ease and confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

We are delighted to recommend Connecticut Friends School to those who want a personalized and deeply meaningful education for their children. We enjoy being involved in community activities at the school and watching creativity, skills and knowledge blossom in our child. This is a caring and peaceful setting where tremendous learning takes place. Strong core academics are complemented by character education, community service, visual and performing arts and outdoor education. We know our daughter will be well prepared to enter high school after finishing at CFS.
—Submitted by a parent

An outstanding school, with a unique ability to transmit the important values of stewardship of the earth, simplicity, integrity, and community to all members of the community. My son is relaxed and un-pressured in a small class with a great student-teacher ratio (10 kids and 2 teachers!) and therefore able to learn and grow. Parents enjoy great involvement in the school community, and the Quaker concept of finding the "light" within each individual is evident in all events at the school. From the talent show to the potluck dinner, as well as in the Outdoor Education program, the values of peace and equality shine through. Our whole family is proud to be a part of this warm and welcoming community.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a once in a life time school. Top rate teachers, life long friends and memories that will last you forever
—Submitted by a student

We love CFS and have been lucky to be able to be part of it for the past several years. Simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship are great values to uphold whether ye be quaker or other. the white barn theater opportunity is a once in a lifetime one not just for the school and its mission but for the community at large - the special attention to green building, environmental protection, connecting to and embracing the community beyond any concept of borders - embrace, yo!
—Submitted by a parent

CFS is an AMAZING school. There is a definite focus on the heart and soul, and I would not recommend sending your child here if he or she has more than a mild learning dissability, but I loved it. The teachers are amazing, and it just feels so... homey, I guess. As silly as it may sound, everyone's just nice, and I have benefitted so greatly from coming here. Come visit!
—Submitted by a student

The CT Friends School has the perfect combination of rigorous academics with a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. The classes are small so that all children are known by the whole school and feel rooted in the community. I love the Quaker values of 'stepping lightly on the Earth' and guiding children to feel part of a community where everyone is respected and even the youngest has the right and opportunity to speak and be heard. The curriculum is rich, with lots of art and music and 'learning by doing'. However, the 5th graders have a demanding spelling test each week, in which they have to spell and define the words as well as give part of speech and use in an appropriate sentence. The level of self-directed work and high-level analysis and synthesis is superior. Parents are very involved and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Best investment I ever made.
—Submitted by Fiona Hodgson, a parent