Friends Meeting School

My son is in his first year (Kindergarten) at Friends Meeting School, and our family is very pleased with the experience. He has the benefits of a small class with a very caring, involved teacher, rigorous academics, the opportunity to begin learning Spanish at an early age, and the experience of being involved in a wonderful performing arts program. Spirituality and Quaker values such as Peace and Simplicity are an integral part of his education. In addition, there are so many ways for the entire family to be involved in the classroom, volunteering, and participating in special events. We love Friends and plan to be part of this wonderful community in the years to come!
--Submitted by a parent

Terribly unhappy with the school in general. I wish I had never heard of Friends Meeting School.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at FMS and I have truly learned more than I ever thought I would be able to. I am dyslexic and ADHD and I have received so much help and support during my time at FMS. The teachers spend time and energy getting to know me and my learning style and take it into account when planning lessons. I love the atmosphere which is the perfect combination of goofy and academically rigorous.

$16,400 For Three Days of School! Last summer we hastily enrolled our daughter in Friends Meeting School in Ijamsville, MD, in order to remove her from the High School environment she was previously in, hoping to change the direction of the path she was on. She was accepted on July 18. Nonrefundable deposit and first tuition payments were due July 30. The contract states that after August 1, the full year s tuition is owed whether or not the child remains in the school. Classes started August 29. We withdrew our daughter after the first three days of school and enrolled her in a different public school instead. We had already paid about 60% of the tuition and fees for Friends Meeting School, and although they are legally entitled to the full year s tuition, our request to be excused from the last payment of $6,950 was denied. Yes, FMS is within their legal rights, which they cited, but I feel they have fallen short of being right ethically and morally. With Friends like these . . .
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended there and I had a feeling he had ADHD but he was 3.5 at the time and we didn't have him evaluated just yet. He had some problems at school because of his impulses and hyperactive behavior and had to get a shadow to assist. He wasn't on the exteme end of the spectrum but was more than the normal child to handle. There were a few times that the school was going to have him taken out of the school and I feel it was mainly because they didn't know how to handle "spirited" children. I believe they want the perfect child attending their school and they do not know what to do with learning disabilities. The teachers on the other hand were great in all other aspects and I have heard good things about the school otherwise.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent educational experience. I admire the rigorous curriculum, attention to the needs of the individual child, and the supportive learning and parenting comminty at the school.

My son is dyslexic. He would not receive the quality of teaching in a public school. He is in a smaller class size and has been allowed to think outside the box and learn the way he learns best. They do not have just one method of teaching at FMS. The kids are engaged and happy.
--Submitted by a parent

Academic excellence in core subjects is just part of what makes Friends Meeting School special. The school provides a rich program in the arts as well as a strong focus on important values to live by. It was twice named a Maryland Character Education School of the Year and has an outstanding faculty who care deeply about each student.

The ability to teach creative lessons that will truly help a student grow, and the opportunity work with caring parents, students, and especially the staff.
--Submitted by a teacher

FMS uses a Multiple Intelligences approach to teaching and learning that benefits all types of learners. Teachers and staff work in true partnership with the parents to create the best educational experience for our children. The sense of community they have fostered at FMS is quite unique, and can be felt and seen immediately when you visit the school. I encourage you to check it out.
--Submitted by a parent