Friends School Mullica Hill

I am not a happy smiling Pollyanna. Public schools have made me skeptical of education. That said, I have a 4th grader in his third year at FSMH. We could not be more pleased with the quality of education or the dedication of the talented staff. There is a tremendous sense of community here. It has inspired a desire in my son to 'give back' which is entirely refreshing. As to the academic environment, I will tell you that my son is tremendously enthused about going to school each and every day. Each instructor has been awesome, and has contributed to my sons' broadening knowledge and responsibility. He is performing very well and testing through the roof. He has discovered organization that I can not possibly lay claim responsibility. There is a very diverse student body here. All the continents are represented within the student populace, another great opportunity for broadening ones horizon. The strong Quaker values are conveyed without any sense of proselytizing, so a person of any religious belief (or none) will be warmly accepted here, and better off for it. I read a couple negative remarks here, they are not true at all! More likely bad parenting is the problem!
--Submitted by a parent

FSMH is a wonderful place. It's not just about academics but about developing the whole potential in your child. It's a place that cares about the entire family, the arts-drama, music, art, service, critical thinking and compassion for others. I love knowing all the children and their famiies in my child's class and the close bonds many form. Is some fundraising involved? Sure but even public schools are looking for alternative ways in which to stretch their budgets in these challenging times. We have been at Friends for a number of years and have been very pleased with the success of children. Every school has its challenges and for our family it has been very worthwhile.
--Submitted by a parent

Friends School Mullica Hill is a special place. It is a school where children are nurtured and encouraged every day and challenged to perform their own personal best academically. Being part of a respectful community is encouraged among students because it is an important part of becoming a respectful adult. It is an environment where children learn to problem solve, to work together, to think critically about their work, and how to rebound after making mistakes. They are celebrated for their own academic successes. Finding the perfect educational environment is a unique decision to each family as children are have their own learning styles and abilities. Friends School Mullica Hill is a community where students are challenged to grow and thrive.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school places a lot of emphasis on community service and community-building, which are important elements of education. However, they also need to focus on helping students to master fundamental academic skills. Students should not graduate with poor writing ability, yet many do. Receiving high schools say that some FSMH students can't write. That is not acceptable. How can any student slip through the cracks with classes as small as 11 or 12 students? Further, FSMH students have had trouble with weak math skills when transitioning into PUBLIC high school math programs. Again, that is unacceptable. Someone in charge needs to address these glaring problems. Tuition is far too high for a mediocre academic program. If the academics were better the tuition would be well worth it. Unfortunately, parents often do not realize how weak the academics are until their children go elsewhere and have something else to compare to. Focus on students' social and emotional growth alone cannot sustain a school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend Friends school in Mullica Hill. We could not be more pleased. My kids are each unique and the values that both the school and teachers bring to them are just wonderful. Aside from the education (my oldest has been placed in the John's Hopkins Talanted Youth Program), they have learned amazing social skills and compassion for others. I receive one on one feedback regularly from the teachers because we only have 12 children in their classroom. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a quality, well rounded school for their child.
--Submitted by a parent

Friends School gives a quality education. They also teach students to care for one another, to respect the enviroment and respect everyone around.

It's a really tiny school. I am a 7th grader at FSMH and find it hard to have a lot of friends. There are only 14 kids in the whole 7th grade, so if you get in a fight with your best friend there is really no one else you can talk to. For all the money we pay for tuition we are going to school in a trailer ( yes the middle school is a trailer). T. Joe O'Brien is a wonderful english teacher and is understanding in every way. Some teachers aren't ever going to be voted as class favorite...and most of them aren't liked. Diversity is the most important thing to this school, when it should be other things such as academics, and rebuilding some things such as the gym, and middle school buildings. The school is okay but would be better with more kids.
--Submitted by a student

There is a serious lack of qualified teachers, quaker teachers and an even more frightening turnover of teachers each year. The school grounds and surrounding buildings are deteriorating with no improvements scheduled for the near future and tuition prices continue to increase. Quaker values are what drew me to the school, but it has become increasingly obvious that money and fundraising and being diverse is more important than true Quaker values.
--Submitted by a parent

really small classes, some good teachers, school is very diverse, however there is a somewhat lack of explicitly qualified teachers
--Submitted by a student

FSMH is the best school you could ever hope for your children to attend. They empower their students with their challenging classes and provide a nurturing enviorment for growth. FSMH's staff is highly educated and world traveled and they share it with their students as they love what they do and it shows! This school is worth every penny you may spend (and they do have financial aid) and so much more!! Dont let this life changeing opportunity for your children pass you by. It is the foundation they need for success. L. Kiernan
--Submitted by a parent