Princeton Friends School

Leaves a lot to be desired at this price point, the faculty, with a few exceptions, leaves a lot to be desired. There seems to be an lot of inexperienced teachers. We gave PFS a chance and finally left after 2 years.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our child's first year at PFS. He came in as a transfer student and he was welcomed warmly by the teachers, students, and administrators. We asked him what his favorite things were about PFS. His number one answer was "I feel accepted." We chose this school because of its core values and the whole staff really delivers them in everyday teaching and interaction with the students. Our child is nurtured emotionally and artistically, and also challenged intellectually. This school is a perfect fit for him and he will stay at PFS until he graduates from 8th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My grandson is a student at PFS and will soon be moving with his parents and sibling to a very distant new home. The loss of this extraordinary school is an enormous regret which only makes us conscious of the gap that separates the PFS experience from almost everywhere else. I echo the praise that others have offered. The kids from here must be wonderful ambassadors to the world for they radiate positive attitudes that are infectious and have genuinely caring demeanors. They are also razor sharp reasoners. There is a danger that children raised in the PFS environment might come to expect similarly respectful treatment by everyone they meet during the rest of life and then be disappointed when it does not always materialize. Fortunately, the school strives to keep them grounded in real world experiences through field studies, public service projects and interactions with children in far different circumstances elsewhere. This is intelligent education with heart.

My child and I adore this school. The rituals are the best part: Weekly settling in meetings; hands-on science and math via Problem of the Week; community service; literacy groups; Central Study theme-based "social" studies; all-school singing, dancing, art & musical. Linguistically, ethnically, economically, and culturally diverse educators and students. Warm, intelligent, kind, caring, & fun school community. Rigorous & collaborative academics. World language programs could be strengthened.
--Submitted by a parent

Princeton Friends School is one of those rare attainments in education where students and teachers learn from each other in a non-competitive environment where all perspectives are respected. Students learn by doing and mentoring in an environment where the values of peace, harmony, and non-violence are more than a simple saying on a wall. These values become an integrated part of each lesson. Princeton Friends School sees children as our most valuable gift and shows its students how valuable each and every one is. This is where education is more than training students the next answer to a standardized test and instead becomes an opportunity to create a child in love with learning and creative in thought. No finer institution exists and no finer learning environment can be found.
--Submitted by a parent

PFS is not only a wonderful educational environment, but also a nurting second home for its students. Teachers and faculty at the school have put a great deal of time into getting to know my daughter, who she is and how she learns best. Their after school program goes until 6pm and is also wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school based on Quaker values. Kind children and dedicated teachers. Only negative is that lower grade class sizes are trending up and the asst teacher is only part time. Language arts curriculum is very strong and the school is able to cater to the unique needs of individual students.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from out of state and decided on the Friends school because I wanted my kids to become community-minded. This school is excellent. At PFS, the faculty works together and are mindful of what each student needs. I have seen this and it's still hard to believe. The faculty focuses on each child's emotional and intellectual needs. They teach each child to love who they are and to give back to the greater community. I really didn't expect such wonderfulr results. Truly a remarkable place.
--Submitted by a parent

At PFS, the whole child is seen, honored, respected and nurtured. My daughter has grown so much as a student and as a human being in her two years here. There is NO other place I would have her, now that I know about this little home. The school is a community that gives back what one gives. It has been a wonderful experience -- truly a revelation about what education and learning can be.
--Submitted by a parent

I have worked at Princeton Friends School and sent two children to school there. From all perspectives, I see this school as a gift. Its students are cared for intellectually and emotionally. They graduate as confident, very well educated, and caring young people, ready and eager to make a difference in the world.
--Submitted by a parent