Buckingham Friends School

Inspiring a life long love of learning and developing the "whole child" are two constants day in and day out at Buckingham Friends School (BFS). From the nurturing environment of the lower school to the skill building and team building of middle school to the opportunities for academic growth and leadership in upper school, the students are supported and challenged to grow. All kinds of children come to BFS and they bring with them many of the normal social and develomental challenges that children face. What is different is the way that the school addresses these challenges. BFS teaches each child to be a friend to all other 19 children in the class, it teaches and practices conflict resolution throughout the school and has a peer mediation program. Children of all ages are expected to treat each other and all adults respectfully. Don't miss the class plays, the amazing trails in the woods, the foreign languagse, shop and elective classes, the Joint Environmental Program, the Meeting, the Assemblies and the Big Friend Little Friend Program! All of these unique activities and learning experiences at BFS foster a life long love of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

While all the other reviews hold true to the word written about them I can say that sadly BFS has gone through many changes and is falling short of those once glowing reviews. As a parent we have seen the old head of school have to leave. We were all sad to see him go. When he left you could feel the shift in the community at school and not for the better. We had a temporary head of school and now have finally filled the position. Along with that we have lost teachers and they have been replaced with much younger and "greener" teachers. The one thing about this school that has changed drastically is the communication between parents and teachers about what is happening at school. This year alone I have witnessed countless bullying incidents and it is on the rise with no signs of slowing down. With the new staff you don't have the flow of communication from grade to grade as you once had. At this point I would say it is NOT worth the 18,000 that you are expected to pay for the year. Its a mighty sad day when your child comes home from a FRIENDS schools and says they are not safe there. WIth this in mind and the lack of concern by the staff, BFS is becoming a big disappointment.
--Submitted by a parent

Words cannot begin to express how amazing this school is. You have to set foot on the campus, and you instantly feel it. The enthusiasm for learning is contagious. The children all thrive there, as individuals and as a group. The teachers are all incredible. Most of them have been there for decades, and its obvious that they have streamlined and refined their lessons to work out every glitch. The lessons are creative and fun and packed with information. The kids leave not only with very strong academics, they leave knowing how to be kind, thoughtful, respectful citizens. I have been very impressed also with the schools financial aid program. The school is all inclusive, the most diverse community I have found locally. I have never in my life seen such an inspiring, exciting, thoughtful school.
--Submitted by a parent

Before applying to BFS, we knew it had an impeccable reputation. Now that our son has been a student there for a year, it exceeds our expectations. Not only are they attentive to each child's academic needs, they are also attentive to their character development. Communication with parents and community spirit is terrific.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is having an incredible experience at BFS! All the children at this school are interested, enthusiastic, and involved students. Every day is a great learning experience!
--Submitted by a parent

Buckingham Friends is a fabulous school that understands what kids need. The academics are strong and so is the opportunity for play. This school understands that, with good direction, children learn best through living. There are frequent field trips, including opportunities for small groups to travel all over the world. Each class puts on a play for the whole school every year. In so many ways, children learn respect, enthusiasm, reflection, confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from Buckingham Friends School. We had more then three students accepted to Lawrenceville, Pennington, Solebury School, and George School. BFS is a great school for all kinds of people who like small schools. BFS is 204 years old and has recieved various national awards and has a program called J.E.M. J.E.M. stands for Joint Environmental Mission. BFS and seven other schools from all over the world, even Australia have come together and helped find ways to make a healthier and safer environment. It leaves a wonderful and lasting experience throughout your life and stays in your heart always and forever.
--Submitted by Stephen, a former student