Friends Select School

I am always amazed that with so many choices for schools in the area, private, public, and charter, that an angry, unhappy parent would choose to remain at a school with which they are so unhappy. Our children are current students and we have been extremely satisfied with our experience. Our children have had excellent, caring teachers and we find the curriculum to be appropiately challenging. The specials curriculum is exceptionally well-rounded and enjoyable for the students. I am comfortable recommending Friends Select as a great independent school.
--Submitted by a parent

Go to St. Peters or TPS if you have a choice. There is a judgmental and angry tone in this school that seems to be getting worse with time. Not sure about all these glowing reviews from parents - maybe they are written by teachers who send their kids there. Most parents we know are not thrilled and are evaluating our options for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

Half of our teachers have been good. Half have not. If there were more choices in the city, we wouldn't have selected this school. But, we did not want to send young children on a bus for hours a day. For the money we pay, we should be much happier. School administration does not listen to parents, unless they give a lot of money and time to the school. Someone who gives a lot of money can raise an issue and be treated with respect. People who pay tuition and give small annual donations are not. Since parents are not treated equally, we question how equally kids are treated
--Submitted by a parent

All four of our children went to FSS kindergarten through 12th grade. Two went on to Harvard, one to Oberlin and one to Swarthmore. FSS helped us raise four highly functional, compassionate and intelligent children. Some teachers came and went during our time there, but the institution is very strong, and if a good teacher left, his/her replacement was just as good. We could not have raised our children so successfully without the school's support and involvement. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is mediocre at best. Kids are expected to uphold Quaker values, but administration and teachers are not. There are some good teachers, but many average or bad teachers. If it were free, that could be tolerated. But, that is not the case. If your child has any differences - gifted or learning issues, this is definitely not the place to go. They do well with the cookie cutter kids and that is probably it.
--Submitted by a parent

I had 2 sons who attended FSS for high school. One graduated in 2002. The other in 2006. FSS brought out the best in both of them, academically, but perhaps more importantly in the appreciation of difference and acceptance of others. One went on to graduate from Pitt and the other from Brown.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. My first grade son was having trouble reading as well. The school had him work with their reading specialist and he is now doing wonderfully. They NEVER made him or us feel like it was our issue, so not sure what the previous reviewer is saying. Wonderful , supportive learning community. The education is both academic and social, and they turn out wonderful kids. Not a snobby place. Very down to earth, lives the quaker values!
--Submitted by a parent

I pulled my oldest child (end of first grade) because he wasn't learning to read fast enough and the school kept pushing us to "do something" as opposed to taking on the challenge. Interestingly my younger child's teacher didn't know he could read until week 6 of school when he was reading a book to me during drop off! Clearly, there is a problem with teaching. With that being said, Friends produces the NICEST children. But for 20k I want educated and nice :)
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children in grades pre-K through 4th at Friends Select and overall my experience has been excellent. In the lower grades, one teacher and one assistant per classroom means an 8- or 9-1 ratio, which is tremendous. Of the 20+ teachers (classroom and specialists) that I have experienced, I have found all but one to be completely engaged and right on target for the children. There is a wonderful focus on seeing the light in each member of the community, and I appreciate that. However, they are generally teaching to the slightly above average child. If your child has learning differences, or wants a super challening environment, this will probably not be the right place.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten, his second year at Friends Select. He absolutely loves school, and his academic progress has been outstanding. I am so glad we chose FSS!! A wonderful, supportive learning community.
--Submitted by a parent