Frankford Friends School
Frankford Friends School (also known as FFS) is an independent, coeducational Quaker day school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through eight. It is located at 1500 Orthodox Street in the historic Frankford section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Over a rich history spanning several centuries, Frankford Friends School has provided a nurturing and inclusive education while instilling Quaker values in its students, ages 4-14. The Quaker principles that are the foundation of the school also guide their daily interactions. They believe in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where every student is valued for who they are. Through community service initiatives, students develop a deep sense of social responsibility for our immediate community and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. They embrace diversity and celebrate individuality, preparing their students to navigate an interconnected world with empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different perspectives. Because of Frankford Friends School’s commitment to socio-economic diversity, the Board sets a tuition that is the lowest of any Quaker school in the Delaware Valley.
FFS is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), Friends Council on Education (FCE), and is a member of NAIS and ADVIS.
School highlights
A defining characteristic of Frankford Friends School is its commitment to Project-based Learning, grounded in the study of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their signature approach to learning emphasizes hands-on experiences, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students actively engage in projects that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges, developing problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their learning. This prepares them for a future where adaptability and the ability to think outside the box are essential.
Students also enjoy classes in Spanish, art, physical education, music, and health and wellness. They are taught how to collaborate with others and communicate effectively by asking questions, thinking critically, and listening carefully. Students graduate from Frankford Friends School well-equipped for high school and beyond, prepared to let their lives speak in the pursuit of lifelong learning, a commitment to social justice, and service to their communities.
History
The earliest direct predecessor of Frankford Friends School was the one-room “Spring House School,” built by Oxford Meeting in 1768 at the corner of Waln and Spring Streets. It was attended by both Quaker and non-Quaker children. Frankford, along the King's Highway between New York and Philadelphia, was a bustling area, frequently visited by members of the Second Continental Congress, including John Adams, Benjamin Rush, and Thomas Jefferson.
Frankford Friends School was officially established in 1833, when the Frankford Monthly Meeting constructed a new Quaker Meetinghouse on the corner of Orthodox and Penn streets in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. The entire school population was less than 20 students, with classes being held in the back of the meetinghouse. [1]
Frankford Friends School has gone through multiple periods of growth and expansion, most notably during the construction of the Market-Frankford El.. In recent years, the FFS campus has more than tripled in size, highlighted by the addition of the award winning Margaret Passmore Trickey building and the FFS Nest.
In 2023, FFS began planning for a satellite campus. The FFS Early Childhood Center in the Fishtown/Kensington Area of Philadelphia, will open on March 1, 2024. The program will serve children from 2 years, 7 months to 5 years old and will be built on the same mission and values as FFS Main Campus.
Quakerism at Frankford Friends School
Quakerism is rooted in the belief that each person has a unique and sacred worth. Even the youngest FFS students engage with Quaker values and practices at school. Through exploration, mindfulness, and centering among the silence, students are gradually exposed to the power and pleasure of a still, quiet moment.
Quakers are members of the Religious Society of Friends and place great value on community, continuous inquiry, and belonging. They seek nonviolent solutions to conflict, help others through service, promote social and economic justice, show kindness in their daily lives, and are guided by the belief that every living thing has an inner Light.
The FFS Core Quaker Values
- We believe that every member of our community can grow and change in order to reach their potential.
- We act courageously in alignment with our core moral beliefs and strive to be socially responsible.
- We value and embrace the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and religions in our communities.
- We resolve conflicts through respectful discussion and by listening to each other.
- We welcome the challenge of competing ideas, and know that truth is continuously revealed and accessible to the seeker.
Inclusion and Belonging
Frankford Friends School strives to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just learning environment. To ensure that Frankford Friends students may realize their full learning potential, everyone in our school community will feel welcome and know that they and all aspects of their identity belong.* The school administration, faculty, and staff participates in recurring professional development opportunities,reviews curriculum to enhance educational programming and pedagogy, and engages as members of Philadelphia’s diverse citizenry. All members of the school community have a vital role in realizing Frankford Friends School’s vision for Diversity and Belonging.
- Identity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), age, ability, veteran status, or family structure.
School Leadership
- Frankford Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends: 1833–1928
- Reba Lammey, Principal: 1928–1969
- Terrence Farley, Principal: 1969–2004
- Penny Colgan Davis, Principal: 2004–2014
- Kathryn Park Cook, Head of School: 2015–present
References
- ^ Trees Into Shields, Bill Kashatus