Quaker Education

George Fox (1624-1691) is recognized as the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakerism. Quakers have neither creed nor clergy, and instead rely upon group meetings called “Meeting For Worship” in which individuals wait in silent expectation for clarity and wisdom. All Lower School students, faculty, and staff attend Meeting For Worship for twenty minutes each week. Quakers recognize the existence of an “inner light” which is the innate goodness of all people and is the living expression of the virtues of moral purity, integrity, honesty, simplicity, and humility.

The lack of a creed or clear description of Quaker beliefs has sometimes led to the misconception that Friends do not have beliefs or that one can believe anything and be a Friend. Most Quakers take the absence of a creed as an invitation and encouragement to exercise an extra measure of personal responsibility for the understanding and articulation of Quaker faith. Rather than rely on priests or professional theologians, each believer is encouraged to take seriously the personal disciplines associated with spiritual growth. Out of lives of reflection, prayer, faithfulness, and service flow the statements of belief, both in word and in deed.
--from Pacific Yearly Meeting Faith and Practice

Quaker education is a natural outgrowth of the belief in the “inner light.” Quaker schools recognize inherent goodness in all children and seek to nurture the best qualities of each child.

Non-Quaker parents embrace these tenets of Quakerism and appreciate that Quaker education places great responsibility on students to do their personal best, develop strong moral convictions, and be truthful, active citizens.

Our graduates say it best:
“Quaker education at Goshen Friends School really paved the way for me to do well in school throughout my life. It taught me self-reliance—that while others may offer help and assistance, ultimately it is up to the individual to decide to finish something or not.”

“Quaker education influenced my individual development by creating an environment where I learned to become my own person.”

“The biggest thing about my education at GFS was that it helped me to become very non-violent about solving problems. GFS was where I developed my love of learning because the teachers were very good.”

“It teaches you to stand up for what you believe in and stand out in the crowd. Furthermore, it teaches peace, which is important, because peace is rare in the world of today.”

“A Quaker education taught me to find that of God in everyone. I try, even if it is hard to find, the good in people.”