Quakerism
George Fox (1624-1691) is recognized as the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. Quakers rely upon group meetings called “Meeting for Worship,” in which individuals wait in silent expectation for clarity and wisdom. Quakers recognize in all people the existence of an “inner light,” an innate goodness that connects us all and nurtures awareness and responsibility.
Quaker education is a natural outgrowth of the belief in the “inner light.” Quaker schools seek to nurture the best qualities of each child and believe that all children benefit from such an education.
Quaker education is a natural outgrowth of the belief in the “inner light.” Quaker schools seek to nurture the best qualities of each child and believe that all children benefit from such an education.
Friends believe that their educational ministry should include the children of non-Friends and have expanded their student bodies to embrace wide experiences of diversity. The Quaker tenets, or “SPICES” – simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship – were important practices in the founding of Pennsylvania by William Penn and continue to be important to Friends today. Non-Quaker parents embrace these tenets and appreciate that Quaker education places great responsibility on students to do their personal best, develop strong moral convictions, and be truthful, active citizens.