Why FCS
Joining the Friends' Central community is more than simply enrolling in a school. We go further. When families choose Friends’ Central, they are joining a community committed to the School’s Mission and Vision: to cultivate the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of our students; to awaken courage and intellect - and peacefully transform the world.
The results of a Friends’ Central education are lifelong. Our graduates pursue their passions at top colleges and universities. Alumni/ae report that they are well prepared to excel academically, to lead, and to problem solve. And, when Friends’ Central alumni/ae graduate into the world, they are simply extraordinary.
Quaker Philosophy
At Friends’ Central, school life and curriculum are steeped in Quaker values. At every level, we promote a commitment to learning through inquiry, reflection, action, and discovery - an approach that stems from the Quaker belief in Continuing Revelation.
Cultivating the Intellectual, Spiritual & Ethical Promise of our Students
Challenging, intellectual, and engaging, Friends' Central builds foundational skills within a curriculum that is innovative, thoughtful, and dynamic. At every level, our students are encouraged to ask questions and to seek answers that push beyond their impressive accumulation of facts. Never satisfied by what?, our students are always asking why?, how? and, perhaps most importantly, why not?
Lower School
Our Lower School (Nursery to grade 5) is a place where joy-filled learning is embedded in play, exploration, and discovery. Whether at a desk or in the garden, maker space, or playground, learning is engaging as “skills and drills” take their place alongside teamwork, collaboration, and critical questioning—why?, how?, what if? The experience is as academically challenging and exciting as it is supportive and structured.
Middle School
Friends’ Central provides eager young learners with a dynamic and challenging academic program. In the Middle School, students are encouraged to explore and take risks whether they are in the classroom, on the stage, or on the playing fields. Students in grades 6-8 are ready to think more abstractly and question more critically. Our program encourages students to embrace the joy that comes from intellectual discovery. Middle School students work together to problem solve more creatively, building both a sense of self and a sense of community. Through a combination of a rich, engaging curriculum and progressive pedagogy, teachers instill a love of learning and provide students with a set of essential skills which will propel them through the Upper School and beyond.
Upper School
Our Upper School's challenging and innovative program includes lively and rigorous classes, athletic, artistic, and performance opportunities. The Friends’ Central classroom emphasizes advanced levels of critical and conceptual thinking, and independent projects that require significant student research. Students also have academic-based travel opportunities to places such as France, Spain, Italy, Québec City, and Peru.
Leadership skills, global awareness, and self discipline are developed throughout the curriculum and in extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations, Robotics, Debate, Mock Trial, athletics, drama, and numerous other clubs and activities. The Upper School program includes a required community service component with Upper School students and faculty spending five full days a year at agencies and organizations throughout the greater Philadelphia region.
Admissions
Extraordinary. Together. At Friends' Central School, our collective pursuit of excellence requires students to bring their whole selves and to appreciate the whole selves of others. Guided and challenged by faculty and staff, students work hard while learning from other points of view. All in it together, faculty and students push themselves beyond what they thought possible. It is precisely this inclusive and receptive approach to learning that raises the intellectual bar for every student. Learning how to pursue excellence with a collaborative and open mind enables our students and graduates to think beyond themselves and solve problems with intellect and compassion.
An Open House, Take-a-Tour Tuesday, or campus tour are all wonderful ways to learn more about Friends' Central School. When you come, you'll have the opportunity to meet teachers, administrators, and students who will give you a window into what you can expect here at FCS.
From our outstanding curriculum to our warm-yet-demanding classroom culture, incredible opportunities and outstanding facilities, We Go Further.
Please see below for a full list of upcoming Admissions events.
| Take-a-Tour Tuesday | Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. |
| Take-a-Tour Tuesday | Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. |
| Experiental Open House (Nature Nursery) | Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. |
| Middle & Upper School Open House | Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 9 - 10:30 a.m. |
| Take-a-Tour Tuesday | Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. |
| Take-a-Tour Tuesday | Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. |
| Take-a-Tour Tuesday | Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. |
Register for any and all events here: https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/admission-events
Friends' Central School
1101 City Avenue, Wynnewood, PA
Phone: 610-645-5032
E-mail: admissions@friendscentral.org
