Connecticut Friends School Inc

Connecticut Friends School is a precious and unique place where children and families grow in partnership with caring, skilled teachers and staff. We pride ourselves on our play-based, Reggio-inspired, emotional-learning-focused curriculum which gently weaves Quaker values into the classroom dynamic. Children develop problem solving skills, independence, confidence, empathy and a love of learning while also forming a meaningful connection to nature on our tree-filled, 5-acre campus which includes a beautiful playground under a canopy of trees and an impressive garden.

Connecticut Friends School is one of two Friends schools in Connecticut, yet part of a robust, well-respected, supportive community of 99 Friends schools in the US, and 31 Friends Schools in 17 countries around the world. The first US-based Friends School opened in Philadelphia in 1689. Some well-known Friends schools include prestigious boarding schools like the George School and Westtown School, Sidwell Friends in Washington , whose recent students have included members of the First Family, and colleges and Universities like Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore. From preschool onwards, Quakers are committed to providing a rich and rewarding education for all learners.

At Connecticut Friends School, the classrooms are set up with various developmentally enriching “Centers” around the room. These are enhanced with inviting provocations which are inspired by and set out for our curious Friends to discover each day. In addition to ample outside time, snack time, and story time, children are able to immerse themselves as they wish in this classroom setting. Learning-through-play opportunities abound in the Block Center, Writing Center, Dramatic Play Center, the Library, Manipulatives, Sensory Table, Parts of Things, the Science Center and Art. Emotional learning is also emphasized as children learn to name and honor their feelings, peacefully navigate conflict and respect and value others. Each day also includes practice in mindfulness.

While the majority of staff and students in our schools don’t identify as Quaker, they all share and appreciate our values. The Quaker values of SPICES are gently woven into the Friends experience for students, staff and our families in the following ways:

• Simplicity- Our newly renovated classrooms and outdoor play areas create a clean and simple learning environment, favoring neutral colors, natural & sustainable materials and embracing the wooded, nature-filled 5-acre campus. Classroom materials and art experiences are simple, open-ended and serve not to limit learning or imagination in any way.
• Peace- Every child at CFS is respected, heard and valued for what they feel and say. They learn to treat their fellow Friends with the same respect, how to be kind and how to resolve conflict peacefully. This peaceful atmosphere is further enhanced by the practice of mindfulness each day.
• Integrity- At CFS the teachers have a genuine passion for early childhood education which shines through every day in the classroom. They honor their profession while incorporating SPICES into each day and maintaining the authenticity of the Friends classroom.
Community- Staff, parents and the Quaker Meeting all contribute to the richness of a preschool experience at Friends. Talented teachers are inspired by the SPICES values and supported by experienced staff, an active parent community and a dedicated Board comprised of parents and Meeting members.
• Equality- At Friends, every child is valued for who they are, every child is treated with the same respect, each of their voices is heard and they are made to feel as an accepted and valued member of the classroom.
• Stewardship- At Friends, children are instilled with awareness and value of the Earth. Classroom and outdoor activities are frequently inspired by the cycle of life and seasons, use natural and recyclable materials and, depending on the time of year, will involve our Garden. Reusable cups and cloth napkins are also used for snack and leftovers are of course composted!

Connecticut Friends School program also offers very flexible enrollment options to best suit the needs of your child and family. Enrollment for the 2s program is available 2 to 5 days per week and enrollment for the 3s/4s program is offered 3 to 5 days per week with flexibility to choose the days that work best for your child. Program enhancements include early drop off and lunch bunch as well as Science, Math, Literature and Art themed extended day options until 3pm, with drop-in usually available.

We encourage you to come see how our experienced teachers create a classroom environment that encourages problem-solving & all while building a community founded on respect, kindness, & celebration of the unique contributions of every child! We’d love for you to come spend time in our newly renovated classrooms, meet our caring, knowledgeable staff, visit our expansive nature-based playground and walk our beautiful campus. Your child is also more than welcome to join!