Frankford Friends School

About

Frankford Friends School is a co-educational Quaker institution in Philadelphia, serving students from preschool through eighth grade across two campuses. Guided by Quaker values like equality, peace, and stewardship, the school fosters academic excellence, creativity, and social responsibility. The main campus in Frankford blends urban architecture with ample green space, while the Early Childhood Center in Fishtown offers modern classrooms and outdoor play areas for children ages two through prekindergarten.

With 200 students from 40 zip codes, the school celebrates diversity and community. Programs in academics, arts, and service prepare students to thrive as global citizens. Accessible transportation includes city busing for grades 1–6, SEPTA passes for middle schoolers, and Ottermobile van routes serving neighborhoods like Center City and South Philadelphia. Conveniently located near the Market-Frankford Line, the school provides a welcoming and connected environment for families.

Awards or Certifications:

Frankford Friends School holds accreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.
Frankford Friends School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Friends Council on Education, and the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools.

What is your teaching or educational philosophy?

Frankford Friends School offers a dynamic, inquiry-driven education that empowers students to become critical thinkers, compassionate collaborators, and active changemakers. Rooted in Quaker values and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the school’s project-based curriculum inspires learners from preschool through eighth grade to engage deeply with real-world issues, fostering a commitment to sustainability, social justice, and lifelong learning.

Younger students begin by exploring foundational topics such as ecosystems, community helpers, and farm-to-table concepts, integrating play and purpose into their learning. These early experiences spark curiosity and build connections between their studies and the world around them. Middle schoolers delve deeper into global challenges like energy poverty, climate change, and bioethics, using their growing knowledge and skills to design solutions that benefit their communities and the planet.

The literacy program at Frankford Friends School inspires a love of reading and writing while encouraging students to explore questions of identity, justice, and the human experience. Beginning in the earliest grades, students engage with a diverse range of authentic books and texts, developing skills in grammar, creative and analytical writing, and verbal communication. By middle school, they are confident writers and thoughtful communicators, capable of analyzing complex texts and expressing their ideas with clarity and empathy.

In math and science, students participate in hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that emphasizes problem-solving and real-world applications. The math program builds foundational skills in logical reasoning while encouraging creative approaches to complex scenarios. By eighth grade, students master algebra and apply mathematical concepts to challenges like personal finance and engineering design. Science courses inspire students to think like scientists—formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and exploring topics such as environmental sustainability and food security.

Beyond core academics, students discover and pursue their passions through a robust array of exploratory classes in art, music, theater, technology, physical education, health, and Spanish language. This diverse curriculum balances academic growth with social-emotional development, ensuring students are equipped to navigate a complex and interconnected world with confidence and empathy.

Graduates of Frankford Friends School leave with a strong sense of self, a commitment to service, and the skills to lead with purpose in high school and beyond. Whether tackling complex issues, collaborating joyfully with peers, or taking risks in new areas, FFS students are prepared to “let their lives speak” as knowledgeable, engaged, and empathetic citizens of the world.

What is your mission statement?

Rooted in the practice of Quaker values, Frankford Friends School nurtures the mind and spirit of every student in our diverse community. Our students and graduates let their lives speak in the pursuit of lifelong learning, commitment to social justice, and service to their communities.

Enrollment

220