Friends' Central 较低的学校
Our elementary school is a place where joy-filled learning is embedded in play, 探索, 和发现. Whether at a desk or in the garden, 艺术工作室, 或者操场, learning is engaging as “skills and drills” take their place alongside teamwork, 协作, and critical questioning—为什么?,如何?，如果? The experience is as academically 具有挑战性的 and exciting as it is supportive and structured.
An emphasis on the Quaker values of simplicity, 和平, 完整性, 社区, 平等, and service underlies every aspect of our private Elementary School, 包括学术界. These values guide children and adults to treat one another with respect and appreciation, creating a safe and trusting atmosphere that inspires the very best in children.
广泛而多样的 低年级课程 offers opportunities for each child to explore, discover new interests, and shine. Classes are small and instruction is individualized, allowing students to progress at their own rates, with many students excelling far beyond their grade levels.
Our thematic approach to education unifies learning across disciplines, from the core subjects of language arts, 数学, 科学, and social studies to electives like art, 音乐, 体育课, 和外语. The result is students that Friends’ Central Students have developed the confidence to speak up for themselves, as well as the skills to articulate their thoughts insightfully and effectively.
较低的学校 students learn to be good problem solvers—both academically and interpersonally. Through a careful balance of expectations and freedom, students are held accountable for their words and actions and learn to develop internal judgment and control. Individual social development and awareness of others are nurtured in tandem with academic benchmarks.
Early Childhood Programming
托儿所, 情, and Kindergarten programs offer a stimulating and nurturing environment where young children can grow—academically, 社会, 在情感上, 和精神上.
课程
The curriculum for 较低的学校 students in each grade is exciting, 具有挑战性的, and developmentally appropriate.
敬拜聚会
Meeting for worship is 25 minutes of quiet reflection and truth seeking that are an essential part of life at the 较低的学校. Our School is enriched and strengthened by weekly 敬拜聚会.
Meet the 较低的学校 主要s
旋律R. Acinapura
主要
Melody joined Friends' Central in July 2017 as 副校长, before becoming 较低的学校 主要 in July 2019. 以前, she served as Dean of 较低的学校 and Director of Student Support Services at Greene Street Friends School. Melody has a BA in elementary and special education from Saint Joseph's University and a master's in school counseling psychology from Boston College. She received a certificate from the New and Aspiring School Leadership Institute at Harvard University. Melody is also the Founding Executive Director of Horizons, a six-week summer program, the first Philadelphia-based affiliate of this national program that supports underserved youth ages kindergarten - grade 8.
罗威娜专业
副校长
罗威娜专业 joined the Friends’ Central 社区 as our Lower School Assistant 主要 in August 2020. Rowena received her bachelor’s degree in political 科学 and minor in education from UC Berkeley and her master’s in bilingual and bicultural education from Teachers College, 哥伦比亚大学. She is also a PA-certified teacher in K-6 elementary education. 在FCS之前, Rowena taught Kindergarten, 一年级, and fourth grade during her eight-year tenure at Episcopal Academy. In 2013, she became Founding Executive Director of Horizons at EA and continued as Program Director through 2020. Rowena first discovered her passion for education when she joined the Peace Corps in 2004. She also served as a bilingual educator at PS 89 in New York and as a founding teacher at two KIPP public charter schools, one in New York and one in Philadelphia.
