Key Facts

• Interdisciplinary Quaker day school
• Grades K – 3, growing to K-8
• Open to students of all religious and non-religious affiliations
• 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Before and after care available if demand warrants
• Small academic working groups (overall student:teacher ratio of 9:1 or better)
• Financial assistance available

Students in Friends Schools:

• Learn through inquiry, reflection and action in daily life
• Search for truth, valuing the challenge of competing ideas
• Resolve conflicts by respecting and listening to each other
• Value and embrace the diversity of cultures and religions in our communities
• Work for the good of society through active service learning
• Act courageously in alignment with core moral beliefs

Mission Statement

Friends School of Charlotte, grounded in the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and service, is dedicated to providing an educational experience that integrates the head, the hand, and the heart, resulting in a unique balance of academic excellence and spiritual depth. It is a learning community where each individual is treated with respect and where his or her uniqueness is honored. Friends School of Charlotte strives to teach students to listen within and to others, to express themselves, to think critically, to take responsibility, and to make a difference in their world. We expect our students to develop the skills, values, and confidence that support a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service.

Friends School of Charlotte, motivated by its Quaker principle of equality, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical disability, or socio-economic background. This policy applies to all programs and activities of the School, including, but not limited to, admission and employment practices, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic or other School-administered programs.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Friends School of Charlotte is rooted in the tenets of the Religious Society of Friends. The Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service are daily habits and actions, which are incorporated into all aspects of school life. Each of these values influences how Friends School of Charlotte operates–from making decisions, to approaching conflict, to developing curriculum. Through these values our students learn that each person can be an agent for positive change in the world. We value the diversity of ideas, religions, races, cultures, abilities and economic backgrounds represented within our world community, and we are committed to representing and serving the multifaceted nature of humankind.

Peace, as a central testimony of the school community, is cultivated within individuals and in interactions with others. By teaching and practicing non-violent conflict resolution, students learn to view conflict as an opportunity for growth and change. Through honest, caring exchanges with each other, relationships founded on trust are nurtured and differences are accepted.

A weekly period of shared silence is the central spiritual experience of the school community, allowing time for individual reflection and thoughtful sharing. By providing students time for inner and outer stillness, we nurture each child on his or her own spiritual journey.

The pursuit of truth is valued for its own sake. Students are encouraged to seek truth by becoming critical thinkers who are actively engaged in the world. By leading students to the understanding that truth is dynamic, and that spiritual and physical truth are continuously revealed, they develop into lifelong learners eager to investigate the world around them and the spirit within.

Following are some common questions about the School. Follow these links for questions about:

The School in general

How FSC is different

Membership and affiliations

Structure and curriculum

What child(ren) succeed at FSC

FSC's Quaker influence

Transitions

What is Friends School of Charlotte? Friends School of Charlotte (FSC) is an independent day school that opened in Charlotte in the fall of 2007, bringing over 300 years of excellence in Quaker education to the Charlotte area. FSC is committed to the principles of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and service. FSC provides academic excellence through small classrooms with high teacher-to-student ratios and enriching learning environments.

What is a “Friends school”? A “Friends school” is one that is grounded in the tenets of the Religious Society of Friends, or “Quakers.” Quakers have a long-standing tradition of excellence and equality in education. George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, established two schools in England in 1688 and three years later there were 15 boarding schools. The schools were noteworthy for educating both boys and girls and offering education in science-related topics. In this country the William Penn Charter School was established in 1689 and is still in existence today. FSC will join 81 other schools as a member of the Friends Council on Education, serving over 20,000 children across the United States.

What grades does FSC cover? FSC believes in the importance of the foundational years of early childhood education, and currently offers grade K-3. We plan to add an additional grade through eighth grade, ensuring that students will be able to continue their education in the Friends tradition.

Where is the School located? The school is located in Southeast Charlotte at 7001 Wallace Road. This is just off Independence Boulevard and Conference Drive. We are adjacent to the Independence Branch of the Public Library and down the road from East Mecklenburg High School.

What is the tuition? Tuition for the 2010-2011 school year will be $12,900 for K, and $12,900 for grades 1 and above. The first 20 students who register for the 2010-2011 school year will be entitled to our Tuition Incentive Plan for Faithful Families with a tuition of $9970. Call the school to determine availability (704) 567-9445. FSC is a non-profit, and tuition is based on the cost of education given expected enrollment, including consideration for financial aid awards.

What are the School's hours? Our hours are 8:30AM - 3:00PM.

Is before or after care provided? Depending on demand, After School Care will be offered for the 2010-2011 school year.

What makes Friends schools different from other schools? Friends schools focus on ”whole student” development, emphasizing academic excellence, social awareness and growth, physical development, and a nurturing of the spirit. In addition, the skills of active listening, non-violent conflict resolution, and consensus-based decision-making are taught through a culture in which students can develop the skills, values, and confidence to support a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service. This unique combination of areas for learning means that Friends schools are often more comprehensive in their approach. Friends schools avoid the “teaching-to-the- test” approach that is common in many schools, at the same time maintaining high academic standards. This approach results in more creative classrooms, where teachers have the opportunity to implement a curriculum in which students pursue their interests in-depth, work cooperatively, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Why multi-age classrooms? Multi-aged classrooms resemble a family environment and are often less stressful than traditional classrooms. Children learn at their own pace and teachers can focus on each individual child according to his/her own strengths and needs. Lessons often begin with a common introduction for all the children in the class and then children proceed to work with materials that are geared to their learning needs. The multi-aged grouping facilitates social and leadership development along with intellectual growth.

What does ”integrating the head, the hand and the heart” mean? This is a phrase that captures the notion of educating the whole child. Friends education spends time fostering the intellectual development of children (Head), the emotional and spiritual development of children (Heart), and the physical and social awareness of children (Hand).

Is FSC affiliated with other schools? No. Friends School of Charlotte is an independent school, governed by an independent Board of Trustees. FSC is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools and is in the process of becoming a member of the Friends Council on Education. The Friends Council on Education promotes the theory and practice of Quaker education, supports Friends schools (pre-K through 12) in maintaining their values-based learning environments, and provides a professional development network for educational issues, philosophy, and practice in Friends schools.

What is the daily structure of the classroom? Each classroom creates its own daily structure, but there are common features to the routines in all FSC classrooms. The day begins with a morning gathering in each class. Often the first hours of the morning are for academic experiences. There is usually a mid-morning play break when snacks are eaten. After lunch children enjoy enrichment classes in Art, Music, Spanish, and a second recess period. On Wednesdays we do our community service, visit the library and have our whole school Meeting for Worship. We usually go on our field trips on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

How have Friends school students "lived" the peace value? Elementary-aged children in Friends schools learn peaceful conflict resolution skills in order to resolve day-to-day disagreements with peers. Children also help with projects initiated by the American Friends Service Committee to help others who are often innocent victims of war or civil strife. This usually involves collecting useful items and sending them to such groups as displaced people. FSC plans to help support the Children of Peace project in Bududa, Uganda. This is a project that David Kern and Karen, his wife, helped start in 2003.

How have Friends school students "lived" the service value? Elementary-aged children in Friends schools do service in the community on a regular basis. Community involvement projects can include preparing food weekly for local soup kitchens, visiting residential facilities for elderly people, and joining in collaborative projects with children who are challenged in various ways. An example of the latter is Friends school children participating in an annual musical production with children who have multiple sclerosis.

How have Friends school students "lived" diversity? Since Friends schools attempt to be diverse learning communities, every student in a Friends school learns within a diverse environment every day. Curriculums are designed to highlight diversity and allow differences among people to be openly discussed. An example of this is "Noon with the Notables," a project in which students take on the identity of another notable person who is or was quite different then themselves. The students become the person and arrive at a luncheon in character where they interact with invited guests. Friends schools will often have annual Diversity Day programs in which the diversity of the school is celebrated and regularly scheduled assembly programs are used to present diverse cultures, arts, and ideas.

What are some ways FSC students might practice self-governance? Lower School Friends schools often govern themselves using the Meeting for Business process of Quakers. Elementary-aged children work with adults in the school to arrive at a meeting agenda. Children then l ead their peers through discussions on the agenda items, attempting to arrive at decisions that the entire group supports. Examples of decisions made in this manner include deciding on which community involvement project to participate, deciding on seating arrangements at lunch, and reviewing how well the conflict resolution process is working.

What is the experience level of the faculty? Friends schools attract highly qualified, experienced teachers who reflect Quaker values and recognize the benefits of a flexible teaching environment.

How do parents participate at FSC? Family involvement in the community is central to the continued growth and health of FSC; families work together to help shape a school culture in which their children will thrive. FSC parents are as actively involved in the school community as their schedules permit, assisting with service projects, accompanying on field trips, or supporting parent education initiatives. All family members are welcome to attend a weekly Meeting for Worship and all-school Parent Association meetings. Families also contribute to fundraising efforts in the school's Annual Fund, and at events such as the spring Yard Sale fundraiser. Last year we reached our goal of 100 percent parent, staff, and trustee participation in the Annual Fund. We look forward to the achievement of this goal as a tradition.

What is the advantage of being part of FSC while it's so new? The beginning years of FSC are going to be joyous years. Children will receive strong professional support and individual attention. They will also have a direct and significant influence on the development of the school. Parents will join a growing learning community where their contributions will be important and their concerns addressed. The entire FSC community will share in the wonderful pride of having the opportunity to help establish a Friends school in Charlotte.

Does FSC accept children with special needs? Friends education is based on knowing and nurturing the unique gifts and talents of every student. We seek students who enjoy learning, who can work independently and in groups, and who can accept responsibility. We are also committed to nurturing a diverse community of learners and appreciate that students learn differently. Admission decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and include consideration of the resources available to meet the needs of each child while maintaining the best atmosphere of learning for all our students. Open discussions with parents and attempting to determine the best interest of the individual child are part of every admission decision.

How will FSC enable my child to grow as an individual? The combination of small class sizes and the focus on "whole student" development create a unique learning environment. Teachers truly get to know each child well. This allows parents and teachers to work together to identify and develop student gifts, whether academic, social, artistic, etc.

I have a non-traditional family. Will we be welcome at FSC? Yes. Friends School of Charlotte values and welcomes the diversity of ideas, religions, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities, and economic backgrounds represented in our world community.

Is Friends School of Charlotte administered by a religious body? FSC is an independent school. We look to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) for guidance and wisdom and are under the spiritual care of Charlotte Friends Meeting. We are also part of a supportive network of Friends schools around the country, which allows us to share ideas, experiences, resources, and Friends values. However, the School is separately incorporated and financially independent of any religious body. It is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation managed by an independent Board of Trustees. Representatives of the School and Charlotte Friends Meeting members share information about events and speakers of mutual interest, and reflect upon the spiritual dimensions of the school.

Where can I learn more about Quaker education? The the Friends Council on Education website has many resources and downloadable publications for parents interested in Quaker education. Additionally, our school library and the Charlotte Friends Meeting Library have books and pamphlets for loan.

Will non-Quakers be able to attend the school? Yes. In fact, we anticipate that most students and their families will not have a Quaker background and will instead be drawn to the Quaker model of education.

As a parent, will I be expected to go to Quaker Meeting? No. You and your family are certainly welcome to attend Charlotte Friends Meeting (see www.charlottefriendsmeeting.org for more information) but it is neither expected nor required for families of FSC.

Are there many Quakers (Friends) and Quaker children in Charlotte? Charlotte Friends Meeting was established in 1960 and today has approximately 150 members who worship at the Meeting in the University area. There is also a Meeting in Davidson. There are approximately 40 children who currently attend the Charlotte Friends Meeting. In addition, there are other children with Quaker heritage who live in Charlotte with parents who either grew up in the tradition or who have attended Quaker schools.

How does FSC plan to grow? FSC plans to grow into a K-8 school. We will continue to have multi-aged classrooms with about 15-17 students per classroom. Each classroom has a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. When we reach our capacity we plan to have two classrooms at each multi-aged level resulting in a school of about 120-150 students. When we outgrow our current space, we plan to move and eventually develop a green campus within the city of Charlotte.

What will happen when my child finishes eighth grade or decides to leave the school before eighth grade? Students will be academically and socially prepared to successfully transition to other schools. Regular contact with the diversity within the school and frequent contact with life outside the school through service learning and field trips help students gain confidence when facing transitions. Individual attention will be given by the school to students and families transferring to ensure a successful transition.

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Friends School of Charlotte proudly introduces its new Head of School, Marla Schoolmeester. Marla has over 15 years of experience in Friends education at New Garden Friends School (NGFS) in Greensboro, NC: as a parent, classroom and committee volunteer, and Trustee.  Marla served on the NGFS finance committee as a parent representative and as Treasurer. In addition, she served on the annual fund, development, and long-range planning committees and co-chaired two fund-raising auctions.  Marla was honored to be one of the inaugural recipients of the NGFS Outstanding Volunteer Award for the 2001-2002 school year.  While living in Greensboro, and later Reidsville, Marla and her husband Rick owned and operated service stations. Marla managed the business office, including daily bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable and employee benefits.  In 2002, following the 8th grade graduation of her oldest child from NGFS, the family moved to Columbia, SC.  Marla continued her long association with NGFS, returning regularly for committee and board meetings, and school functions.  Recently, Marla has been Director of the 3K-6th grade Montessori School of Columbia in Columbia, SC, combining her business experience with her interest in child centered education.

Board of Trustees

Friends School of Charlotte currently has twelve active members of the Board of Trustees: Shari Blair, Tracey Cain, Arnie Cann, Beth Griffiths, Howard Hinshaw, Carl King, Sandy Kohn, Jan Rieman and Lawrence/Sharita Womack. Jan Rieman serves as Clerk of the Board of Trustees with Tracey Cain amd Carl King serving as Assistant Clerks.

Ten of the Board members reside in Charlotte. The Board includes experts in early childhood education, a Board member of another established Friends school, individuals with a long family history of Quaker practice, small business owners, a former Director of a NAEYC-accredited preschool, a tax attorney, an associate Rector at an Episcopal church, professors of psychology and English, and parents of preschool and grade school-age children.

We are currently located at 7001 Wallace Road, Charlotte, NC, between Independence Boulevard and Monroe Road, adjacent to the Independence Public Library.

While FSC is an independent school with an independent Board of Trustees, it is affiliated with other Friends Schools through the Friends Council on Education.

For a list of other Friends schools in the United States, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Friends_Schools. For a list of Friends schools in the United Kingdom, see www.quakerschools.co.uk and for a worldwide perspective visit www.friends.org.uk/quakers/qschools.htm.

In the News. Friends School of Charlotte is fortunate to have been included in some recent area publications.

August 2008, Charlotte Weekly: Friends School is 'Out of the Woods'

August 2008: Friends School is 'Out of the Woods' (2nd page)

August 2007, Charlotte Observer: First Quaker School Opening in Charlotte (link no longer active)

July 2007, Davidson Navigator: Quaker School Comes to Area

Our Own News. FSC publishes a periodic e-newsletter with updates on School activity and progress.

August 2008: Twice the Students, and 'A World to Save' ...

November 2008: Mecklenburg Awards FSC a Grant; Saber Tooth Tiger wins ...

Spring 2009: Through Our Eyes: Now on Display at Imaginon ...