Frankford Friends School
Early Childhood Center at Fishtown
Frankford Friends is a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just learning environment, welcoming students and families from all backgrounds and identities to our school. We best serve children who enthusiastically accept challenges, love to learn, and who positively contribute to the classroom and school community in a variety of ways.
We believe that students learn best in an educational environment that nurtures the whole child, promotes learning through inquiry, cultivates a strong sense of community, emphasizes social justice and peace education, and fosters mindfulness and reflection.
Woodcock Designs, Architect Rendering, 2023
Over its 191 year history, Frankford Friends Schools has lived the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship.
- See the Light in oneself and others
- Find peaceful solutions to conflict
- Treat others with kindness and respect
- Support community and collaboration
- Respect the natural world
- Practice empathy and compassion
- Create a better world
We believe that children learn best through purpose and play, in a diverse community of teachers and peers where everyone belongs. Grounded in the belief that children are natural, curious learners with boundless potential, our Reggio Emilia-inspired program provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish.
Our Preschool classrooms are vibrant, nurturing environments designed to cultivate a love for learning among our early learners. The core focus of our curriculum is to holistically nurture social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while fostering creativity and curiosity in developmentally appropriate ways.
Our curriculum introduces age-appropriate academic, social, and emotional skills through the channels of discovery, exploration, and imaginative play. This approach supports each child's individual growth and encourages the development of their independence. In our carefully crafted learning environment, children are empowered to make their own choices. This environment includes a variety of teaching methods such as whole-class, individual, and small-group lessons and activities, centers for specific learning experiences, free time for exploration, and ample opportunities for indoor and outdoor play. Through these experiences, children learn the significance of friendship and respect, ultimately cultivating the qualities of a caring and responsible community member.
Key skills, including active listening, understanding and expressing their feelings, self-regulation, compromise, and collaboration, are not only taught but also actively practiced. These skills empower children with strategies to navigate their social world effectively. We place a strong emphasis on community building, which starts with our daily Morning Meeting, aligning with the principles of the Responsive Classroom approach. This morning gathering reinforces the emerging sense of self while fostering a sense of community. Through various community-building activities, students learn to take responsibility, encourage learning from one another, and establish relationships that will continue to grow throughout their time at FFS.
In addition to these core elements, our students have the opportunity to engage in various enriching experiences throughout the week. They explore the arts, utilize our library, participate in physical education, and practice mindfulness and movement activities. These experiences contribute to their well-rounded development and provide a holistic foundation for their educational journey.
Child-Centered Learning: Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be child-led, with a focus on cultivating each child's unique interests and strengths. Through observation and attentive guidance, our teachers tailor learning experiences to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Project-Based Exploration: In our classrooms, children embark on captivating, long-term projects that delve deeply into topics of interest. These projects are collaborative endeavors, where children work together, share ideas, and engage in hands-on exploration. By immersing themselves in these meaningful experiences, children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a sense of ownership over their learning journey.
Inspiring Environments: Our learning spaces are carefully curated to inspire curiosity, creativity, and independence. From inviting reading corners to dynamic art studios, every corner of our classrooms is designed to stimulate young minds and ignite their imagination. Natural materials, open-ended resources, and flexible learning areas empower children to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely.
Celebrating Growth and Collaboration: At Frankford Friends School, we celebrate every child's unique journey of growth and discovery. Through ongoing documentation, we capture and reflect on children's learning experiences, making their progress visible to both families and educators. Collaboration is at the heart of our community, where teachers, children, and families come together to support each child's development and well-being.
Join Our Community! We invite you to discover the transformative power of a Reggio Emilia-inspired education at Frankford Friends School. Through rich, immersive experiences and a nurturing community of learners, we empower children to become confident, compassionate, and curious individuals ready to embrace the world around them.
