Why a Friends School?
Friends schools are renowned for their academic program. The cornerstone of the Friends educational model is the belief that our students' quality of character – what kind of people they are becoming – is vital to their intellectual growth.
A Foundation for Life
Westfield Friends School develops students to their fullest potential by focusing on active learning grounded in Quaker values. Westfield provides a nurturing environment for students to be creative and independent thinkers. Our emphasis on hands-on learning brings academics to life for children and facilitates the joy of discovery that we feel marks a life-long learner.
Academic Excellence with a Social Conscience
From Preschool through 8th grade, our students grow in knowledge and are filled with the best qualities of mind and spirit: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Within our community of learners, our faculty strives to bring out each student's individuality, working to develop creative thinkers, problem solvers, peacemakers, and humanitarians who will contribute compassionate, responsive, and responsible leadership throughout their lives.
We Are All Different
Our students come from diverse backgrounds of ethnicity, family makeup, gender identity and expression, learning ability, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. As a principle tenet of Quakerism and a best practice as defined by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Westfield Friends School has created and maintains an inclusive and equitable community that is safe and welcoming for all. We, as a Friends School, believe that there is that of God in every person. Therefore, we practice and teach respect, affirmation, and protection of the dignity and worth of each member of our community and the world at large.
Our Students Know Who They Are
Westfield nurtures self-confidence. Within Quakerism, we believe that Truth may come from any member of the community; the speech of the youngest child is given the same respect as the speech of an adult. Students mature into attentive listeners to those they are with, reflective thinkers, and accomplished communicators ready to speak their truth.
We Are Family
Our "Buddy" system, pairing younger students with older students, is a successful model for forging meaningful bonds and fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere throughout the school. The special relationships formed here aren't limited to the students; parents and guardians are a part of our daily lives as they volunteer alongside faculty in our classrooms, library, fundraising and social events, Parents & Guardians Council, and guest speaking opportunities.
Meeting for Worship
Each week our community gathers for Meeting for Worship. Our form of worship is to learn. We welcome all in our religiously diverse community as we practice together over the course of the year. Believing that each person has within themselves the capacity to listen deeply and to discern what is relevant and true, students, faculty, and parents gather to worship in expectant silence, listening for the Spirit within each of us. All are welcome to speak from their hearts, if so moved. Meeting for Worship makes explicit the connection between the inward and outward life that is unique to Quaker education; because we have listened, reflected, and thought deeply our actions are grounded and impactful. The nature of meeting for worship, with its focus on the strength of the gathered community, gives children and adults a powerful tool for spiritual growth.
