Quaker Values

Why a friends school?

Friends schools are known for academic strength, but their purpose reaches further. At the heart of a Friends education is the belief that who a child is becoming matters as much as what they know. We believe that every child carries an "Inner Light" — a spark of divine potential, intellect, and goodness. At Westfield Friends School, we tend to that Light, allowing it to shine through purposeful inquiry, joyful discovery, and a deep sense of belonging.

A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE

Westfield Friends School supports each student in developing their fullest potential through active learning guided by Quaker values. Here, creativity is the way we approach the world. Students are encouraged to think independently, ask meaningful questions, and engage deeply with the world around them.

Hands-on learning is central to the Friends educational model. Whether it’s a kindergartner marveling at the lifecycle of a butterfly or an eighth grader engineering a solution to a local environmental challenge, academics come alive through exploration.

We prioritize the joy of discovery, fostering a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, ask "why?", and find wonder in the everyday.

MEETING FOR WORSHIP:
THE POWER OF SILENCE

Each week, the school community gathers for Meeting for Worship, a defining element of Friends education. This Meeting for Worship is a time for learning, reflection, and shared silence. It welcomes people of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds.

Students, faculty, and families gather in expectant silence, listening inwardly and reflecting deeply. Anyone may speak if they feel moved to do so. Through this practice, children and adults learn to connect inward reflection with outward action. Because the community has listened and reflected together, actions are thoughtful, grounded, and purposeful.

Meeting for Worship offers students a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth and reinforces the importance of community, reflection, and integrity in daily life.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

From Preschool through eighth grade, we nurture creative thinkers and resilient problem solvers. Our curriculum is anchored by the Quaker "Testimonies" (SPICES): Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. Faculty work intentionally to bring out each student’s individuality, nurturing creative thinkers, problem solvers, peacemakers, and engaged citizens.

By connecting intellectual growth with a social conscience, we prepare students to lead with empathy and to see themselves as peacemakers in a complex world.

WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT

Westfield Friends School is a diverse and inclusive community. Our strength lies in our difference - ethnicity, family structure, gender identity and expression, learning ability, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic experience.

As affirmed by the National Association of Independent Schools, we maintain an environment where every child is seen, safe, and celebrated. Friends believe that there is that of God - Light within every person. From this belief grows a commitment to respect, affirmation, and the protection of each individual’s dignity and worth.

OUR STUDENTS KNOW WHO THEY ARE

Westfield Friends nurtures self-confidence and an authentic voice. Quaker belief in continuing revelation means that truth may come from anyone, and the words of a young child are given the same respect as those of an adult.

Students learn to listen attentively, think reflectively, and communicate with clarity and care. They grow into confident speakers who understand when to share their ideas and when to listen deeply to others.

WE ARE FAMILY

Community is central to life at Westfield Friends. The Buddy Program pairs younger students with older ones, creating meaningful relationships that foster connection, responsibility, and belonging across age groups. Families are an integral part of the school community.

Parents and guardians are active participants through classroom support, library involvement, fundraising and social events, the Family Council, and guest speaking opportunities. These shared experiences strengthen relationships and reinforce that Westfield Friends is a community that grows better when we grow together.

QUAKER BELIEFS

What do Quakers believe?

We believe that every person is loved and guided by God. Broadly speaking, we affirm that “there is that of God in everyone.” Everyone is known by God and can know God in a direct relationship. We are called to attend to this relationship and to be guided by it. Quakers use many words to describe the Divine. Some of them include: God, the Light Within, Christ, Spirit, Seed, and Inward Teacher.

Are Quakers Christian?

The Quaker way has deep Christian roots that form our understanding of God, our faith, and our practices. Many Quakers consider themselves Christian, and some do not. Many Quakers today draw spiritual nourishment from our Christian roots and strive to follow the example of Jesus. Many other Quakers draw spiritual sustenance from various religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and the nature religions.

It sounds like Quakers can believe anything they like. Is that so?

Quakers invite the word of God to be written in our hearts, rather than as words on paper—we have no creed. But we also believe that if we are sincerely open to the Divine Will, we will be guided by a Wisdom that is more compelling than our own more superficial thoughts and feelings. This can mean that we will find ourselves led in directions or receiving understandings that we may not have chosen just from personal preference. Following such guidance is not always easy. This is why community is important to Quakers, why we turn to each other for worshipful help in making important choices, and why we read the reflections of other Quakers who have lived faithful lives.

Do Quakers believe in heaven and hell?

Do Quakers read the Bible?

The Bible is a book close to the hearts of many Friends. Many Quakers turn to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures for inspiration, insight, and guidance. They are valued as a source of wisdom that has been sacred to many generations. Quakers are informed by Biblical scholarship that offers perspective on the creation of the Bible and the understanding we have of it today. Most Quakers do not consider the Bible to be the final authority or the only source of sacred wisdom. We read it in the context of other religious writings and sources of wisdom, including the Light Within and worshipful community discernment. Some Quakers have little interest in the Bible.

ORIGINAL VIDEO FROM WWW.QUAKERSPEAK.COM. A PROJECT OF FRIENDS JOURNAL.

FILMED AND EDITED BY JON WATTS

QUAKER WORSHIP

Can I attend a Quaker meeting?

What happens in Quaker worship? Is it really silent?

Quaker worship is based on silent waiting, where we expect to come into the presence of God. In this living silence, we listen for the still, small voice that comes from God through the Inward Light. Worshiping together in silence is a way for a community to be brought together in love and faithfulness.

During silent worship, anyone—adult or child—may feel inspired to give vocal ministry (speak out of the silence). After the person speaks the message, the silence resumes. Such messages may be offered several times during a meeting for worship, or the whole period of worship may be silent. Someone will signal the close of worship by shaking hands with another person, then everyone shakes hands with those seated nearby. For more on silent worship, see the QuakerSpeak video Quaker Silence.

How do Quakers practice baptism and communion?

What should I wear to Quaker meeting?

* Friends General Conference (FGC) provides services and resources for individual Friends, meetings, and people interested in the Quaker way. FGC is an association of regional Quaker communities in the U.S. and Canada working together to nurture a vital Quaker faith.

The above can be seen on the Friends General Conference* (FGC) website explaining 'About Quakers'. There are more FAQ's answered on the site including about Quakers Engaging in the World, Quaker Practices, Quakers Through the World, and Quaker History.

Westfield Friends School is in a care relationship with Westfield Friends Meeting.

Westfield Friends Meeting is a part of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.