Elementary School (1st - 4th)

Place-based, Experiential, Collaborative

Westfield Friends elementary program is place-based, experiential, and collaborative - all are hallmarks of Quaker education. Yes, students engage in formal and rigorous academic learning with a concentrated study of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Westfield's pedagogy is project based and problem solving focused. STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math figure in most projects. 

The geographic context for their education is Southern New Jersey. They learn about their region's' complex ecosystems through field trips, speakers, and scientific inquiry.  Literature and social studies, help them understand and make sense of the history of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Walking trips provide them with opportunities to understand their Cinnaminson and Burlington County neighbors, businesses, and civic groups. Visitors to Meeting for Worship provide them with opportunities to learn about the breadth of religious experiences in their region.

Most progressive, private schools promise that student learning is centered.  At Westfield, we go further and focus on children's moral development. Students are encouraged to become independent critical thinkers so that they build the foundation for a lifetime of discerning the truth, working collaboratively, and acting with integrity. Learning experiences are crafted to provide opportunities for students to learn the richness, depth, and creativity that comes from sharing ideas and working together towards solving a problem or achieving a goal.

No matter where life takes them, Westfield students learn from their elementary school years the skills, foundational knowledge, and an emerging moral compass that will serve them always.