George Fox Friends School  

Quakerism, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, holds as a core belief that “there is that of God in everyone.” This understanding is also expressed through the words “the Inner Light is in all.” This belief leads to Quakerism’s testimonies, which reflect the valuing of simplicity, integrity, and equality, the non-violent resolution of conflicts, and the nurturing of oneself and others. Respect for and appreciation of all individuals, and for our and other cultures and religions is actively held and fostered. These beliefs, testimonies and values resonate throughout the curriculum of George Fox Friends School and Early Learning Center.
Once a week a Quaker Meeting for Worship is held in which all may seek in silence for the leadings of the Inner Spirit. Silence is valued as time for quiet reflection, a time to be receptive to spiritual leadings, and a time for the building of unity of spirit with all present. Out of the quiet reflection and worship individuals are welcomed to and may be moved to share their insights and spiritual leadings. Parents and families are always welcome to join in Meeting for Worship.
The reading of open-ended questions called “Queries” before Meeting for Worship guide individual attendees and the community’s focus to broader areas of spiritual reflection and societal caring. Friends value the many paths taken by the various religious faiths and hope that the simplicity of our Meetings for Worship may serve to further the spiritual journeys of all attendees.
Throughout the week, “Centering Time,” short periods of silent worship are held in each classroom. Centering Time may begin with a brief period of silence, which is usually followed by a focused discussion on the current month’s spiritual theme and related queries. Centering Time helps to bring focus to the learning environment and furthers the development of our quieter thoughts.
Understanding that conflicts are inherent to life, Friends are led to seek constructive and peaceable resolutions to all conflicts. Valuing non-violent resolution of conflicts is the basis of our Peaceful Conflict resolution curriculum, which stresses affirmation, communication, cooperation, community building, and constructive conflict resolution and creative problem solving.
Throughout our programs we endeavor to draw children’s attention to positive values for and approaches to living through discussions, literature, biographies of heroes, and the arts. We strive to be broad enough in our approach to spiritual truths that persons of many religious persuasions can share our values. George Fox Friends School and Early Learning Center endeavors to nurture spiritual, moral and emotional growth in concert with the nurturing of intellectual growth throughout our curriculum and through the way we conduct the effort of education.