Inquiry-Based Learning

Young minds learn best in an environment of trust and respect where each student is valued as a unique, gifted individual.

Students are expected to move beyond just memorizing facts to “higher order thinking skills” to analyze, interpret, synthesize, and create. For this reason, multiple-choice tests are uncommon at SSFS. Working within an above-grade-level curriculum, students become skilled at prioritizing and managing academic challenges as they progress from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation.

For this reason, SSFS values small class sizes where every voice is heard. At all grade levels, most academic sections have between 10 and 16 students.

Daily routines allow students to be outside as they travel between commitments. The School’s 140-acre campus is a natural laboratory for physical, scientific, and artistic exploration.

In a world that is increasingly international and cross-cultural, we emphasize our students' development of cultural competence and the ability to view each challenge and opportunity from multiple perspectives.

Signature trips and projects, the Upper School Intersession and Internship programs, and our outdoor education program all reflect our desire the make the world our classroom.

The School’s programs are grounded in an ethical framework of the six Quaker “SPICES:” simplicity, peaceful resolution of conflict, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. These guiding values are infused through all areas of study and community life. Students of all ages participate in silent worship/reflection as they explore and develop their own moral compass.