What It Means to Be a Quaker School
Quakers, or Friends, as they are often called, believe that there is “that of God” or an inner Light in every person. At its heart, Quakerism is about recognizing and honoring that Light—in ourselves and in others.
At a Friends school, you’ll find teachers, students, and families who genuinely care about the Quaker commitment to six core values, often remembered with the word SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. At New Garden Friends School, these values aren’t just guiding ideas—they shape our daily lives. We see these values in the classroom, where teachers listen carefully for the unique gifts each student offers. We hear them in Quaker Meeting, when we listen to those who feel moved to speak out of the silence. We live these values in service to others when we encounter worldviews that challenge our own. We believe that treating others with kindness and respect matters in every moment. This is what Quakers mean when they say, “Let your life speak.”
Our Quaker values shine through in both big and small ways. One tradition you’ll notice right away is that students and teachers are on a first-name basis. It may feel unusual at first, but it’s a meaningful way we live out our belief in equality and mutual respect. Every person in our community is valued and respected.
Sometimes families wonder, “Do you have to be Quaker to come here?” The answer is simple: not at all. We welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. What we cherish most is the unique inner Light each person brings. Together, we encourage students to be brave—standing up for their beliefs and for the rights and well-being of others.
Quaker Meeting
One of the most meaningful parts of our week is Quaker Meeting, a gathering that nurtures reflection and quiet listening in a world that often moves too quickly. Students and staff come together to experience this special time together as a community. Meeting offers a peaceful pause—a chance to listen, reflect, and discover the value of silence.
For our youngest students, Meeting begins gently, with teachers helping them learn to settle into quiet reflection. Older students often begin Meeting with a short message—maybe about kindness, honesty, or the challenges of living and learning together. After the message, the group sits in silence. Anyone who feels moved to share may stand and speak; then, the silence continues.
Meeting closes in a simple, powerful way: someone shakes hands with a neighbor, and that gesture ripples through the room until everyone has joined in. It’s a reminder that we are all connected, and that the time we’ve shared together matters.
More About Quaker Schools
NGFS is a member of the Friends Council on Education, a national organization of Friends schools whose mission is to support the implementation of Friends values in the classroom and in the life of the school community.
