Friends Seminary is rooted in the beliefs and practices of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). These values—such as simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship—shape how we teach, how we relate to one another, and how students are encouraged to grow as learners and human beings.
Friends Seminary is grounded in the values and practices of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), but it is not a doctrinal or dogmatic school. We do not teach a religious creed. Instead, we emphasize universal principles such as reflection, integrity, peace, community, and respect for the Inner Light in every person. Students of all faiths, traditions, and identities are welcome, and our Quaker foundation enriches the experience of the entire community without requiring belief or affiliation.
No. Friends Seminary welcomes students and families of all backgrounds, faiths, and identities. Quaker values are universal in nature and offer a grounding framework that enriches the experience of the entire community.
Meeting for Worship is a weekly (or, in some divisions, more frequent) gathering where students and faculty sit together in expectant silence. In this shared quiet, anyone may speak if moved to do so. It’s a time for reflection, listening, and grounding—a practice that helps build mindfulness, empathy, and community.
Silence is used as an educational tool and an intentional practice. It helps students pause, center themselves, think deeply, and listen to others. Whether in Meeting for Worship, the classroom, or moments of transition, purposeful silence supports clarity, presence, and thoughtful engagement.
Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. These principles guide our decision-making, our relationships, and our curriculum. Students learn to act with honesty, treat others with respect, seek peaceful solutions, and care for themselves, one another, their community, and the world. Learn more about how these testimonies and other Quaker practices are lived at Friends Seminary by exploring our Faith & Practice.
Quaker education emphasizes inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and student voice. Teachers encourage students to ask bold questions, consider multiple perspectives, and connect learning with ethical action. The goal is not only strong scholarship, but also the development of empathy, conscience, and responsibility.
Quakers believe that there is something sacred, often called the Inner Light, within every person. That part of ourselves is always at peace, no matter the turbulence at the surface of our lives. It is an inexhaustible source of strength, calm, capacity to love, to heal, to forgive. At Friends Seminary, this belief inspires our commitment to seeing the unique gifts, dignity, and potential of each student—and to helping them bring their best selves into the world.
Quakerism is grounded in moral and spiritual values, not political affiliation. Issues such as equity, peace, and justice emerge from longstanding testimonies and are approached through reflection, dialogue, and education—not through ideological instruction.
Service is an essential expression of Quaker values. Students of all ages participate in service learning, community partnerships, and projects that promote stewardship, justice, and care for the Earth and for others. The focus is on acting with purpose, humility, and responsibility.
The combination of academic rigor, reflective practice, ethical grounding, and deep listening creates an environment where students develop both intellect and conscience. At Friends Seminary, curiosity and courage grow together—shaping thoughtful, compassionate leaders.