What sets Middle School at Friends apart is the way these qualities are nurtured through our Quaker values. We teach students not only to think boldly, but also to listen deeply—to themselves, to one another, and to the world around them. In this stage of tremendous growth, the natural “messiness” of adolescence is met with a community that values reflection, compassion, and integrity—qualities reflected in our Portrait of a Learner.
One moment our students may be organizing a game of tag at recess, and the next they’re analyzing historical documents or solving algebraic equations. Throughout it all, they are guided by exceptional educators who model calm, clarity, and presence. In a caring community that sees the Light in each child, students develop academic interests, self-discipline, and a growing sense of identity and purpose. They learn to think critically, act with integrity, and collaborate in ways that honor the perspectives of others.
Most mornings, the Middle School gathers for Meeting for Worship, finding stillness and connection in the midst of the city. This shared practice invites students to slow down, listen, and reflect—creating space for belonging and grounding us in our Quaker testimonies. Weekly advisory meetings further support students’ social and emotional needs, offering opportunities for honest conversation and relationship building.
Our Middle School program nurtures independence, responsibility, creativity, and intellectual courage. Beginning in Grade 5, the curriculum becomes fully departmentalized, and by Grades 7 and 8 the schedule becomes increasingly individualized to reflect students’ interests and learning needs. Across all four years, students deepen core skills in literacy, math, world languages, creative expression, physical education, and communication—strengthening their capacity to be compassionate classmates, critical thinkers, collaborative community members, and principled decision-makers.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom through concerts, plays, student artwork, affinity groups, clubs, sports, and engagement with New York City. These experiences invite students to see themselves as part of a larger community, cultivating empathy, perspective, and the confidence to speak up and make thoughtful choices.
Middle School at Friends is a vibrant and supportive place to grow—where curiosity inspires exploration, courage empowers students to act with integrity, and a Quaker education helps them discover who they are and who they hope to become.
Michelle Cristella
Head of Middle School