Friends schools are institutions that offer an education based on the beliefs and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
This article tackles about schools currently or historically related with the Society of Friends, regardless of their current degree of affiliation.
Friends schools vary greatly both in their interpretation of Quaker principles, and in how they link to formal organizations that make up the Society of Friends. Most Friends schools are similar in their mission however: to provide an academically sound education while also instilling values of community, spirituality, responsibility and stewardship in their students.
Some institutions founded by Friends were never formally “Quaker Schools.” Some historically Friends institutions are no longer formally associated with the Society of Friends. Those that maintain to call themselves “Quaker schools” may have formal oversight from a Friends yearly or monthly meetings (often called coming “under care of” a meeting), and others are operated by members of the Society of Friends and/or adhere to aspects of Quaker practice.
Because of the wide range of Friends, the branch (or branches) of Quakerism with which the school affiliates are included, and where applicable the Yearly, Quarterly or Monthly Meeting under whose care or governance the school is held is shown.