We could not imagine a better school for our son than Chicago Friends School. The teachers have been supportive and flexible as they have helped us understand our sons strength and challenges, have engaged collaboratively with outside professionals who work with our son, and have offered creative solutions to help him overcome difficulties with social interactions and some academic subjects. A sampling of what we love: multi-grade classroom that enables the teachers to work with children in small groups based on their skills; project-based lessons that incorporate math, reading, writing, science, visual arts, and music; morning break with a snack; 60 minutes of recess each day; time for individualized research projects; lots of reading time; lessons to help the students appreciate the traditions and celebrations of a culturally diverse world through art, literature, music, and food; parent-volunteer expertise to enhance the curriculum: music, art, yoga, Spanish, gardening, and reading. Our experience with Chicago Friends School is that the teachers and board believe that a childs education should nurture academic excellence, personal integrity, and creativity.

We have been so incredibly happy during our first year at Chicago Friends School. While popular on the East Coast, we had never heard of the Friends school philosophy in Chicago. Our son was in a fantastic CPS Pre-K program, but thrives in small group environments which was not an option at CPS. We took him along with us during our first visit, and they let him spend the morning with the kids to see if he felt comfortable. He instantly bonded, and asked to stay the afternoon. They are so welcoming, both students and teachers that you instantly felt part of the community. We have found that they are willing to work with each individual child at their pace to make sure they are always challenged, and never left behind no matter what their pace may be. Communications and involvement from parents are encouraged and welcome. And with so many hands-on activities including a community garden, daily recess, art, drama, language and field trips, each child gets to experience learning in a variety of settings to help foster the love of learning. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a unique learning opportunity in a caring, educational environment.

CFS is a warm and nurturing learning community! Project-based learning capitalizes on the students’ innate sense of curiosity; simultaneously refining math, reading, science and art skills. Everyday our son is so excited to share new facts and skills he has acquired at CFS. The multi-age environment allows for differentiated learning while also providing a perfect stage for honing social skills. CFS parents are actively involved and share their talents through art projects, the “Mystery Reader” program, potlucks and more! The glue that holds it all together, though, is character development. Do I want my son to learn how to add and subtract? You bet! But, more importantly, I want my son to be KIND. I want him to know what it means to persevere, to understand the power of friendship and community, to learn the art of listening to the voice/light within, to see the good in every person and to choose what is right over what is easy. Im so glad we found Chicago Friends School!

Our son attends CFS, and we highly recommend the school. It is characterized by academic excellence and a caring sense of community. Our son and the other students are receiving the highest quality education, with small class sizes (1 teacher to 5 students) and personalized lessons. The academics at CFS are exceptional and challenging, yet not rigid or test-obsessed; the education is creative and sees the big picture.Last year, our son and the other students made their own lemonade stand, but this was no ordinary lemonade stand; they made a full business plan, marketing, etc. They chose a local charity to receive all the proceeds. The students also run their own organic garden.We see values at work. Each day, our son learns not just about numbers and words, but also about peace, equality, simplicity, integrity, community, and service. CFS is helping him grow as a whole person.We could not ask for better teachers. They are fantastic. They communicate regularly and proactively with us and are kind and supportive to our son and the other students. The board is professional and provides quality leadership. Moreover, the tuition is affordable, and the school community is diverse and inclusive. We are looking forward to our younger child attending when hes old enough.

We pulled my kid from the school mid-year. We had enrolled believing that we would be getting a progressive education. Instead, we saw a lot of worksheets, rote memorization and a head teacher who failed to understand the Socratic method.