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Connecticut Friends School

203-762-9860

Listing Manager: Connecticut Friends School

Connecticut Friends School focuses on ensuring that students are successful, happy, well adjusted, passionate, capable, intelligent, inquisitive, able to think and question, and able to excel in our society and world. The school's goal is for students to be motivated, fully engaged and excited by what they are learning.

The foundation of Connecticut Friends School's academic program rests on students’ engagement along with their growth and learning. Connecticut Friends School combines academics, outdoor leadership programs and arts with Quaker values of simplicity, mutual respect, peaceful problem-solving and more. The school ensures a comfortable learning atmosphere with students from Wilton, Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, Redding, Darien, Stamford, Ridgefield, Weston, Easton, Fairfield and other local communities in Fairfield and Westchester counties. The main campus is at 317 New Canaan Road in the Silvermine area of Wilton, with an auxiliary campus at 440 Newtown Avenue in Norwalk.

  • Fax: 203-834-9640
  • Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 4pm
  • Number of students: 70
  • Public/Private: Private
  • Financial aid: Yes
  • Religious affiliation: Quaker
  • Accreditation/licenses: Connecticut Association of Independent Schools; Friends Council on Education
  • Student-to-teacher ratio: 6-1 or 8-1
  • Number of faculty: 20
  • Montessori: No
  • Grade levels: Preschool - Grade 8
  • Special education: No

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Reviews (5)

*****

PART 1:We feel fortunate that our children attend CFS, an extraordinary school: small classes, two master teachers with each class group, and a great deal of individualized attention that all enable deep, meaningful relationships to grow between teachers, administrators & students.In this intimate environment, our children are well known, their individual needs are met enthusiastically and their special talents, strengths and interests are continually cultivated.We have detailed conversations–true dialogues–with our kids’ teachers about their learning styles & strengths, as well as areas in which they need more support in their learning & growth.Our children are suitably challenged by the rigorous yet age-appropriate reading, writing, math, science & social studies work and activities, but beyond the academics we are most pleased that their personal growth is fed with care, concern, good humor, plenty of fresh air and exercise, lots of artistic & creative activities, frequent field trips, & never-ending guidance about their roles & responsibilities in the larger world around them.All of these important academic and personal experiences are happening in the midst of the rich & varied tapestry of the typical CFS school day, including the unique arts program(fiber arts, singing, visual arts, drama, African drumming, among others,)many opportunities for physical exercise, & regular field trips to relevant locations that connect their classroom learning to the larger world.

***** Read review

PART 2: CFS is a community of compassionate lifelong learners, just the kind of place where we know our children will not just learn, but THRIVE. CFS is a hidden gem in the local school scene – those who know that real learning is not achieved by a standardized curriculum nor measured by standardized test scores, but better accomplished through practical application and sophisticated discourse, will fully appreciate the learning opportunities provided by the CFS experience. While we are not Quakers ourselves, we wholly agree with the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship and appreciate that these core values are being taught to our kids as they find “the light” of inspiration, compassion and knowledge in themselves and those around them. We couldn’t ask for a more solid foundation upon which they can explore and shape their own character. We also enjoy the many all-school, family events that connect us to the people and places that have meaning for our kids at school. The typical CFS school day offers a variety of meaningful experiences, materials, resources, activities, trips, and expert instruction, all of which are value-added elements of a CFS education. Finally, the school has a deep commitment to financial assistance for families in need of help with tuition, ensuring a student body that is as diverse and multi-dimensional as possible.

**

Our daughter was home schooled up to age 6.We wanted her placed in a supportive school environment where the children and teachers would not shock her.At the early Kindergarten level we were happy with the care and attentiveness of the 2 teachers ("Maples" level).The following 2 years she advanced to the "Pines" level, and this is when we began to notice disorganization of the teaching curriculum and poor quality of education.Although the staff and administration are certainly caring people, in my opinion they do not have their acts together enough to call themselves an adequate educational facility. Our daughter learned practically nothing there in the 2 years she was in the Pines, which equates to 2nd and 3rd grades.We are now in the process of summer tutoring especially for math, to bring her up to speed for her new school. She is catching up with the tutors at present noting to us that she was never taught the materials the tutors are now teaching her.We had several meetings with the teachers about her being behind however they simply pointed it back on her without taking any responsibility. Administration seems more interested in money than proper education. A poor choice for student education.

*****

I am very happy to recommend Connecticut Friends School.
I love the values that the school upholds: simplicity, equality, peace, respect, community. These are a core part of the school's philosophy and have a big impact on the children. The staff and teachers go to great lengths to create a nurturing and engaging environment which enables children to grow and develop the resources to handle whatever comes their way. I feel that CFS has given my children the emotional and intellectual resources to handle all situations with ease and confidence.

*****

We are delighted to recommend Connecticut Friends School to those who want a personalized and deeply meaningful education for their children. We enjoy being involved in community activities at the school and watching creativity, skills and knowledge blossom in our child. This is a caring and peaceful setting where tremendous learning takes place. Strong core academics are complemented by character education, community service, visual and performing arts and outdoor education. We know our daughter will be well prepared to enter high school after finishing at CFS.

 
 
 
 
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