Whittier Friends School
Preschool in Whittier, CA 90601
Whittier Friends School was founded in September 1974 under the care of Whittier Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (First Friends Church), with a vision of what could be possible in the school with the commitment to make it happen. The Children come first at Whittier Friends School! We are dedicated to the growth and development of the whole child – the child as a spiritual being, as a learner, as a responsible citizen, and as a peacemaker.
We believe that children learn best when they are in an enviorenment which supports them and frees them to grow, unfolding from within, free of labels, free of not measuring up to the expectations of others, free of comparison with others, free of fear of being expected to do things for which they are not ready and at which they cannot succeEducation Time is spent freely in this school to teach children to speak truthfully (especially about their own feelings) and to aquire skills for dealing with others in positive, affirming ways. We believe that children learn continuously in a developmental order, but at differing rates. We believe that children learn best from concrete experiences such as field trips and hands-on science lessons, and from much use of manipulative equipment in discovery learning. Whittier Friends School offers continuity, that is, keeping children together for two or more years with the same teacher or teachers. With our multi-grade approach. we are able to offer maximum continuity from year to year. Our staff, along with our School Committee, makes important decisions about curriculum and testing within the guidelines of the California State Department of Education. This method encourages creativity and innovation on the part of our staff and our students. Quakers have long valued cooperation above individual competition, and so Whittier Friends School encourages cooperative play and learning. Our multi-grade classrooms lend themselves naturally to peer tutoring; younger and older students alike learn more when students help students discover knowledge. Whittier Friends School uses technology as a learning tool. Each classroom has a computer lab which the students use under the guidance of our teachers and aides. A science lab equipped with laboratory materials and microscope is used to expand the students’ scientific curiosity. We have a wonderful school dedicated to the development of the whole child. We are ready to serve the needs of the children of our community. We are committed to giving children the best possible education in a loving, caring enviornment.- Child Ages:
- 2 years - 6 years
- Rates:
- $
- Licenses & Accreditations:
- California Department of Social Services: Community Care Licensing Division
- Preschool:
- Yes
- Hours of Operation:
- 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Instructional Philosophy
Whittier Friends School was founded in September 1974 as a non-profit school under the care of Whittier Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (First Friends Church). The School is registered with the State of California Department of Education, and is an active member of the Friends Council on Education. Children of all ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasions are welcome to share in the diverse and rich learning experience offered in a school dedicated to the growth and development of the whole child. Whittier Friends School defines the whole child as a spiritual being, a learner, a responsible citizen and a peacemaker.
Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, emerged from England with a faith that was inward, reflective, and based both on the Bible and the inner spirituality of each person. There is no creed, but underlying principles of belief guide each individual. These beliefs grew into the testimonies of: Simplicity, Peace (Harmony), Integrity, Community, Equality – or SPICE. The Quaker testimonies see persons as children of God/Christ, living simply in moderation, working toward peaceful resolution of coNFLicts within the community and providing service as needEducation Whittier Friends School works with the students using these principles.
Simplicity
Simplicity is a challenging concept in today’s material world, and Whittier Friends School approaches the awareness of leading a simple and moderate life through practical examples and projects.
Peace (Harmony)
Whittier Friends School attempts to find decisions by coming to unity together, rather than by using majority rule, which often disregards the thought of the minority group. Unity allows each individual viewpoint to be shared and included and creates a decision of informed consent of all involvEducation This process creates the free sharing of concerns where each person feels a valued part of the school and its program.
The students at Whittier Friends School are encouraged to solve differences in a peaceful manner. Teachers help each child to see the different points of view in any coNFLict, and, without blaming anyone, to work out a solution acceptable to all parties involvEducation
Integrity
Integrity is the one testimony underlying the entire speCenterum of all testimonies. Integrity, defined as personal honesty, essentially nourishes and supports all human relationships and action.
Community
Whittier Friends School students learn the testimony of community by developing and carrying out service projects that provide some form of care for others within our locale. The school also joins with the Meeting in worship, holiday celebrations, and in the opening of all school activities to the Meeting family. The spirit of Community is also developed within the world by studying not only the United States, but all countries, creating in all our students, regardless of grade level, a distinct global awareness. A Meeting for Worship is held each week in the Meetinghouse and is attended by all students and staff, as well as any interested friends. Quakers have a strong belief in quiet meditation, taking time to listen to one’s Inner Light (the spirit of God within each person) and to share reflections with one another. Each school day begins with a time of gathering together to reflect on the coming activities and to help each student find a comfortable center on which to build the day’s experiences succesSFully. The spiritual purpose of the Whittier Friends School program is to strengthen religious beliefs regardless of denomination and to give each student a comfortable awareness of himself or herself within our society as a whole.
Equality
Children and staff alike are encouraged to express concerns, defined in the Quaker sense as an obligation to do something for or to offer sympathetic interest to an individual or situation. The sharing of concerns is encouraged in thoughtful and respectful ways so that each person feels an equal part of the school and its program.
