Amongst the myriad of school and sports team stickers seen on cars across Decatur, you’ve no doubt noticed at some point a purple burning candle logo reading “The Friends School of Atlanta”.
Serving Decatur and its surrounding communities since 1991, The Friends School of Atlanta is the only Quaker school in Georgia. “Our Quaker values set us apart,” says Dot López, Head of School. “It’s not a religion. It’s a set of beliefs that honors every individual's Inner Light.” The Inner Light in Quakerism is the belief that every person carries a divine presence within them, connecting them to truth and goodness. “We’re all in community seeking truth together.”
Part of the Quaker network of 76 schools across the country, The Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) takes a uniquely holistic approach to education, emphasizing curiosity and inquiry-based learning over rote memorization. “Of course parents want their kids to get good grades,” says Lopez, “but more importantly, they want them to have strong character. That doesn’t happen unintentionally.”
This focus on character building can be seen through the Quaker “SPICES” guiding values (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) which permeate the education atmosphere at FSA. “We believe no one person owns the truth,” says Lopez. “We teach ‘continuing revelation’, the idea that learning is a never-ending process as one of our core values. I come into school with a humble posture every day because I can learn so much from our students.”
That posture of humility and openness creates a learning environment at FSA that’s unlike anything one may experience in a more traditional setting. In addition to core classes, students engage in social-emotional learning which emphasizes the value of openness and conflict resolution skills to manage emotions and build relationships.
“There’s a compassion and sincerity you see here [that] you just don’t always see from kids,” says Wil Norris, Communications Manager and Instructor. “They actually see each other. They don’t just say ‘sorry’ if they do something wrong. They verbalize the problem, look each other in the eye, and apologize with honesty. It’s amazing to see 7th and 8th graders doing what a lot of adults struggle with.”
The Friends School's holistic approach to education and community has been taking diversity, equity, and inclusion to heart since before “DEI” was buzzing in the news. “Diversity has always been part of the fabric of our schools,” explains Lopez. “Quakers are social justice people. We have always been advocates for civil and human rights. It’s part of our DNA.”
Diversity at The Friends School goes beyond simply a mixture of race and gender. It is evident how diversity plays a vital role at FSA- from non-traditional classrooms to standing desks and areas that encourage silent reflection. “You’ll see flexibility in the way we teach because not every kid learns the same way,” says Lopez. “We love to spend time outside, moving, conversing. We encourage students to be curious and adapt the learning experience to the way each individual learns best and meet them where they are. That makes them feel seen and supported.”
The emphasis on diversity can also be seen in unexpected ways such as the Buddy Program, where 8th graders are given the opportunity to mentor the school’s youngest students and share an experience with someone in a different phase of life- highlighting the diversity of age. Students are encouraged to discuss and debate issues in meaningful, respectful ways even when they disagree- hence, diversity of opinion.
“The conversations these 7th and 8th graders are having are nothing like the conversations I was having at that age,” Norris reflects. “They are having real talk about culture and community. They’re learning how to have healthy debates. It’s the result of listening to understand, not just to respond.”
Learning to understand and not just respond is one of the many virtues taught by a pillar of Quaker practice: Silent Meeting. “Our entire community gathers every week to sit together in silence” explains Lopez. “From our 3-year-olds to 8th graders and teachers. It’s time to come together and recognize our community and our shared search for the truth. Silence connects us and helps center ourselves. It keeps all of us open to seeing each other's truth.”
As proud members of the Decatur community, FSA fosters community connections well beyond the classroom. Through initiatives like Community in Action Days, the entire Friends School of Atlanta family comes together to make a positive impact both locally and beyond, reflecting the belief that education is just as much about living out the values of community and stewardship.
“We welcome all who are curious,” says Lopez. “We understand that building up students' character is essential and encourage anyone from the community to join us on this journey.”
To learn more about The Friends School of Atlanta and their approach to education, or to schedule a tour, visit friendsschoolatlanta.org.
"You’ll see flexibility in the way we teach because not every kid learns the same way."
“Of course parents want their kids to get good grades, but more importantly, they want them to have strong character. That doesn’t happen unintentionally.”