Friends Academy

Friends Academy
Located in the serene surroundings of Locust Valley, New York, Friends Academy stands as a distinguished Quaker institution, offering a transformative educational experience to students from nursery school through twelfth grade. Since its establishment in 1876 by the visionary Gideon Frost, Friends Academy has upheld its commitment to nurturing young minds in a supportive, inclusive environment. Originally named Friends College, the school covers an expansive 65-acre campus, characterized by a lush, grassy quad and thoughtfully designed buildings. With a diverse student body comprising approximately 750 students hailing from various backgrounds and communities across Long Island, Friends Academy fosters a vibrant tapestry of perspectives and experiences. The student population is distributed across three divisions, with 224 students in the Lower School, 175 in the Middle School, and 370 in the Upper School. A team of dedicated educators, consisting of 119 full- and part-time teachers, 93 of whom hold master's degrees and 9 holding doctorates, passionately guides students towards educational excellence. Grounded in Quaker values, the school community places great emphasis on inquiry, reflection, and meaningful engagement within classrooms, neighborhoods, and the world at large. By inspiring students to embrace purpose-driven learning and virtuous living, Friends Academy instills the belief that greatness can be achieved without compromising goodness.
Programs in Friends Academy
Commencing from the autumn of 2021, the youngest learners at Friends Academy embarked on an immersive journey through nature within the confines of their newly established forest area. This innovative initiative served as a unique outdoor classroom, fostering the development of creative problem-solving, collaboration, and a sense of environmental conservation. Situated on the picturesque 65-acre campus, the Friends Academy Forest School program proudly stood as the inaugural undertaking of its kind in Nassau County. Cultivating a culture steeped in inquiry, active engagement, and introspection began in the Early Childhood division. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Reggio Emilia approach, the Early Childhood program at Friends Academy empowered students to embrace their innate curiosity, while dedicated educators intertwined foundational academic principles encompassing literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning within student-led thematic frameworks. Guided by the values of the Quaker philosophy, this approach not only laid the groundwork for academic achievement but also cultivated essential social and intellectual building blocks. Furthermore, the commitment to emergent curriculum harnessed the natural inquisitiveness and interests of the students, providing them with active involvement in their academic and social growth.
Friends Academy took pride in offering an Infant Care Program and a Pre-Nursery/Toddler Program, catering to the needs of the youngest learners. The infant program extended its care to children aged 6 weeks to 18 months, providing a nurturing and secure environment where babies could flourish during their formative first year. Meanwhile, the pre-nursery program catered to children aged 1 1/2 to 2+ years, fostering their interaction with and exploration of the vibrant world around them in small, closely-knit groups. Within this setting, teachers facilitated an environment where children could learn at their own pace, offering a sense of security and freedom for each child to flourish. The well-designed facilities featured age-appropriate toys and equipment that transformed the act of discovery into a joyous and engaging experience. At Friends Academy, it was understood that play was a fundamental aspect of childhood, and as such, the program provided a range of developmentally appropriate activities crafted to stimulate the interests and wonder of every child. Each activity was designed to be enjoyable, captivating, and imbued with educational value, ensuring that learning became a thrilling adventure for the youngest learners.
At Friends Academy, the Lower School lays the foundation for academic excellence, empowering students to learn and live with purpose through a combination of real-world problem-solving and Quaker values. Joy, curiosity, exploration, and scholarship define the Lower School years, ensuring that children develop a solid sense of self, a passion for learning, and a growth mindset to embrace new opportunities and challenges. The curriculum for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade establishes the foundation for significant development in both intellectual and emotional dimensions. Guided by the Quaker approach, students become critical and analytical thinkers, cultivating important skills in self-advocacy and self-reflection both inside and outside the classroom. This prepares them to be creative and collaborative problem-solvers in an ever-changing world. Beginning in the Play Group, the World Language Program at Friends Academy introduces Spanish, employing the Organic World Language Approach (OWL) to engage students in a multisensory environment enriched with dance, music, and role-play. OWL fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and influential figures across Spanish-speaking countries, exposing students to diverse ways of thinking, speaking, and communicating from an early age.
Students in Friends Academy's Middle School acquire autonomy, self-advocacy, and a respect for other viewpoints while participating in a rigorous curriculum and real-world activities. The fusion of dynamic experiential learning and collaboration is supported by the Quaker pedagogy, which enables each student to explore their passions and prepares them for success in the Upper School. The Middle School program emphasizes outstanding scholarship in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Through an Inquiry-Based model that focuses on comprehensive essential questions, students are encouraged to consider multiple solutions, honing their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges. By the conclusion of Middle School, kids have developed into confident public speakers, competent writers, critical readers, and sympathetic listeners. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are seamlessly integrated into the Middle School curriculum, ingrained as fundamental elements of daily school life. The Arts play a vital role in the Middle School, providing a rich and diverse environment where students develop new skills and knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The integrated arts curriculum encompasses music, dance, studio art, digital art, playwriting, and acting, engaging students' cognitive, physical, and character development. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Middle School Play or attend a series of Art Workshops led by guest artists and Friends Academy Faculty, encouraging them to pursue their passions or discover new interests. This immersive arts experience culminates in a week-long community celebration, fostering a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression and creative exploration.
In the Upper School, Friends Academy employs a rigorous Quaker pedagogy that shapes graduates into thoughtful and dynamic leaders, equipped with essential attributes such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilience. This comprehensive preparation enables them to excel in college and embark on lives guided by purpose, principle, and positivity. As students transition into the Upper School, they embrace their full potential, actively contemplating and preparing for their future paths through inquiry, reflection, and active engagement. At Friends Academy, global competence is fostered on the belief that the peoples of the world form a cohesive unit, enriched by their individual differences yet united by a shared humanity. Celebrating diversity within this global community is recognized as its greatest strength, while understanding and respect serve as its most valuable gifts. Interdisciplinary Studies courses play a pivotal role in cultivating students' sensitivity and skills, empowering them to become not only strong leaders but also compassionate humanitarians and genuine global citizens.

Accommodation in Friends Academy
At Friends Academy in Locust Valley, Glen Cove, NY, international students have access to exceptional educational facilities and a supportive learning environment. However, it's important to note that Friends Academy does not provide on-campus housing for students. Instead, the institution focuses solely on offering outstanding academic programs and resources to nurture students' growth and success.
For international students seeking accommodation options in Locust Valley and the surrounding areas, there are several choices available. One popular option is homestay programs, where students live with local host families. This provides an immersive cultural experience and a supportive home environment. Homestay costs can vary depending on the specific arrangements and agency, typically ranging from $1,200 USD to $1,800 USD per month, covering accommodation and meals.
Additionally, international students can explore renting apartments or condos in the area. Rental prices for apartments and condos in Locust Valley range from $1,500 USD to $3,000 USD per month, depending on factors such as size, location, and amenities.
Future Prospects after study in Friends Academy
Friends Academy graduates have promising job prospects, including the possibility of obtaining post-graduation work permits and achieving permanent resident status in the United States. The school equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the professional world. After graduation, students can explore programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience related to their field of study. These programs provide valuable hands-on experience and allow graduates to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
For those seeking long-term careers and potential permanent residency, there are multiple pathways available. Employer-sponsored visas, like the H-1B visa, enable graduates to work for U.S. companies in specialized occupations. This can lead to permanent residency opportunities. Additionally, family-based sponsorship allows close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents to petition for their family members, offering another route to permanent residency.
Graduates of Friends Academy have the option to become citizens of the United States, which provides numerous benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The country's prosperity and diverse range of industries offer ample possibilities for career advancement and success. The United States is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and robust job market, making it an ideal destination for graduates aiming to build successful careers.

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