Friends Seminary
Friends Seminary
Friends Seminary in Manhattan, New York within the landmarked district in the East Village, educates students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, guided by the principles and values of the Religious Society of Friends. The school's mission is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community where students can explore their intellectual, artistic, and athletic pursuits. Emphasizing the importance of keen observation, thoughtful reflection, critical thinking, and effective communication, the community seeks unity by listening to each individual voice.
The core principles of silence, study, and service form the foundation for personal and academic growth at Friends Seminary. Silence encourages openness to change, study deepens understanding of the world, and service challenges students to put their values into action. Rooted in the Quaker belief in the Inner Light, which recognizes the presence of God in every person, the education provided at Friends Seminary is grounded in the testimonies of integrity, peace, equality, and simplicity. Students are prepared to engage with the existing world and contribute to the realization of a more ideal world.
The Society of Friends believes that truth is continuously revealed through the incorporation of diverse voices and experiences. By welcoming individuals with different perspectives into the community, Friends Seminary enriches and deepens the quality of the truths it embraces. Creating an inclusive community is a priority, where each person is valued, supported, and feels safe. The school strives to foster an environment where everyone recognizes the Light within others and engages in ongoing dialogue to understand and appreciate the diverse truths each individual brings. Respecting and understanding differences are seen as sources of strength as the community works together to define and pursue common goals.
Programs in Friends Seminary
To begin with, the Lower School at Friends Seminary fosters the academic and social growth of each student by combining Quaker values with an action-oriented teaching and learning approach. The dedicated faculty not only focus on developing strong foundational academic skills, but also nurture advanced problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Moreover, they prioritize teaching children how to care for themselves and others, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion. This holistic educational approach encourages Lower School students to not only understand and engage with the existing world, but also to explore and envision alternative possibilities. By fostering skills such as collaboration, creativity, and social responsibility, students are empowered to contribute towards a better future.
The Lower School program at Friends Seminary is designed to be richly diverse and provides numerous opportunities for students to explore their curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and foster innovative mindsets. Whether it be in homerooms, science labs, wood shops, art studios, music rooms, innovation labs, language classrooms, gymnasiums, or dance studios, students engage with content and skills through various modalities. This multi-modal approach allows students to find new avenues for self-expression and gain a deeper understanding of others. The faculty at Friends Seminary carefully create learning environments and design experiences that facilitate meaningful connections, recognizing that students learn best when they can apply their learning within a relevant and purposeful context. By encouraging exploration and providing engaging learning opportunities, the Lower School program at Friends Seminary nurtures students' intellectual and social development.
Grounded in Quaker philosophy and practice, Friends Seminary's Center for Peace, Equity & Justice (CPEJ) aims to foster social justice, inclusivity, and sustainable communities, while nurturing lifelong commitments to public service. By connecting ideas, resources, and people, the CPEJ facilitates academic, social, and cultural programs that contribute to broader movements for social change. Emphasizing the integration of theory and real-world practice, the Center encourages learning through action, equipping students with the global competencies needed to make a positive impact and shape a better future.
In alignment with Quaker principles such as Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship, the Lower School Computer Science, Engineering, and Design program at Friends Seminary instills responsible digital citizenship in its students. Collaboratively, teachers and administrators work together to ensure that students develop a balanced approach to technology usage, promoting mindful engagement and time away from electronic devices. Utilizing iPads and computers, Lower School students supplement their classroom learning and explore introductory concepts in computer science. The selection of iPad apps by the Lower School Technology Integrator and classroom teachers aligns with subjects such as math, writing, science, and social studies, fostering problem-solving skills and creative expression. As students progress to Grades 3 and 4, they increasingly rely on laptops for writing and research purposes. Moreover, the Technology Integrator collaborates with specialist teachers across disciplines to incorporate technology seamlessly into various projects, enhancing the overall learning experience.
In the Middle School at Friends Seminary, students have the opportunity to embark on a journey of exploration, cultivate lifelong learning skills, build meaningful relationships, and embrace the valuable lessons that come with failure—all while enjoying a sense of fun and laughter. What makes the Middle School experience truly special is the fusion of messiness with the joy and innocence of youth. It is a time for students to make mistakes, embrace challenges, and learn from their experiences to continually improve. Within the Middle School environment at Friends Seminary, one moment may find students organizing themselves for lively games of tag during recess, while the next moment they are immersed in analyzing historical documents from the post-Civil War era or tackling algebraic equations. Exceptional educators at Friends Seminary guide and support students, nurturing their academic interests, fostering self-discipline, and helping them develop a strong sense of identity within the larger community. The English Department at Friends Seminary holds the aspiration of teaching students to read and write with precision, clarity, and eloquence. Students are encouraged to think logically, analytically, and imaginatively, and to engage in respectful and productive conversations. Drawing inspiration from the Quaker tradition, the practice of Meeting for Worship serves as a model for classroom environments, promoting active listening, effective use of silence, and openness to inspiration.
In the journey from ninth grade to graduation, Friends Seminary offers students a multitude of shared experiences and the freedom to explore individual paths. Teachers and advisors prioritize recognizing and nurturing each student's Inner Light, guiding them towards independence. The Upper School prepares students to engage with the world as compassionate, reflective, and globally aware citizens, fostering deep critical thinking skills. Friends Seminary's diverse academic offerings allow students to pursue their unique interests and college aspirations. The Middle School curriculum emphasizes Performing Arts, encouraging personal expression and creativity. Through a supportive environment and a range of opportunities, Friends Seminary empowers students to shape their own futures while embodying values such as compassion and curiosity.
Accommodation in Friends Seminary
Unfortunately, the school doesn't provide housing for students. But don't worry, there are plenty of options for international students in the city.
One popular choice is to stay with a host family, also known as a homestay. This gives you the chance to live with a local family and immerse yourself in the culture. The cost of a homestay in New York typically falls between $1,200 USD and $1,800 USD per month. If you prefer more independence, you can consider renting an apartment or condo. Prices for rentals vary depending on factors like location, size, and amenities. In New York, you can expect to pay around $2,500 USD to $3,500 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Another option is to share a room or apartment with fellow students. This not only helps with expenses but also creates a sense of community. Shared accommodations usually range from $800 USD to $1,500 USD per month, depending on the size and location. When deciding on housing, keep in mind your budget, preferences, and how close you want to be to the school. Take advantage of online resources like listings and student housing agencies to find the right place for you.
Future Prospects after study in Friends Seminary
First and foremost, it's important to highlight the potential for obtaining a post-graduation work permit after taking the difficulty of going through post-secondary education, such as through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). These permits provide valuable opportunities for graduates to gain practical work experience in their fields of interest within the United States.
Beyond work permits, there is also the prospect of gaining permanent resident status. Graduates may have the chance to explore avenues that lead to permanent residency, enabling them to establish long-term roots in the United States. This opens up a world of possibilities for career growth and personal development.
Furthermore, graduates of Friends Seminary have the choice to pursue U.S. citizenship, and it is indeed a real possibility. The United States offers a prosperous environment with a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. From technology and finance to healthcare and the arts, the country provides a diverse landscape for graduates to build successful careers.
Obtaining U.S. citizenship brings numerous benefits, including the ability to participate fully in the democratic process, access to government benefits, and the freedom to travel internationally with a U.S. passport. This pathway reflects the inclusive and empowering values instilled in Friends Seminary graduates, as they are encouraged to make a positive impact on the world.
In case, if you need help with Guardianship and Homestay in order to study in Friends Seminary or other schools in the USA, please fill in application below or contact us directly.