Greenwood Friends School

"We hope always to support our students in their development as truly honorable people—informed, engaged, and compassionate people, who come to positions on issues of consequence by active analysis and reflection, informed by a sense of respect for and responsibility toward others, in a spirit defined by neither arrogance nor apathy."
—Lisa Darling, Former Clerk, Friends Council on Education Board of Directors

Greenwood's rigorous, personalized curriculum supports and challenges every child, nurturing natural curiosity and encouraging academic excellence. The preschool through 8th grade students explore their world locally and globally. Greenwood encourages students to learn through innovation and collaboration, preparing them to succeed in our changing world.

Quaker testimonies and the Greenwood Friends School philosophy:

Quaker testimonies are general statements about Friends' practices and beliefs.  Our school's mission statement refers to several testimonies—integrity, equality, community, simplicity, and peace—which are reflected in our goal of providing a challenging and supportive environment.

You can learn more about Quaker education from the Friends Council on Education. The Friends Council offers links to other Quaker schools.

Quakers explain that Greenwood is “under the care of” of Millville Friends Meeting and the Upper Susquehanna Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Our “care relationship” is evidenced in the structure of our school (our bylaws state that more than half of our Board of Directors must be Quaker representatives), in the regular patterns of our activities (once a month the entire school gathers at the Millville Meetinghouse for Meeting for Worship; annual graduation ceremonies are hosted there), and in the commitment of both Meetings to support the school’s educational mission with their corporate resources (annual Garden Tour proceeds benefit tuition assistance funds; members support classroom activities; the Millville Meeting housed our current Middle School during its first year).

On September 8, 2007, the gathered members of Millville Meeting passed the following Minute in affirmation of its support... 

To teach at Greenwood Friends School is to be planted in fertile soil. My first year at Greenwood sped by in a whirlwind of activity, with procedures and traditions to learn fresh, but I recognized immediately that I had found a place where I could use every bit of what I had learned in college and in previous teaching positions. Here I found a faculty committed to keeping up with the latest educational practices while staying loyal to the best of the tried and true. Here I found veteran teachers to offer guidance and advice. Here I found educators interested in designing and adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of the students – a true child-centered curriculum. I feel blessed to teach in an environment where academic standards are met through meaningful, hands-on, investigative learning, and where that learning happens across a rich curriculum that includes art, music, and physical education...

Quaker education represents a unique combination of academic excellence and spiritual depth.  

Children are expected to grow and change in an environment that nurtures their spirits and challenges them to develop inner resources for discipline and achievement. 

The Quaker belief in the "Inner Light" leads to faith in the ability of every member of the school community to reach his or her full potential. 

• -from the Friends Council on Education pamphlet "What does a Friends School have to offer?" 

Members of the school community contribute in many ways. The following committees do a great deal of behind-the-scenes work to keep Greenwood going. Almost all of the committees are eager to take on new members. If you are interested in serving, contact the clerk of the committee, the school office, or a Parent Group clerk for more information.