Education & History
New things are growing at Lancaster Friends School
In addition to a new location for the school, LFS welcomed their first class of preschool-aged students last fall.
Celebrating the first school year in their expanded space on Maple Avenue, Lancaster Friends School (LFS) is excited to now offer joy-filled education for preschool-aged students, adding opportunities for learners through eighth grade to find their individuality and thrive in diverse and peace-centered education.
Rooted in a peace-centered education
Opened in the fall of 2021, LFC was born out of a leading from Quaker Friends with a mission to create a school in Lancaster with social justice at its core. Their approach is in the Quaker beliefs of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality/Equity, and Stewardship/Sustainability.
With Quakerism at their core, LFC celebrates childhood by encouraging students to be individuals and follow the testimonies. Rooted in the same philosophy, the preschool will empower each child as an individual while teaching respect, peace, integrity, and stewardship.
“We wanted a school that could really be a place of belonging, where we could see each student and value them for who they are and let them be true to themselves.”
– Andrea Paz y Miño Carty, Head of School
A purpose-built space for preschoolers
The new location allows for ample indoor and outdoor space including a playground, something that’s entirely new for the school. All students, including the new preschoolers, have room to move, play, and learn in developmentally appropriate ways. In their new Maple Avenue home, the preschool and kindergarten classrooms are intentionally multi-age with 3- and 4-year-olds as well as 4- and 5-year olds, allowing children the flexibility to move at their own pace—socially, emotionally, and academically. This gives students the support they need to lead their own growth.
“The preschool and the kindergarten are also multi-age classrooms. This allows us to really follow the child, which is an important part of what we do,” Andrea shared.
In addition to ample space and and multi-age learning, the preschool also offers low student-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to work as a collaborative team. The teachers can stay with the same students for multiple years, which creates a deeper connection and relationships.
An inclusive space for all
LFS is committed to meeting all families financial needs, with financial aid available to those that qualify. Since their opening, LFS has been able to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for enrolled families so far. They ensure that every opportunity is widely available and diversity is celebrated so that everyone feels welcome.
“We’re really trying to make sure that this education opportunity is available to everyone across the income spectrum.”
– Trex Proffitt, Director of Operations and Middle School History & Civics
Learn more about the school and apply today at lancasterfriends.org.
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