If our teens can do advanced math, speak multiple languages and receive top grades, but they can't manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution or handle stress, none of that other stuff is really going to matter.
Our Early Childhood program provides a gentle start to school, allowing children in Preschool and Pre-K to explore at their own pace and become inspired by the world. With an abundance of carefully curated materials, children’s imaginations are sparked and their creativity cultivated. Ample time outdoors fosters full-body play experiences. Teachers cultivate language and self-awareness that enables children to attune to their emotions and personal needs, and those of others, so they can make lifelong friends and advocate for themselves.
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.
But for children
play is serious learning.
Play is really the
work of childhood.
Project Based Learning blends content mastery, meaningful work, and personal connection to create powerful learning experiences, in terms of both academic achievement and students’ personal growth.
Our Elementary Program emphasizes an experiential and integrated curriculum, focused on rich academics, creative problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and activism. Our approach emphasizes Gold Standard Project-Based Learning, blending content mastery, meaningful work, and personal connection to create powerful learning experiences, in terms of both academic achievement and students’ social-emotional growth.
Students work independently, in small groups and as a whole class to solve problems and to gain deeper understanding. We place a balanced emphasis on process and content, and supporting children to understand who they are as learners and use their knowledge to have a positive impact on the world.
Our Middle School Program is designed to support students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence while fostering empathy skills and habits of mind for success in high school and beyond. Teachers work closely with students, providing individualized support and guidance, while emphasizing the importance of rigorous academics. Through engaging activities and project-based learning experiences, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge, think critically, and excel academically.
Simply put, we do middle school differently. We see it as much more than just an extension of elementary school or a preview of high school. It is one of the most pivotal times in a human's life. We know it. We nurture it.
Friends School offers a unique adult Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) to aspiring teachers that will enable them to attain a Colorado teaching license as well as an optional Master’s degree in education through our partnership with the University of Colorado Denver.
This highly regarded graduate-level program offers two tracks depending on your specific needs. Coursework begins in August with an orientation week and continues every other Saturday throughout the school year. All teacher candidates will engage in a year of hands-on classroom teaching experience.
After School
AfterCare (Elementary)
AfterCare is available at an additional cost and is structured with a snack, playtime, library, and/or choice time. It ends promptly at 5:30 PM.
Study Hall (Middle School)
Study Hall is a free option for MS Students to stay after school to work on homework, projects, and readings with school staff and peers. It ends promptly at 5:30 PM.
Enrichment
Enrichment Programs are meant to be fun and engage students in a variety of activities. Classes change regularly and can include items such as; engineering, cooking, theater, art and physical activities.
Classes are available at an additional cost and limited financial aid is available.
Private Music Lessons
We offer private music lessons taught by local music teachers. These are fun, engaging, and a convenient way for students to learn and/or practice their musical skills. Our offerings have included; percussion, guitar, violin, and voice.
Lessons are available at an additional cost.
Summer Program
From preschool backyard camp to classes in theater, cooking, science, art, sports, and more, Friends School offers one of Boulder’s most popular summer programs for students ages 2.5-14 years.
Choose from a wide variety of week-long, half-day and full-day summer classes. Students who are enrolled in morning and afternoon camps in the same week can stay through lunch for an uninterrupted day of fun.
