Friends Community School

Admissions

 

FCS Admissions and Financial Aid

Welcome to FCS, where young people experience the joy of an extraordinary education. They become active learners, independent thinkers, courageous risk-takers, problem solvers, respectful teammates, peacemakers and engaged citizens. We teach using a progressive, child-centered instructional philosophy. We meet each child in his/her stage of development, and guide and empower the child to progress at the rate most reasonable and rapid for him/her. We care for and encourage the "whole child", focusing on physical and social as well as academic learning.

Children work independently and cooperatively, and are challenged to question, explore, reflect, reason, think creatively, and communicate effectively. Our curriculum is experiential and often project-based, and includes language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, physical education, technology, and community-building. Environmental education is integrated throughout the curricula.

We are a diverse and welcoming community, where students love to learn, know how to learn, are empowered to do their individual best, and advance to leading high schools area-wide. We would be happy to receive your inquiry!

Learning about FCS

Parents interested in learning about FCS are strongly encouraged to attend an Admissions Open House, and to talk with FCS families. We also encourage parents to attend an Admissions Reception, and/or a school fair.

We hold six Admissions Open Houses each year, beginning in October and ending in January (see schedule below). The weekday Open Houses feature opportunities to see "FCS in Action", observe students and teachers in classes, tour the school guided by older students, and talk with the Head of School, Director of Admissions and Outreach, parents, and the students themselves. The Saturday Open Houses feature opportunities to tour the school guided by older students, to talk with the Head of School, Director of Admissions and Outreach, parents, and students, and to hear from teachers representing all grade levels.

On occasion, we hold separate Admissions Receptions for various interest groups. These Receptions may be held in homes or at FCS. Currently we hold such receptions for parent and area groups (e.g., Capitol Hill families, Bowie/Mitchellville families, etc.) We welcome interest from new groups and area representatives.

Parents also find us at area school fairs, including the Greenbelt Nursery School Elementary School Fair, the Mocha Moms School Night, the Moms on the Hill (MOTH) School Fair, the Cheverly School Fair, the Takoma Children's School Kindergarten Night, and other similar events.

Parents are encouraged to peruse our website, and to talk with current families, alumni, and community members. Our Director of Admissions and Outreach, Connie Belfiore, welcomes inquiries via connie@friendscommunityschool.org, and 301-441-2100 x129.

FCS Admissions Process

Parents interested in having their child or children considered for admission should obtain an application packet the year before they desire entry. They may download the packet from our website (below), or obtain a paper copy from the office staff. Upon receiving the completed application forms, we will contact you to schedule two visits: one for the student(s) and one for the parents/guardians.

Although applying prior to a year before the desired entry is not necessary, we will accept and hold early applications, and ask for updates the year before desired entry.

We encourage applications to be sent in the fall. Admissions decisions are made and communicated in early March.

This year the application deadline is January 28, 2013.

Diversity Valued

FCS values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome and celebrate families of all faiths and backgrounds.

Financial Aid

We are able to offer modest amounts of financial aid based on need. Financial aid offers are extended with offers of admissions in early March. Details may be found in the form

Admissions Calendar

The following are Admissions Open House dates for 2012-2013. All begin with a presentation at 9:00 a.m. sharp, include a student-led tour, and conclude by 11:00 a.m.

  • Thursday, October 18, 9:00-11:00am
  • Saturday, November 3, 9:00-11:00am
  • Tuesday, November 13, 9:00-11:00am
  • Friday, December 7, 9:00-11:00am
  • Friday, January 11, 9:00-11:00am
  • Saturday, January 26, 9:00-11:00am
  • Open House Flyer (PDF, 202 KB).

Admissions Documents

Tuition Fee Schedule

 

 

              Friends Community School   ~   5901 Westchester Park Drive   ~   College Park, Maryland 20740   ~   301-441-2100