Friends School

5465 Pennsylvania Ave

Boulder, CO 80303

54 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 20, 2024

This 24/25 school year is our first year at Friends School. My 6th grade son has severe dyslexia, ADHD, and a language processing disorder. Behaviorally he is at age level, he was reading and writing at a kinder/1st grade level when he came to the school. We came from 2 years at another local private school who "specialized in dyslexia". After 2 years at said school we saw regression and emotional distress. Because of this it was extremely important to find a school who would 1. Accommodate for his learning challenges 2. Instill in him the confidence and attitude that he has what it take to overcome the challenges. 3. Not have him feeling excluded or different than any of the other students. We feel so incredibly fortunate to have found Friends School. It is everything we were looking for and more. Our son is thriving, has all of the support he needs (we do outside tutoring to supplement) and has found confidence in himself as a student and a learner. My concerns about the school not specializing in learning challenges is a non issue. Ivan, Brandi, Honor and the entire staff are so dedicated to the success in the students, as students and as citizens. I only wish we would have found Friends sooner.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2024

We love being at Friends and feel so grateful to be a part of this community. We entered into Friends after struggling in our local elementary school. Friends offers our children both rich curriculum and learning opportunities AND social and emotional support. Our kids come home regulated from school and are ready to go back the following day. Our children feel very seen as humans and respected and appreciated. We love the teachers, small classrooms and the vibe of the school is one of family. We are all here because we believe in similar values for our kiddos. I highly recommend Friends. My kid says "I do not like Friends.... I LOVE Friends!"
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2024

Our child is thriving academically (above grade level!), socially and emotionally at Friends School. Sending our kid to Friends has been one of the best decisions we have made for their education. The small class sizes, with 2 (sometimes 3) amazing teachers gives them the opportunity to differentiate in ways that we weren't able to see in a public school setting. Our child loves the project-based learning, as they are applying their learning as opposed to rote memorization. We have enjoyed coming in throughout the year to see our child and their class give presentations on their projects and demonstrate their learning through each subject. Our child's teachers have put so much thought into their curriculum with engaging topics, field trips, and guest speakers. I feel fortunate that, as a parent, I am able to volunteer to see some of these things for myself! Our child feels seen at school. Because it is small, every staff knows every child and no kid falls through the cracks. Additionally, the parent community is highly involved and tight-knit. It has been incredible to become friends with the parents of my child's friends. Highly recommend Friends School to anyone looking for an incredible learning environment for their child!
Submitted by student on October 10, 2024

Here's the thing: the teachers at Friends actually care about you. Like, really care. They get you. They know middle school is a crazy time with all the drama and changes and stuff, and they're there for you through it all.They don't just care about your grades (though they definitely want you to learn!), they care about you as a person. They want you to be happy and healthy and kind. They want you to be your best self.And it's not just the teachers. It's the whole community. Everyone is so supportive and accepting. I've never felt like I had to pretend to be someone I'm not. I can just be myself, and that's a really awesome feeling.Plus, there's no cell phones allowed, which is actually kind of a relief. You can just focus on being present and connecting with people in real life. It's way better than scrolling through nonsense all day, trust me.Honestly, I feel so lucky to be at Friends. It's made middle school way less stressful and way more fun. If you're looking for a school where you'll feel truly cared for and supported, this is it.
Submitted by student on October 10, 2024

Friends Middle School is awesome! I actually love going to school here. The teachers make learning so much fun, and they really challenge us. Before Friends, I felt kind of bored in class. But here, I'm learning so much, and I feel like I'm really growing as a student.I love that the teachers push us to be our best. They expect a lot from us, but they also support us every step of the way. They make me want to work harder and try new things. I'm not afraid to take risks in class, even if it means making mistakes.Friends has helped me become a more confident learner. I'm not scared of hard classes anymore, and I actually enjoy being challenged. I know that my teachers believe in me, and that makes all the difference. If you're looking for a school that will push you to be your best, Friends is the place to be!
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2024

Friends Middle School has been an absolute blessing for our family! With two kids already thriving there and our third on the way, I can confidently say this school is exceptional.The education is top-notch. My children are not only mastering a challenging curriculum, but they're also developing a genuine love of learning. The teachers are truly incredible – they are passionate, dedicated, and have an amazing ability to connect with each student individually. They meet my kids exactly where they are at, fostering their confidence and encouraging them to reach their full potential.Beyond academics, Friends fosters a strong sense of community and instills values of compassion and global awareness. My kids are becoming well-rounded individuals who care about the world around them.I am beyond impressed with the entire Friends community – the teachers, staff, and families. There's a genuine sense of warmth and support that makes this school truly special. I couldn't be happier with our choice to send our children to Friends School and highly recommend it to any family looking for an enriching and nurturing educational experience.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2024

We had both our children in Friends Elementary school, and one of our children also attended the Middle School. While both our kids enjoyed their elementary school experience, our experience with the middle school was so abysmal that we can not in good conscience recommend this school. The leadership of the school turns a blind eye to bullying and parental concerns. There is an unhealthy "clique" that seems to exist among school leadership, it's board, and 'popular' parents (eg big donors) that one can only assume contributes to leaderships unwillingness to enforce it's own code of conduct when there is documented bullying, sexual harassment, and threats. Our daughter was routinely bullied in the middle school. When the head of middle school and head of school were repeatedly informed of these incidents, we were met with placations and empty promises of action that were never followed through on. Needless to say, when the time came for our younger child to go to Middle School, we wen't elsewhere.Academically, they promise 'academic rigor'. While the elementary school was decent, the Middle School was a joke. We have a direct comparison with another private middle school now, and it's night and day in terms of what is offered. Friends Middle provides lots of empty busy work, has wildly inconsistent teacher quality (with many of the best ones having left recently) and honestly seems to be a magnet for dysfunctional kids that can't cut it in other schools and have no real interest in learning.Friends Middle School was the biggest waste of money. We've spent years undoing the damage done by my childs experience there.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2024

We highly encourage anyone considering Friends School (elementary or middle) to please do your research. Research other independent schools whom have vastly more well rounded programs and take time to compare tuition rates. Friend School tuition has steadily risen each year but there haven't been clear improvements in the campuses or curriculum. They are near the upper range in Boulder county. The school touts experiential learning but rarely did we see work come home that reflects this philosophy or frequent learning outside of the classroom such as field trips. You're promised many field trips, but they are infrequent and seem to be packed in at the end of the school year. Misbehavior, disrespect and unkindness amongst children of all ages is common and a concern. Their tactic in the lower school is "check-ins" and these can be wonderful for the kids to learn how to work through conflict with each other, but at times it seems the staff relies on these too heavily for serious misbehaviors. The classrooms are often chaotic and the kids that want to learn find it challenging due to the rampant misbehavior and lack of respect for the teachers. Children do not seem to receive meaningful consequences for their actions and expulsion for serious incidents is non existent at this school. The middle school is the land of unlimited chances and a place that many kids whom have had behavior issues at other schools are welcomed here with little to no consideration of their past actions. If you're looking for academic rigor that will prepare your child for high school then look elsewhere. The curriculum, electives and facilities at the middle school are abysmal considering the high cost. There has also been a high turnover amongst the teachers, leadership and admin staff as well as many families leaving this school. The leadership team turns a blind eye to issues raised and they use intimidation tactics to get parents with concerns "in-line". The school board and leadership have a relationship that goes beyond professional which further complicates matters because if you have a concern it's often ignored by all. All in all, while we have been unhappy with our experience here there are some lovely teachers and staff at this school. Unfortunately, their care for the students and passion for teaching are overshadowed by the many issues.
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2024

We are so grateful for everything Friends School provides for our son and, every time we have the chance, we share our thoughts with friends and people. Our son has been growing so much at Friends School these years intellectually and emotionally! We attended at Friends Middle School in 6th grade. The acceptance and love he gets at this school it’s beyond we could have imagined. We could never be thankful enough for what Friends School offers to him and all the children that are part of this family. We trust Friends School with our most precious treasure of our souls and in return their professionalism, love and care has never disappointed us! Our son has a voice! Being so passionate and knowledgeable he often gets involved in engaging conversations impressing people with his knowledge, confidence and courage. Of course they are asking about the school he attends to and I think this is one of the most powerful ways to show to everyone how amazing this institution is! Friends School challenges minds, nurture spirits and honorers individuality like no one else! Thank you for your every day care and love to our children!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2023

We left traditional education in 4th grade and haven't looked back. We joined Friends Middle School in 6th grade, and our son has blossomed into a confident thinker with a positive attitude on learning. The smaller environment has enabled our 'different' thinker to adapt and produce work he is proud of. He's with a great group of kids and enjoys the schools flexible use of 'know yourself', wonderfully creative with learning ideas and encouragement for kids with dyslexia, ADD, etc...has made a world of difference. Only one more year before high school, but we see his connections with teachers and peers and are pleased to watch his progress.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023

Friends School has been transformative for our son. Coming from public school, he went from a student/teacher ratio of 27:1 to 8:1. With cool project-based learning, we noticed he was immediately more engaged and positive about school. But the biggest payoff has been seeing him grow academically, emotionally, and socially. His teachers recognize his unique strengths, while nurturing him in weaker subjects, which ultimately fosters newfound confidence. When our son completed fifth grade, he and his classmates all stood up and gave speeches with jaw-dropping grace and poise that went with him into middle school. Now in middle school at Friends, he continues to be engaged and says he loves school (and that's a big deal for a middle schooler). We're so grateful for Friends School!
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2021

Our child is entering 7th grade. Their experience so far has been amazing. They’ve gone from disliking school and having a poor experience in many elementary grades to now wanting the summer to end so they can return to school. Great teachers, principal, and supporting staff, small classes and the nurturing environment you can only hope for. Lots of project based learning with collaboration. Kids feel respected by the teachers and the principal. My only wish is that the school had a more diverse student population, but we live in Boulder, so I’m not surprised.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2021

We have had such an amazing experience at Friends School. I have two boys, currently in 3rd and 5th grades. We joined the school 5 years ago when my oldest was entering 1st grade. My boys have loved every minute of it- they are always super excited to go to school in the morning, and are the last to leave at the end of the day. The teachers are top-notch and the administration is super supportive! Would highly recommend sending your kiddos here.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2021

Friends School is the best! Their true commitment to honoring the full child, and seeing every student as an individual is so amazing. The teachers, staff, and administration are all fantastic and the school's approach to raising our children to be good humans instead of just good at taking tests is evident every single day.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2020

Our daughter attended the Preschool and is currently a student in the Elementary. This School is a 10! We've had an amazing experience at Friends.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2019

We have been fortunate enough to have a child at Friends School Preschool or Pre-K now since the Fall of 2015. What an amazing school. The school philosophy and the teachers are quite possibly the best around, and I feel as though I can honestly back that claim up, since I am a former 1-2 grade public school teacher myself. The teachers take the time to empower the kids, to help create a love for learning and to help them learn so much about their own social and emotional health. We have seen our kids grow, they have learned how to problem solve, how to build friendships, how to think for themselves and think outside of the box. I would 100% recommend Friends School.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2019

Could not ask for a better place for our kids to learn to love learning! Incredible teachers and faculty who know how to hold and encourage students. Phenomenal food, facilities and programming. Friends is truly special!
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2019

We've had two children at this school from Pre-school through 8th grade and we've loved it. Highly recommend!
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2019

We love Friends School! Their emphasis on social/emotional growth is what makes success in everything else (including academics) possible. The school attracts incredibly talented teachers and administrators who listen to parents and kids. Our daughter went from stress and tears at the neighborhood elementary school to running into class and hugging her teacher every day at Friends. The difference that a supportive environment can make in a child's learning and growth should never be underestimated, and it isn't at Friends.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2019

Love this school! It has been a positive and wonderful place for our 9 year old daughter.