Haddonfield Friends School

47 North Haddon Avenue

Haddonfield, NJ 08033

33 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on March 26, 2024

As a staff member, this is the most supportive environment in which I have worked. All of the staff and faculty are warm, generous, and welcoming. The communication is very good and transparent.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2024

I am so greatful for HFS in so many ways. My son was having a difficult time finding his way in public school. HFS changed his life. We weren't sure if school was right for him but truly it was about finding the right school for him. HFS was that place. We were going to have him repeat a grade but the school insisted giving them a chance to get him caught up and fully prepared for High School. They did so much more. Not only was he prepared for 9th grade leaving HFS, he went on to college and is thriving today. The loving & supportive community, idividualized learning experince and staff attention to detail/student needs went above and beyond. I highly recommend HFS to anyone who is looking for an extremely positive alternative to education and learning in a public school.
Submitted by other on January 31, 2024

the school just makes the teachers laidback and act all sweet, but their teaching methods are slow and inadequate. HFS is a school for people with problems, not normal students. The person below me said it best if you're interested (the long, long one)
Submitted by other on January 31, 2024

Due to the school's faith and historical background, almost every, if not all, of the teachers here are relaxed, kind, and easygoing. They are very inclusive and try to appeal to all aspects of a student and their family's lives. However, due to their nature, they give little preparation and an atrocious transition to high school - they often make the metaphor that they are one big family, but a family will never know how to properly raise their children without outside information and comparison. The skills needed for truly advanced classes is not provided in this school, and the environment is so tranquil that most of the kids have never seen a teacher there truly mad, which also has an impact on their attitude - it makes many of them immature and HFS believes it is simply part of the process. I firmly believe that students should only be admitted to this school if they have some sort of behavioral issue (or something else of the sort that the parent has growing and serious concerns about). Furthermore, this school, rather than improves, deteriorates student's social skills - of course, in such a small classroom, they are aware of each other and their emotions, but this also fosters brotherly/sisterly-like interactions that include no form of practice for real world communication with other peers and social workers. Their learning content is also very, very lacking compared to public middle, and potentially elementary, schools - if you have doubts about this statement in particular, I suggest you simply compare with outside students to see the truth. This school also has potential for serious incidents to occur - its large campus makes it extremely easy to wander off grounds, and students with disabilities that are unable to see the error in their actions could potentially see serious harm (so take precaution if admitted). The teachers are also extremely tolerant towards their students - once again, like a mother is to her son - can the students can often be seen in unprofessional attire/manners, which is certainly tolerable for students of younger ages, but even their 8th graders follow this trend. Finally, this school does not actually solve problems that students have, but instead (mainly) teaches them how to deal and work with/around it; which is something that has the potential to be astronomically detrimental once a student leaves HFS and realizes high school won't hold their hand like their previously lazy teachers did in their past school.
Submitted by other on June 30, 2023

I went to HFS from kindergarten till 8th grade and it was absolutely wonderful. This school has a very very special place in my heart. I think about this school often because of their amazing staff, opportunities, and welcoming environment. I highly recommend attending this school. I am now in college pursuing a Biology degree on a Pre-Med track and I can honestly say that I would not be here if it wasn’t for HFS and how they were able to help students with their individual interests. Because of the small class sizes I was able to get more personalized help. On top of that, they make learning SO FUN. They find many ways to incorporate useful activities into the learning environment. I felt very prepared going into highschool, I actually got over a 4.0 the first year. Overall, I felt so comfortable attending HFS, it is seriously a second home to me and I can not emphasize enough how much I love this school.
Submitted by student on January 04, 2021

What is their weaknesses and strengths? I was a student at HFS and I was struggling with depression and while I was in school diagnosed with ADHD they tried to understand that I was struggling but it was very hard because I felt as if i was being babied or treated special (and not in a good way) I was going through the hardest time in my life and they did not help. I was also bullied and it was very hard for me. I was bullied a lot. I was bullied by both Teachers and Students. The teacher that was not kind or caring at all is gone. But that did not help with the kids. I was very depressed at the school. I would recommend it to many parents but if your kid may be struggling with ADHD or any disorder it might not be the best fit. It is a very competitive and there are many high expectations. If your kid is struggling with depression or anxiety it might be helpful to have someone to support them while in this school. I think it is a great school and i was very lucky to go and learn there but it does have many things that could be worked on. Thank you
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2019

HFS fosters academic and personal strength and excellence. Graduates go far in the world with these skills and solid confidence and comfort in their own skin. Who could ask for more?
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2019

I have taught in lots of schools and I have seen a lot of preschools due to family moves. This is a really, really special place.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2019

We could not be happier with our experience at HFS! We have two children who have attended the school since pre-school (our oldest is now in middle school), and we are delighted with the education they have received, both in terms of their academic preparation and in terms of their character development.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2019

My daughter was so unprepared for heavy academic requirements of high school. After one year of heavy tutoring she finally caught up!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2018

We have loved our experience at HFS. We have had three kids attend school there and have been so happy with the education they are getting. The focus is not only on academics but also on teaching kindness, respect, love for other and nature. I love that the teachers realize that kids need to be outside on a beautiful day and get 6 “recesses” without compromising their academics. It is a wonderful place to educate and raise intelligent and kind people. We love it.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2018

Our daughter has been at HFS since she was 2.5 years old. She will be entering 1st grade next year. We could have moved her to the public elementary school in our town which is rated as one of the best in the state, but chose to keep her at Haddonfield Friends School. We made this decision because of the smaller class size, wonderful teachers and exceptional education she is receiving.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2018

On a scale of 1 to 10, our experience at HFS would be a strong 10. The main reason for this is that the teachers are just amazing. Smart, insightful, passionate, thoughtful and caring. Further, in this age of "bullying," HFS has been amazing at teacher kids how to work together to respectfully resolve conflicts and the importance of respecting others. A great school.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2018

I could send my child to a public school or move to a town where they have very good public schools but Education my child is receiving at this school is unlike what she would receive in our public school system. This school is truly a unique place and my daughter has blossomed here.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2018

Haddonfield Friends School is a safe and supportive learning environment - our children really love their school and community.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2018

Haddonfield Friends School is a nurturing learning environment that supports the whole child... mind and spirit. Our three children attend/ed HFS (2 years to Kindergarten), where they were inspired to learn through engaging and challenging material, teaching styles and good classroom management. The Head of School at HFS is passionate about the school and I think the community -- from students to staff, teachers to parents -- is energized by his vision and commitment to a student-driven, innovative curriculum where each and every student can be an active participant. We highly recommend HFS!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2017

My son graduated there several years ago and is finishing high school. We only realized the weak academics when he was behind in all subjects. High School Guidance counselor said he was poorly prepared in middle school by Haddonfield Friends. SAT scores this year were disappointing even though an "A" student at Haddonfield Friends. Bullying just like another reviewer said is swept under the rug. We know people have left the school for bully behavior unchecked. Why do you think the graduating class is so small?? Good reviews at school appear to be written by teachers and their friends. Beware of this non-academic environment.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2017

My child attended the school from for several years - - while generally a good experience, particularly the middle school teachers, I am sorely disappointed at the way bullying is (not) handled. Pretty depressing for a Quaker-based school.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2016

My daughter is currently enrolled in the pre-k program at Haddonfield Friends. The teachers are very warm, patient and nurturing. We love the Spanish and music programs. My daughter is learning Spanish words that I learned in high school. She is always happy and smiling when I pick her up. Such a wonderful place!
Submitted by teacher on May 08, 2015

What a truly wonderful place for children to learn and grow! Our students and families bring rich diversity to our community; our faculty/staff is the most caring, professional, and dedicated by far; our curriculum sets the bar high and supports growth and excellence at every level. Our substitute teachers rush to apply for any new openings on our faculty! Every child is recognized, nurtured, and challenged to be the best he/she can be, academically, socially-emotionally, spiritually. What a truly enriching place for children to blossom to their full potential!