Friends Select School

1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia, PA 19103

28 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on January 14, 2024

Though I left FSS in after second grade, my experience up until that point was far from superb, and reports from friends still in FSS indicate that it gets worse as the grade levels progress. Though many of the teachers were very kind and supportive, some of them were very inflexibale and did not teach effectively. Moreover, the actual content of the teaching was of an extremely low level, making it so that when I left for a new school, I was far behind. Even if things remained at this level, I would be currently maleducated at best (if I had stayed there), but the general idea I seem to have gotten is that it gets worse in the higher grade levels. I have little basis with which to elaborate on this specifically, but in general it seems to be an inflated version of all bad aspects present in the lower levels in the Upper School. I would not recommend FSS to anyone, and though it is far from the worst, one would expect better from a private school in central Philadelphia.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2023

Scouted my child at a basketball game! Offered my child a full scholarship for highschool basketball! We paid the fees, took the test which was $350, and then they decided to decline the offer because they didn't like his 6th year grades. They asked him to write a letter explaining the decline in his grades for that year. He wrote an entire letter explaining his grades suffered because he had two brothers pass in the same year! All of this to no avail! They did not accept him, asked if I wanted to reclass him back to 8th grade; even though he was valedictorian, and offered help on making his application stronger for next year! Horrible! No thanks! They could have left us alone! Meanwhile, my child received a scholarship to Neumann-Goretti with no issues!
Submitted by other on July 09, 2023

I'm really glad I switched schools and left FSS. I am now a student at a different school and the classes are larger, more diverse, and overall better. Although the teachers spanning from Pre-Kindergarten to 1st grade are pretty good, starting in the higher grades - especially second - it was horrible!! Many teachers completely disliked the students for almost no reason and during Zoom classes often called some students to stay in the meeting in front of everyone to discuss math, reading, or something else random I don't know of. Another problem was that even though FSS was marketed as a 'city school' there were a minimal amount of students in a class; acceptable in a country or suburb, but not in one of the top 10 biggest cities in the US. The classroom lacked diversity and did not value entertainment in learning. The Everyday Math curriculum was arguably the worst thing. It left no space for the children who were ahead and switched too often for the ones behind. One day 'let's learn how to tell time.' The next day - 'Hope you know how to tell time now. Onto subtraction!' Since I have switched schools I have felt more included, wise, popular, and welcome. I realized you can have more than 2 - 3 friends, (basically at FSS the only number of girls in your class) and you can be smart but still challenged. Thank you for reading my review, and I hope it helps you!
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

I was highly excited about Friend Select school since the starting was great—little by little, starting to see things against my child. She was accused of being autistic and was referred by her teacher Lucien pre- k teacher, to have some evaluations. We agreed and did the assessment. Evaluation comes exceptionally positive with no concerns whatsoever. We continued, and then I noticed the teacher started making more accusations against my five-year-old and requested for her to repeat pre-k; I immediately hired a tutor she learned everything that was asked for pre-k, but I started to notice my daughter was afraid of being her self, she mentions many times her teacher was mean and was constantly putting and time out preventing her from playing with others. Teacher Lucien destroys my daughter's confidence in herself. We left Friend Select school administrators who did nothing to help correct the issue. My daughter was so afraid to start Kindergarten and another school after this horrible experience.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2021

Stay away from this school! Nobody cares about education or school culture! Bullying starts with the deans. The ONLY thing the school cares about is your DONATION!
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2021

I concur with many of the negative reviews below. Friends Select can be a positive experience for Lower School. However, Middle School was a huge disappointment and we have now removed my son from the school. A large number of his friends and classmates left even sooner. This was not even a matter of the cost not being justified by incremental benefits over a public school. It was a matter of no longer even being able to identify any benefits. (I'll note that we left the school even given their refusal to refund the over $24,000 in tuition already paid for the upcoming school year. (The implication I take from that refusal is that they either a) don't expect to fill the open slot or b) plan to hold the money regardless, which might be very telling about the trajectory of the school's reputation and/or its actual vs. advertised values.) Even with that much already paid, it was clear to me my son would be better served at public school and the sunk cost had to be taken out of the equation.)The lack of value was particularly pronounced during the pandemic. Math education during distance-learning leaned heavily on Khan Academy videos in lieu of live education. During hybrid learning, a certain teacher would frequently forget to start the Zoom feed for the remote kids and applied inappropriate pressure on children remaining distant to return to in-class education for her convenience. Ongoing disruptive behavior by certain students was tolerated without regard to the impact on other students. With every bit of daily negative feedback from my son, I had to ask... what am I paying for here?The new administration places a strong emphasis on things like renovations and establishing summer programs for outside students, but you will rarely hear mention of improvements in academics for those paying the hefty tuition year round. If you are considering Friends Select, look -very- carefully at the current tuition ramp up by grade level tier and then pay even closer attention to the high additional annual cost increases applied to those tiers lately. Tuition for a child who started K in 2014 doubled by 7th grade in 2021. What seems marginally affordable to you now may be far more of a burden than you are expecting in a few years.I could go on about the administrative changes and circumstances behind some recent departures, but there's a length limit for these reviews. Do your homework.
Submitted by student on March 02, 2021

v nice school. A couple godly teachers. 11/10
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2014

It's great - until it's terrible. We had kids in all 3 levels but have now pulled them. Lower: can be great - if you get one of the (many) wonderful teachers. Middle: some good teachers but has become increasingly rigid with a negative vibe; there is no flexibility in the (very dated) curriculum and kids who are not in lock-step (whether they are ahead, behind, or sideways) are NOT welcomed. The head of the Middle school is surprisingly rigid and hostile; even the teachers and support staff seem afraid of her. Upper: little innovation, and they rely on wealthy exchange students (who for the most part remain in their own clique and aren't required to speak English when other students are present) to pad their numbers. The Upper school head seems well-intentioned but gets overruled by the Head of school. All levels require an enormous amount of homework despite evidence that it is not useful and in the Middle/Upper schools there are lots of lectures, with self-directed learning almost nonexistent. FSS seems to be becoming just an extremely expensive prep school that happens to have a Quaker name. We also encountered almost every situation described in the 1-2 star reviews below.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2014

We are delighted to be part of the Friends Select community. Our older child is about to begin her third year at the school and our younger could not be more excited about starting kindergarten this fall. We love that the school devotes as much attention to providing a strong social curriculum (emphasizing Quaker values throughout) and not just a top notch academic program. FSS uses the city (especially but not just Center City) as a classroom in a way unrivaled by other local schools (Independent and otherwise). This multi-sensory, no walls approach to learning impacts the way my daughter interacts with her environment and makes her a more engaged person. Don't expect an emphasis on rote learning and worksheets at FSS; do expect that the teachers and administration will help you raise creative (love the arts program!), caring, inquisitive kids who love to learn in an atmosphere that is inclusive, supportive, and always interesting.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2013

We are mid-way through our child's second year and we love this school more every day. The teachers that she has had have been wonderful and really centered around developing the whole child. They are certainly preparing the kids academically, but much more significant is the focus on developing their social skills and their capacity to resolve their own conflicts (with support from their teachers and the administration). Everyone really knows our child---her teachers get her. And we love it that, at the end of the school year, the current grade's teachers get together with the next grade's to figure out good placement---not academic tracking--but based on making sure that classes have a good mix, balance of extroverts and introverts, and to break up some cliques and foster other friendships. The other thing we really appreciate is the "book buddy" system: older Lower School kids are buddied up to read and pair off on trips with younger LS kids. This helps the little ones feel more connected and boosts the self esteem of the older ones. All this, and great academics, a pool, a fabulous After School Program, and receptive teachers and administrators make the school great.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2013

Go somewhere else! This is our 3rd year. To be honest, We had a great experience our first year. We had no reason to interface with the administration, so we had a reasonably good impression of them. They seemed Ike nice people. In our second year, we had a number of issues. We are not complainers - these issues were serious. The administration did not listen to us and did not take our concerns seriously. They tried to made excuses for most of our concerns. They had no warmth or compassion for what our child was experiencing. Bullying is not taken seriously. Not physical bullying, but emotional bullying. By the time we realized how unresponsive and cold the administration was, it was too late to apply to another school. This year is better in terms of the issues we raised last year, but we cannot forget how we were treated last year. One reason we can't forget is that these people don't forget either! They give new meaning to holding a grudge! Unless you know you will never have a problem to bring up with the administration, look elsewhere. We are relocating this summer, so this will be our 3rd and final year.
Submitted by other on October 30, 2013

As far as I can see, this school is AWESOME! I recently just went for an open house, as I'm applying there for 9th grade. I just wish they had scholarships because I feel like my straight A's and Advanced PSSA scores are sort of going to waste. But the tour was amazing! There's a pool, dance room. roof field, and they have recently retrieved a 3-D printer! I really hope I get to go to this school. The area is amazing and there are lots of things to do outside of school. If you didn't know, there are two buildings. The second building has history and art. I couldn't believe how cool they were! Students were making jewlery, using torches (safely) , and more. The building is safe, friendly, and looks like perfection. I'm sure when I start, if I go, there will be some faults, and I will post them on here. Overall, Friends Select is the place to go, if you have the money for it!
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2013

We are just coming to the end of our child s second year at FSS. Our experience has been just the opposite of some of the other (negative) reviews of the lower school teachers and administrators. Perhaps we ve been lucky, but it seems that our child got EXACTLY what was needed to in order to flourish. We haven t needed much intervention or interaction with the head of the lower school, but we have seen him only to be very level-headed and focused on the children. We have, however, interacted with everyone in learning support and I can say with confidence that they DO recognize and treat the children with the understanding of their individual needs. I wouldn t say this place is perfect, but since perfection doesn t exist, we are very happy with how close this place comes for us!
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2013

As a lower school parent, I have been so disappointed in the lower school administration, especially the head of the lower school. He is arrogant and does not look out for the students' best interest. I'm sure there are great teachers and great administrators in this school but do you want pay 18$k to find out the school is just 'meh'? All I say is DO YOUR RESEARCH on this school and the lower school administrator before sending your child (and lots of money) here. There are way better (academically, socially, and administratively) schools in the area for your money.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2013

Why can't someone state their opinion without someone else criticizing and invalidating their concerns? Experience at a school is personal. We have been happy at times and unhappy at other times. But agree with the negative reviews about the lower school administration. They are probably nice to some parents, but we have heard too many disturbing stories. There is so much potential, but we have never seen "amazing" at this school - other than a few talented teachers. New leadership would mean everything. Leaders who better understand how to balance the needs of 3 groups - students, parents, and teachers. This group of administrators falls short.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2013

So interesting that the 3 negative reviews in the past year were within 3 days of each other! One angry family leaves 3 reviews and creates a false impression of a wonderful school. FSS is amazing, please go check it out to see if it is a good fit for your family. It has been wonderful for my kids, one of whom has a learning disability and has received incredible support.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2013

I am the parent of 2 lower schoolers, one who suffers with ADHD. The school has been exceptional for my child. He is not an easy child, and they have accomodated him and nurtured him at every chance possible. His teachers have been wonderful. When I read the negative reviews, I think that either a) it is someone with an agenda, b)it is someone who will not be happy anywhere or c) a parent unwilling to admit their child is not perfect. Is Friends Select perfrect? No, but it is pretty darned close. The head of the lower school is AMAZING. He is smart, sincere, and a great leader. He has been incredibly impressive in all of my interactions with him. Teachers humiliating students would never, ever be tolerated at FSS! The school is full of smart , advanced children from high achieveing families. Despite this, there is very little competition as it is actively discouraged. In short, I am thrilled I send my 2 kids here. They are very different kids with different abilities, both of whom are thriving at FSS.
Submitted by other on January 28, 2013

I went to high school here (public school for 1st-8th grade) and I am sad to read all of the bad reviews by lower school parents, especially those who say their children were humiliated for being "middle of the road" or having disabilities. I have ADD and multiple learning differences and FSS was a perfect fit for me. I thank FSS for challenging me (I did not get the best grades, and still went to my second choice school) to the fullest and emphasizing learning and personal growth rather than test scores and letter grades. I was VERY prepared for college and thank the wonderful teachers and administration for that.
Submitted by other on November 18, 2012

As a psychotherapist who treats children with anxiety and self-esteem problems, I would not recommend this school for any child who is not totally "middle of the road" -the current administration acknowledges that they teach to the middle; if your child is more advanced, or will need special attention, he or she could be treated punitively and with public humiliation by the teacher, with the current administration's loyalty and approval. At Friends, the child is NOT the priority, covering teachers' unprofessionalism, inappropriate behavior and the status quo is. Parents who have shared their concerns about their child's treatment there have gotten lip service and experience the same type of humiliation and dismissiveness towards their concerns that their child has experienced. I suggest that you find a school which is more child-oriented and really follows the tenet of the school's written mission, hopefully including respect and compassion for the individual child.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2012

Most of the teachers we have had are excellent, the kids are great, but the lower school head has got to go. He is hot tempered, does not listen to parents, and seems to forget people are paying to go to the school. I agree with the last reviewer - if your child has any issues, you will not like how you and your child are treated. The head of school should care that so many parents are unhappy with the lower school head - but she does not seem to at all.