Questions about Carolina Friends School (Durham: elementary school, living, inclusive)

[Rabeel]

My husband and I live in Durham and are considering Carolina Friends School for elementary school for our young daughter. We are in the process of applying and thus far have been really impressed by what we've seen. The philosophy resonates with us and we hope it could be a place where our daughter could maintain her love of learning, could be challenged academically, and could be part of a supportive community. We have a few questions for anyone who has direct experience with the school. We would also be happy to communicate by private message if that is better.

-Overall, how has your experience been?
-Do students seem to be getting the depth of academic learning that you expected/hoped for?
-Are many of the students at CFS kids who would struggle in typical academic environments?
-Can CFS challenge bright students?
-How inclusive is the community? Did your family feel welcome?
-How happy have your children been at CFS?
-Do you have any concerns about CFS?
-How does the learning experience compare to the marketing of the school?

Thanks!

[poppydog]

Rabeel, I don't have direct experience with Friends, but I do have second-hand experience. I know many families there and for the most part they seem to love it, especially for elementary school. I have known a few who moved on to traditional middle and high schools (kids get interested in a bigger environment, traditional sports, etc). The impression I have is that it is living up to what they hoped it would be when they signed up.

Hope you get some responses from parents with kids there, but thought I would throw my 2¢ in fwiw.

[Heater454]

I've been an active CFS parent for eight years with experience in the middle and upper schools. My children have had great experiences there. Work is challenging and rigorous but also developmentally appropriate. Staff does a very good job meeting the needs of children where they are, pushing those who need it and supporting those with learning differences. That is NOT an easy thing to pull off BTW. I would not say that it caters to students who struggle in traditional school settings but to students who, for whatever reasons, are turned off by rote learning and one-size-fits-all education. I've met the most fascinating people there. I would encourage you to get involved right away with the PSA. The welcome committee does a great job matching new families with "buddy" families to smooth the transition. Feel free to PM me.

[Atony]

I have a friend who went there. He seems to have loved it, it is a tight-knit community and he is still active in it.