Now in its fourth decade, Friends Community School is a purposeful and joyful school that engages and inspires young children through adolescence.
At FCS, students are respected, childhood is celebrated, and learning is experiential, relevant, and meaningful. Our students are lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers who matriculate to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
As a Quaker school, we believe that intellectual education and moral education are inextricably interconnected.
Our timeless and universal core values - simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship - are embedded in our curriculum and in daily student and adult interactions.
As a progressive school, we recognize that children learn best from experience and meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. Through hands-on lessons, a child-centered curriculum, collaborative projects, and intentional reflection, we foster deep learning over rote memorization.
FCS students are continually challenged with big questions about the world around them and given the space, resources, and time to pursue solutions--and even more questions.
As a community, we are diverse, welcoming, supportive, and inclusive.
Friends Community School is located on 17 acres in College Park, Maryland, adjacent to Greenbelt National Park.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 235 students
- Yearly Tuition: $29,000
- Acceptance rate: 36%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 9 / Jan. 10
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Friends Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1986
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Campus Size
17
Student Body
Total Students
235 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 9 / Jan. 10
Yearly Tuition Cost
$29,000
Tuition Notes
$26,600-29,400
Financial Aid available based on need
% on Financial Aid
36%
Acceptance Rate
36%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Caroline Johnson
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Various clubs and enrichment activities each semester (e.g., art, drama, coding, debate, computer graphics, robotics, baking, etc.)
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Instrumental Music Lessons and Recitals
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ultimate Frisbee, Various intramural sports opportunities
Various clubs and enrichment activities each semester (e.g., art, drama, coding, debate, computer graphics, robotics, baking, etc.)
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Instrumental Music Lessons and Recitals
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Ultimate Frisbee, Various intramural sports opportunities
School Notes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
- Early Application Deadline: December 9 (1/2 application fee);
- Regular Application Deadline: January 10 (full fee).
- Held annually between October and January.
- See the Visit FCS page of our website for event details and registration.
FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
- Our Mission:At Friends Community School, children are inspired to reach their full potential as individuals and engaged community members, discovering that of God in themselves and others. We nurture lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers.
- Our green, Silver LEED-Certified building and 17 acre campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park embody our commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
- We teach using a progressive, child-centered instructional philosophy. We balance academic with social-emotional learning. Our curriculum includes language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, physical education, technology, community-building, and community service.
- We challenge our students to question, explore, reflect, reason, and communicate effectively. We do so by using varied teaching methods and incorporating many hands-on activities. Field trips are integral to the curriculum, exposing children to rich learning environments that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.
- We teach our students in mixed-grade groupings from grades 1-4. Such groupings allow a student to progress at his/her own pace, doing more advanced work in areas of strength and less advanced work in areas of challenge. The curriculum cycles each of the two years so students master new content as well as new skills.
- In grades 5-8, students are taught by subject-specialist teachers. All Middle School students participate in our Advisory program.
- FCS offers after-school Extended Day, Enrichment Activities, and Instrumental Music Programs. FCS also offers Summer Camp.
- Energized students, dynamic and experienced faculty, experienced administrators, active parents/caregivers, and dedicated alumni comprise the FCS school community.
- In addition, we value our partnerships with Greenbelt National Park, the University of Maryland, NASA, local governments, local businesses, non-profits, service groups and individuals who share our commitment to education.
- You can find our high school matriculation list here.
- Students matriculate to a wide range of rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools in the DMV-area and beyond.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Friends Community School cost?
Friends Community School's tuition is approximately $29,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Friends Community School?
The acceptance rate of Friends Community School is 36%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Friends Community School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Friends Community School offer?
Friends Community School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Intramural Sports Only and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Friends Community School's ranking?
Friends Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Friends Community School?
The application deadline for Friends Community School is Dec. 9 / Jan. 10.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Friends Community School also viewed these schools: Holy Redeemer School, New Hope Academy, Highland Park Christian Academy, Belair Baptist Christian Academy and Christian Academy of Laurel.
The nearest high school to Friends Community School is Al-Huda School (1.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Holy Redeemer School (1.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Holy Redeemer School
(Catholic)
Grades: PK-8 | 220 students 1.3 miles 4902 Berwyn Road
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-3993
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-3993
1.3
PK-8
220
Grades: PK-12 | 162 students 3.2 miles 7009 Varnum Street
Hyattsville, MD 20784
(301) 459-7311
Hyattsville, MD 20784
(301) 459-7311
3.2
PK-12
162
Highland Park Christian Academy
(Baptist)
Grades: PK-8 | 176 students 5.6 miles 6801 Sheriff Road
Hyattsville, MD 20785
(301) 773-4079
Hyattsville, MD 20785
(301) 773-4079
5.6
PK-8
176
Grades: K-12 | 53 students 6.8 miles 2801 Belair Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 262-0578
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 262-0578
6.8
K-12
53
Grades: PK-8 | 190 students 8.2 miles 15002 First Baptist Ln
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 490-1076
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 490-1076
8.2
PK-8
190
School Reviews
5 3/21/2025
We love FCS. They focus on building student confidence and student voice, and they are 56% students of color, which is exceptional for us as a Black family. The community of faculty, students, and parents is kind and welcoming. We just established an affinity group for parents of black children, and many great activities will be happening. We are seeing our child grow and thrive in a beautiful and affirming environment steeped in nature and community and learning to value all people across differences. Our child's academic progress has been very apparent this year as well, and we are getting quality feedback from the teacher on how to support at home.
5 10/28/2024
We are absolutely thrilled with this school for our daughter, who is currently in second grade. The small class sizes, wonderful teachers, and attention to the whole child have all helped our quiet/pensive child grow tremendously in confidence. If you have the opportunity, visit the school. The values and vibe are real and you can feel it on campus. It's a special place!
5 10/28/2024
My husband and I visited several schools and were impressed but felt like we were HOME within the first 10 minutes of the FCS Open House. Our daughter is thriving from both an educational standpoint as well as emotionally. I would highly recommend!!!
5 6/29/2020
This school is sooo great would recommend.
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