Princeton Friends School: A Legacy of Quaker Education in New Jersey
Located in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton Friends School (PFS) is an independent Quaker day school serving students from pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Operating under the care of the Princeton Monthly Meeting, the school blends the spiritual values of the Religious Society of Friends with a progressive approach to academics.
The campus is situated on the historic grounds of the Stony Brook Meeting House and Cemetery, placing it in a serene environment adjacent to the Princeton Battlefield and the Institute for Advanced Study Woods.
Key Facts
- Established: 1987
- Student Age Range: 4 (Beginning School) to 14 (8th grade)
- Enrollment: 84 students (as of 2024)
- Faculty Size: 30 members
- Affiliation: Quaker (Religious Society of Friends)
- Location: 470 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ
A History of Inclusive Learning
The roots of education on the 10-acre grounds of the Princeton Monthly Meeting date back to 1781. A small school opened in what is now the Administration Building, distinguished by its inclusivity during an era of segregation; it welcomed the children of Native Americans and enslaved people. By 1800, a larger one-room schoolhouse was constructed adjacent to the Meetinghouse, serving the local community until it was dismantled around 1900.
The modern iteration of the school was founded in 1987 by a group of educators dedicated to progressive education—a pedagogical approach that emphasizes learning by doing and focuses on the whole child. The school began with just 19 students in 1st through 7th grades, led by Head of School Jane Fremon and a small team of teachers including Gale Whittier, Nancy Wilson, and Richard Fischer.
Campus Expansion and Growth
As the student body grew, the school transitioned from rented spaces to permanent facilities. In September 1997, the Schoolhouse opened, providing six classrooms, a central library, a large assembly space, and faculty offices. This expansion allowed the school to accommodate 125 students and retire the portable trailer classrooms previously used in the "back circle."
Further growth occurred in September 2008 with the opening of West House. This facility added two primary classrooms, two science labs, an art room, a nurse's office, and a Learning Center. The project also introduced an expanded playground and an outdoor hard-surface play court.
Governance and Administration
Princeton Friends School is governed by a board of trustees. This diverse board ensures a community-based approach to leadership, consisting of members of the Religious Society of Friends, attenders of the Princeton Monthly Meeting, parents of current students, and members of the wider Princeton community.
As of 2024, the school is led by interim headmaster Craig Sellers while the search for a permanent head of school is underway.
School Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School Type | Independent, Day |
| Grades Served | Pre-K through 8th Grade |
| Current Enrollment (2024) | 84 |
| Historical Tuition (2011-2012) | $21,750 |
| Governing Body | Board of Trustees |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the religious affiliation of Princeton Friends School?
The school is a Quaker institution under the care of the Princeton Monthly Meeting and is affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends.
What age groups does the school serve?
PFS serves children starting from age 4 in the Beginning School up to age 14 in the 8th grade.
Where is the school located?
The school is located at 470 Quaker Road in Princeton, New Jersey, adjacent to the Stony Brook Meeting House and Cemetery.
Who governs the school?
The school is governed by a board of trustees that includes parents, members of the Princeton community, and members/attenders of the Princeton Monthly Meeting.
What facilities are available on campus?
The campus includes the Schoolhouse (library, assembly space, and classrooms) and West House (science labs, art room, and a Learning Center), along with an expanded playground and hard-surface play court.