VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Friends School in Virginia Beach is celebrating its 70th year in Hampton Roads.
Founded in 1955 as a Quaker school, the K-8 private school is one of 70 Quaker Friends schools in the country that abide by the same core values.
“Their core values form the word ‘SPICES.’ They believe in simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship — and those guide every decision we make on this campus,” said Greg Angilly, the Head of School.
Small by design, each grade has only 12 students, allowing teachers and staff to get to know each child and their family very well.
“There’s not a student here with a military family member that we don’t know when they get deployed and when they’re coming home,” the staff member added.
Parent Katina Johnson has three sons enrolled at the school.
“They encourage the children to be well-rounded, to do philanthropy, to help the younger children, and to have the older kids mentor the younger ones,” she said.
It’s called the buddy program.
“They understand that every action they take on campus is seen by our younger kids. They know they have to serve as role models,” said Angilly.
Classrooms are warm and inviting, with plants and soft lighting. Students are free to move around when they like.
This is fourth grader Ben Kassir’s second year at the school.
“The teachers and the students are very nice and welcoming,” Ben said.
In addition to reading, writing, math and science, students learn how to garden and take part in maintaining the building.
“Of course I want my child to have a wonderful education, but I also want them to be good humans,” Johnson said.
Good humans who are prepared for high school and beyond.
“They will respect every point of view offered at the table, confidently share their thoughts, and treat people with kindness and respect,” Angilly explained.
For seven decades, the Friends school has taught the next generation about the SPICES of life — and they are positively Hampton Roads.
