Media-Providence Friends School

Founded: 1876

Ages/Grades: Age 3 - Grade 8

School Size: 130

Classroom Size: avg 13

Student/Teacher Ratio: 8/1

Curriculum:

MPFS students participate in a rich program of core courses in language arts, math, social studies, science and foreign language complemented by art, music, chorus, library, computer, guidance/values studies and physical education, with frequent multi-disciplinary experiences

Camp Programs: Yes

After School Programs: Yes

Computer Capabilities:

1-to-1 Chromebook program

Philosophy/Belief Statement: • Philosophy of Education: MPFS is dedicated to creating a community of life-long learners who grow in a nurturing environment filled with both academic vigor and rich opportunities for character development. We embrace diversity, all its forms, challenging students to develop respect for all communities while cultivating their social, creative, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical aspects. We emphasize the Quaker belief that there is "that of God" in every individual and are deeply committed to nurturing the Light and potential within each child. We support children who learn within a range of differences in style and strengths, working from mastery of basic skills to higher order thinking, encouraging individual responsibility and critical thinking throughout the learning process.

School History: Originally situated in a school room above a local livery stable in Media in 1876, the school moved to its current home next to Media Monthly Meeting nine years later, in 1885. The original 1885 school building still houses students today. Now comprised of 4 buildings, the campus serves 140 students and employs 38 full and part time faculty and staff members. Since the earliest days, Media-Providence Friends School opened its doors to students from a variety of backgrounds. Children from Russian Doukhobor refugee families were invited to attend school in 1908 and the first African-American student to be accepted to an independent school in the area attended MPFS in 1937, despite objections and the departure of a significant number of families. In 1957, MPFS hired its first African-American teacher and became one of the first schools to celebrate diversity in the teaching staff. More recently, the school has welcomed students whose parents left El Salvador amidst the heat of war, and closer to home, bright students from failing area public schools. Originally situated in a school room above a local livery stable in Media in 1876, the school moved to its current home next to Media Monthly Meeting nine years later, in 1885. The original 1885 school building still houses students today. Now comprised of 4 buildings, the campus serves 150+ students and employs 38 full and part time faculty and staff members. Since the earliest days, Media-Providence Friends School opened its doors to students from a variety of backgrounds. Children from Russian Doukhobor refugee families were invited to attend school in 1908 and the first African-American student to be accepted to an independent school in the area attended MPFS in 1937, despite objections and the departure of a significant number of families. In 1957, MPFS hired its first African-American teacher and became one of the first schools to celebrate diversity in the teaching staff. More recently, the school has welcomed students whose parents left El Salvador amidst the heat of war, and closer to home, bright students from failing area public schools. Today, the School is rich in religious, cultural, and economic diversity. Our students, coming mainly from Delaware and Chester County and reflect the racial diversity of the surrounding area. Children of color comprise 37% of the student body. School families have identified their religious affiliations as follows: 19% Catholic, 2% Eastern Orthodox, 4% jewish, 3% Muslim, 25% Protestant, 15% Quaker, 6% Multiple Household Religions. Over 40% of our students receive financial aid.

Notes/School Information:

MPFS is accredited by PAIS and is a member of NAIS, FCE, ADVIS and AMLE