Exploring Through Inquiry
Cambridge Friends School is a independent all-gender elementary and middle school in Cambridge MA grounded in Quaker values. We inspire our students to develop their intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual potential and, through the example of their lives, to challenge oppression and to contribute to justice and understanding in the world.
Quaker Values
Our values are our guiding principles, central to the school’s vision and the day-to-day practices of the school. They are the grounding that informs our curriculum and anchors how our teachers approach learning and teaching. The spirit of inquiry is nurtured through queries, used for reflection or as the start of discussion in the classroom.
Simplicity means staying true to that which is essential. In a busy and materialistic world, filled with a vast amount of external stimuli, children and adults need space and time to discern what is important and valuable in their lives.
What is most important to you? What gets in the way of attaining or achieving it? How do you find simplicity throughout your day?
Peace means more than avoiding conflict. Striving to maintain a peaceful community is an active process. It means acknowledging conflict, not always eliminating it. It means learning to listen and working to understand different perspectives. Conflict is an opportunity to explore and to find solutions together.
How can we actively work for peace in our community and in the world? Is it possible to be both peaceful and powerful? What does justice have to do with peace?
Integrity means being truthful and always trying to do our very best. We say what we mean and we mean what we say. Students are encouraged to become learners and seekers throughout their lives. In the learning process, thoughtful inquiry is valued as much as academic output.
How can I voice my own beliefs and still be open to the beliefs of others? How do my actions reflect what I say I believe in? How do you tell the truth even when it is hard?
Community is a gift not to be taken for granted. At CFS, each adult and child is responsible for contributing to the learning of others as well as helping to solve community challenges. Students are encouraged to aim their efforts towards “doing one’s best” rather than “being the best.”
What do I bring to a community? How can we make everyone feel visible and heard? What does it mean to be part of the world community?
Our belief in “the Inner Light” means that all people are equal. CFS incorporates this same commitment to social justice, which is based on the belief in the worth of all people and a deep concern for fairness. Students learn to think critically, solve problems through peaceful means, and develop ways to pursue justice and equity.
Is fairness everyone getting the same thing? Is equality everyone getting the same thing? How can you be an ally to people who aren’t treated fairly in our community or in the world?
We believe in leaving the world a better place than we found it. We respect the past and take responsibility for the future. Students learn the necessity of environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and the importance of taking action.
What does it mean to be a good steward? What can we do to care for our classroom, school, community, environment, and each other? How can I take action to make the world a better place?
Explore Our Academic Programs
Students at Cambridge Friends School are challenged academically, supported individually, and known deeply. Through a combination of best-practices research, strong national benchmarks, and caring social and emotional support, students at Cambridge Friends School thrive in the classroom and out in the world. Follow the links below to learn about the different grade levels offered at CFS.
We've really enjoyed the community of families at CFS and everyone's openness and kindness. Our kids have thrived in their classrooms, and have found their own path despite having very different personalities. 
Current Kindergarten and 2nd grade Parent
And the teachers… every one has been remarkable: true educators animated by a love for what they are doing.
Current Parent
Values are at the center of CFS — the basic human values of justice and peace. These are not only sincerely held, they animate all of school life… and they inform the curriculum with a viewpoint centered on ethics, truth, compassion and social responsibility.
Current Parent
The teachers and staff have been wonderful partners in our children's education, and really go above and beyond to ensure a positive learning environment for the students.
Current parent of a Kindergartener and 2nd Grader
We chose CFS because we wanted a school that created the space for our child to be himself while developing a love of learning. It was important to us that the school we chose for our child supported him as he was and did not force him into some idealized notion of a child/student.
Current 8th grade Parent
A Suburban Campus in the Heart of Cambridge
Just a 10 minute walk from the Porter Square T Station and world-class universities, you’ll find the CFS campus tucked in a quiet corner of North Cambridge. Learn more about our campus →
FAQs About Cambridge Friends School
What are the benefits of a progressive education at Cambridge Friends School?
The program at Cambridge Friends School emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning where students can immerse themselves in learning. Teachers are mentors and guides, encouraging students to explore and test their ideas. When children are genuinely challenged and encouraged to follow their curiosity in an environment rich in academic opportunities – like at Cambridge Friends School – they develop a learning mindset and a strong academic foundation for the long term.
What extracurricular activities are available for students?
Cambridge Friends School offers a variety of extra curricular programs, including “Extended Day” – our before and after school program – which provides enriching activities for students, and provides space for students to build their individual voice, have time away from their grown-ups and structure of the classroom to explore, discover, learn, and create just for fun! There are also a variety of auxiliary programs offered each semester like chess, coding, theater, tumbling, just to name a few.
We also offer an Instrumental Music Program that includes an Early Childhood String program, String Ensemble, individual instruction on a variety of instruments, and a Middle School Jazz band.
Learn more about our music program
And for Grades 5 and up, we offer an Interscholastic Athletic Sports program in soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.
Learn more about our athletics
Are there any specific entry requirements for students?
Depending on the grade your student is applying for, you may need to provide teacher recommendations from their current school, have them come for a visit day, or submit a recent transcript. We’re here to help throughout the admission process!
Contact Admissions to get started
What is the admissions process at Cambridge Friends School?
If you’re interested in applying to Cambridge Friends School, the first step is to contact our Admissions office! They’ll guide you through the steps and be able to answer any of your questions. Our process typically includes a brief phone call to get to know your family and your student, a campus tour, an application form, and an on-campus visit for your student.
Get more information about the Application Process
What kind of student support services are available?
At Cambridge Friends, we nurture multiple intelligences and a growth mindset. We recognize that every child has a distinct learning style, as well as a unique set of strengths and challenges. For this reason, our Learning Specialists do not follow a formulaic structure for providing support – support is based on the particular needs of each student. Our Learning Specialists are flexible and work closely with classroom teachers to design plans that support both students and teachers.
Learn more about our Student Support
At a Glance
