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Common Questions
What is Friends School Mullica Hill’s Mission Statement?
To provide a fertile learning environment, rich with the nutrients that help us cultivate the intellectual growth, creativity, scholarship and social conscience of each student, within a community of values rooted within the Quaker tradition that advocates mutual respect and nurtures the spirit as well as the mind.
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What is Quakerism?
Every Friends School is governed and guided by the basic testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Quakers do not define themselves by formal creeds or doctrines. Rather, Quakers prefer to set down religious experience in the form of testimonies upon which most Quakers can unite.
There are six basic testimonies around which Quakers unite: EQUALITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, PEACE, STEWARDSHIP, INTEGRITY AND SIMPLICITY. Quakers seek to follow and be mindful of these testimonies in their daily lives. These testimonies also form the common, unifying basis of belief upon which all decision-making rests.
Quakers believe that God, or the Truth, can be found within each person. Quakers are called to seek this Truth both within themselves and in others.
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How do I find out more about Quakerism?
There are pamphlets available in the front office, and our librarian is also able to recommend reading materials on the subject of Quakerism.
There are many members of our school community that would be able to answer your questions also.
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What is Meeting For Worship?
At the heart of Friends School is the Meeting for Worship. Friends
(Quakers) worship as a group in expectant waiting for the leadings of the Spirit. The school tries to help students find ways of using silent meditation effectively for worship. We encourage and value appropriate speaking during Meeting. Each participant uses silence according to his or her own religious beliefs. It is important for everyone to observe the quiet in a proper and thoughtful manner.
Meeting for Worship takes place in the Mullica Hill Meeting House, which is located adjacent to the Friends School campus. Meeting for Worship is open for parents, relatives, and friends of the school. Meeting takes place for the Lower School on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Middle School Meeting for Worship is Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
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When should I begin the admission process?
While we do not have a set deadline for applications, we recommend that you apply before the December holiday break, especially for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.
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What does the admission process entail?
Generally the application process begins with a tour of the school. This can be arranged through the Admissions office.
- Complete and submit the Admission Application with application fee.
- Schedule an evaluation.
- Applicants will then schedule a classroom visit after completing the evaluation.
- Financial Aid Packets are available from the admissions office
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What is the Financial Aid Application Process?
Financial Aid grants are awarded on the basis of a family’s demonstrated financial need and on objective standards established by the School and Student Service for Financial Aid. Please confirm the application deadline with the admissions office.
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What is Annual Giving and why should parents also contribute to it?
Annual Giving is a vital part of the educational endeavor here at Friends.
Annual giving campaigns are an integral part of all independent schools to offset the gap between tuition revenue and operating expenses.
Voluntary, fully tax-deductible contributions come from parents, board members, grandparents, alumni, staff, Quakers and other friends of the school. Gifts to Annual Giving are used to finance part of the cost of educating each child. These gifts are essential to the high quality of your child’s education.
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Why ask for Annual Giving support instead of raising tuitions to cover expenses?
It would be philosophically unacceptable to raise tuitions enough to cover all educational costs because it would exclude many capable students who contribute tangibly to the vitality of FSMH. Annual Giving offers the option to voluntarily support the financial structure of the school and help keep tuition increases to a minimum.
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How much do I give to Annual Giving?
Every gift, regardless of size is extremely important.
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How do I make a gift to Annual Giving?
Your tax-deductible gift can be made by cash, check, or credit card. Be sure to ask if your company has a matching gift program.
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When can I make a gift to Annual Giving?
While October and November are the kick-off months each school year for Annual Giving, gifts can be made to Annual Fund any time within our fiscal year.
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What about standards of conduct?
The school encourages behavior that takes into consideration the worth and uniqueness of every individual and asks that parents and students cooperate in maintaining that standard.
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Is the school accredited?
Yes. Friends School Mullica Hill is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools, the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Are FSMH teachers Quakers?
While a small percentage of our faculty and staff are Quakers, all seek to exemplify the values of Quakerism as they underscore the mission statement of our school. Our school community is rooted in the Quaker principles of mutual respect, equality, stewardship, integrity, peace, social justice, and simplicity.
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Does the school have an active parent group?
Yes. "Community" is a key word in Friends education, and the school urges parents to take part. At FSMH, parent involvement in the life of the school is vital to the overall learning experience of the students.
Please see the Parents section of the web site for opportunities to get involved in the FSMH community.
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How do the graduates of FSMH fare at secondary schools?
Because FSMH stresses the fundamentals of elementary education and strives to develop in each child self-reliance, good study habits and flexibility, graduates are well prepared for their secondary school experiences. 100% of our students apply and are accepted to college.
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Do you offer transportation?
For a fee, Friends School is able to provide transportation to and from school for most students. Our bus routes are mapped in late August. During the last few days of summer vacation students riding Friends School busses are contacted by their drivers about their route. Please refer to: For Parents > Transportation section of web site. If you have any questions concerning transportation, you may call our Director of Transportation.
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Do you have a before or after school care program?
Yes, we offer before and after school programs for our students. Before school care is available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. After school care is from the end of the school day until 6 p.m. We offer a quiet, teacher-monitored area for students to complete their homework, study and quietly read beginning at 3:30 and ending at 4:30. Please refer to: For Parents > Extended Day and Early Arrival Programs section of web site.
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How can I positively contribute to my child’s educational program?
Parents are expected to endorse the school’s mission as well as policies related to academics, behavior, and such matters as attendance and on time arrival at school. Talk to your child about his or her reports and performance. The most effective way for you to demonstrate to your child the value of education is to participate in the life of the school. This also applies to parents of older students, who in their desire for independence may sometimes tell you that they do not want you at school. Your participation is meaningful to them, despite what they may say. It is thus important that you attend parent conferences, curriculum nights, Parent Association sponsored events, and school activities, especially those in which your child has a role. Maintain regular contact with your child’s teacher/advisor and coach.
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