Friends Academy Head of School Search Information for Candidates
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Friends Academy Head of School Search Information for Candidates For July 1, 2016 Independent Day S chool: Coeducational, Preschool – Grade 12 Applications Due: July 10, 2015 270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 www.fa.org AT A GLANCE INTRODUCTION Friends Academy has begun its search for a new Head of School to Founded: 1876 begin responsibilities on or about July 1, 2016. The next Head will Affiliation: Quaker succeed Bill Morris who has served as Head since 2003, one of the longest tenures in the school’s history. Friends Academy is in very Faculty: 119 full time and part time teachers, 93 Masters degrees strong standing, highlighted by: sound financial health, impressive and 9 Doctorates facilities and programs, a highly dedicated faculty and staff, and notable student accomplishments in many arenas. For the next Head Total Enrollment: 782 of School, the Board of Trustees seeks an individual with the highest Lower School: qualities of character, a willingness to embrace Quaker testimonies, 207 students engaging interpersonal skills, and a desire to promote and advance Middle School: the many strengths of Friends Academy. 197 students Upper School: PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION 376 students Annual Tuition 2014-2015 Founded in 1876 by Gideon Lower School: Frost for “the children of PlayGroup: $14,000 Friends and those similarly PreKindergarten: $18,800 sentimented,” Friends Academy Kindergarten: $21,800 is a Quaker, coeducational, Grades 1-5: $25,600 independent, college prepara- Middle School: tory day school serving Grades 6-8: $28,200 Upper School: students in early childhood Grades 9-12: $30,600 programs through the twelfth grade. The school’s philosophy Students Receiving Financial is based on the Quaker testimonies of integrity, simplicity, patience, Assistance: Approximately 20% moderation, and peaceful resolution of conflict, as well as a belief that Professional Affiliations: the silence and simple ministry of the “gathered meeting” brings the Cum Laude Society, presence of God into the midst of busy lives. Friends Academy is Friends Council on Education, committed to developing a diverse community whose members value Nassau County Public High School excellence in scholarly work, a genuine commitment to service and Athletic Association, National, ethical action, and a realization that every life is to be explored, Association of Independent Schools, National Association for celebrated, and enjoyed in the spirit of the Religious Society of College Admissions Counseling, Friends. New York State Association of Independent Schools PROGRAM Students at Friends Academy benefit from a comprehensive program, featuring an academic curriculum that challenges them in age -appropriate ways. 1 Students in each of the divisions attend Quaker Meeting for Worship on a weekly basis. Student experiences are also enriched by their engagement in the arts, physical education, athletics, community service, technology, and library support. In these many offerings, students work with faculty and staff that are dedicated to their craft and to the best interests of their students. The faculty and staff at Friends have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the school with many having tenures spanning two, three, and even four decades. In the Early Childhood Program, 3- and 4-year-olds incorporate learning through play with exposure to varied areas of focus, such as Spanish, music instruction, creative movement, art, library, and physical education. Each day they learn to share with their peers, follow directions, develop fine and gross motor skills, work cooperatively in groups, and problem solve. The faculty strives to create a nurturing and warm environment, providing structure and guidance in an environment that allows children’s imaginations to soar. The Lower School includes Kindergarten-Grade 5. These are seen as the foundation years during which each child develops a sense of self, a love of learning and a curiosity for life that enables him or her to approach new opportunities with confidence and competence. Class sizes in the Lower School are small, ranging from 12-17 students in each. Typically, there are two classes in Grades K-4 and three in Grade 5. Lower School classrooms reflect the principles of the Responsive Classroom approach, with emphasis on collaboration, social skills, multiple intelligences, community building and partnerships between home and school. The core academic subjects for Lower School students are language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics, which incorporates the Everyday Mathematics Program at different levels. Regular instruction is also provided in music, visual arts, health, physical education, and library. Early Childhood through fourth grade students study Spanish, while fifth grade students may continue in Spanish or opt to study Chinese or French. Through an interdisciplinary approach the Lower School Global program encourages students to respect, value, and celebrate other cultures, as well as to become more socially and environmentally responsible. The Middle School, serving students in Grades 6-8, has a carefully constructed program sensitive to the needs of young people experiencing the rapid physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth of early adolescence in a school community built on trust and mutual respect. Within each grade level, the team of teachers meets regularly to discuss the academic, social, and emotional needs of each student. In keeping with the Quaker mission of the school, students take a semester course in Quakerism and participate in numerous community service activities. 2 The academic program emphasizes the development of strong organizational and study skills, a respect for diverse learning styles, experience in cooperative learning, and the acquisition of interdisciplinary skills. The core curriculum includes the study of English, mathematics, science, and social studies. In the sixth grade, students begin the study of French or Spanish. Exploratory courses in computer, research skills, health, Quakerism, theater, ethics, band, strings, chorus, and art complement the program. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders also separately participate in an outdoor education trip in the fall and winter, with the goal of building leadership skills and strengthening self-esteem. All students are required to take physical education. Sixth graders participate in a daily physical education program. Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to play on interscholastic teams, which are members of the Nassau County Athletic Association. The Upper School curriculum is a rigorous college preparatory program rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, enhanced by programs critical for developing 21st-century skills and knowledge. Graduates are prepared to pursue their college aspirations and to use their education for the betterment of the community at large. Students are challenged to think analytically and independently and to strive for spiritual awareness, emotional well-being, and physical health. The minimum departmental academic requirements are: English – four years History and Social Studies – three years (four years recommended) Mathematics – three years, at least through Algebra 2/Trigonometry Sciences - three years (four years recommended), including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics World Languages and Cultures – two years, at least through level three of one language Arts – one full credit (two or more years recommended) Religion – three semesters Technology – one computer science or digital arts course Physical Education – four years, unless playing on an interscholastic team Health – two semesters College Readiness – One semester, weekly course Independent Service Project – required of all seniors Beyond these essential academic requirements, Upper School students have the opportunity to both discover and further explore their passions among a broad array of co-curricular activities in the arts, athletics, and student clubs and organizations. Friends Academy takes great pride in the breadth and quality of its arts program that includes a wide array of visual and performance offerings set in a truly outstanding facility. Each year is filled with concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibits that provide opportunities for the students to explore and grow their artistic expression. Student participation in interscholastic athletics is high, with the following portfolio of offerings in the respective seasons: 3 Fall Winter Spring Cross-Country (coed) Basketball (boys & girls) Baseball (boys) Crew (coed) Cheerleading (girls) Crew (coed) Field Hockey (girls) Ice Hockey (boys) Golf (boys & girls) Football (boys) Winter Track (coed) Lacrosse (boys & girls) Soccer (boys & girls) Softball (girls) Tennis (girls) Tennis (boys) Track and Field (boys & girls) These programs have a consistent record of both achievement and sportsmanship. The entire school community is engaged in the support of all team events, highlighted by those that take place during the homecoming weekend of the Fall Fair. COLLEGE COUNSELING Friends Academy students benefit from a highly professional and well respected College Counseling Office that aspires to find the “best fit” for each graduating senior. Graduates matriculate at a wide range of colleges and universities across the United States and overseas, including many that are recognized as very highly selective. A typical graduating class will include 90-100 seniors who will subsequently enroll at approximately 60 different