Student evaluation, both formative and summative, occurs daily at the Friends School. One of the most important forms is observation and interaction with each student. During the year, student progress is shared with parents in several ways: September goal-setting conferences; narrative and descriptive evaluations and checklists that define how well a student has met curriculum expectations; parent conferences and student portfolios.
In keeping with the Quaker value of equality, we do not promote that which would set students against each other. As such, the Friends School does not use standardized tests or give grades to measure progress in the elementary program. Instead, our evaluation methods reflect the achievements and areas of growth for each individual student. Evaluations show students how much each has learned rather than how their progress compares to others in the class.
Although we do not require standardized testing, as a service to parents we offer optional standardized testing once a year for a separate fee. Historically, our students have performed well on standardized tests and transitioned well into various metro-area high schools or boarding schools.