History of Quaker Education

The story of Quaker education begins with George Fox in 17th-century England. During a time of social and religious upheaval, Fox had a simple yet profound insight: he believed there was “that of God” in every person and that one could find truth through stillness and quiet reflection.

From this understanding, the Religious Society of Friends – known as Quakers – was born.

These early Quakers practiced careful listening, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and equal treatment of all people. Their meetings for worship were held in silence, with members speaking only when moved to share. They made decisions not by voting but by quietly seeking agreement together.

The First Quaker Schools in England

George Fox established the first Quaker schools in England in 1668. These schools offered something different than the traditional education of their time. Instead of focusing solely on classical studies, they emphasized practical skills and ethical principles.

From England to the New World

When Quakers first arrived in America in the 1650s, they brought these educational practices with them. The first Quakers came to Maryland on preaching missions, facing considerable challenges and persecution. However, their persistence in quality education for all continued.

William Penn’s arrival in 1681 marked a turning point. He founded Pennsylvania as a “Holy Experiment”— a safe place where people of different faiths could live together peacefully. His vision included an education that should be available to all, regardless of their background. 

The History of Quaker Education in the U.S.

In 1689, Penn established William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, the first Quaker school in America. From its earliest days, the school reflected Quaker values of accessibility and equality. It introduced scholarships for poor students in 1701, welcomed girls in 1754, and opened its doors to everyone by 1770.

Up and down the eastern seaboard, Quaker meetings established schools for their children, often in annexes to their meetinghouses.

The Westward Movement
As America grew, so did Quaker education. In the early 1800s, large groups of Friends moved westward, settling in Ohio and Indiana. The Quakers brought their passion for learning by establishing new schools alongside their meetinghouses.

Olney Friends School, established in 1837 in Barnesville, Ohio, emerged from this westward movement. The school’s founding reflected the deep antislavery convictions of the Ohio Quakers who had moved north in protest of slavery. Like other Quaker schools of this time, Olney combined academic rigor with moral education and practical skills, which Quaker education is known for.

Evolving with the Times

Quaker schools faced new choices as public education systems developed across America in the late 1800s. While some schools became absorbed into the public school system, others maintained their independence, continuing to offer an education rooted in Quaker values.

Secondary schools began to emerge from these foundations. The first three Quaker colleges— Haverford, Guilford, and Earlham— grew from secondary schools, creating new opportunities for higher education guided by Quaker principles.

The Quaker School Experience

Today, approximately 78 Friends schools operate in the United States, each carrying forward the traditions established over three centuries ago while adapting to meet contemporary needs.

From these early beginnings, Quaker schools developed distinctive practices that continue today. Quakers believe that learning happens best in the context of community— where teachers and students work together in a positive environment that promotes mutual respect.

Worship in Quaker Education

Meeting for Worship, a central practice in Quaker education, brings school communities together in shared silence. This quiet time allows students and teachers an opportunity to reflect, center themselves, and— if they feel called to do so— share their thoughts in a group setting.

The Quaker commitment to equality shows in the way our schools operate. Teachers and students often use first names, and decisions are made with input from the whole community. Service is a practice woven into daily life.

Hands-On Learning

Quaker education in the U.S. has always emphasized practical experience alongside academic study.

Our 350-acre organic farm is one of many ways Olney Friends students learn about sustainability, responsibility, and the natural world through direct experience. Students help with the harvest, conduct scientific studies, and may also enjoy quiet reflection in nature.

Learning in Community

Today, Quaker schools welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. While about one-third of our students identify as Quakers, all participate in and contribute to our shared practices. Our Olney community includes students from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, creating opportunities for all our students to grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of our differences.

The Quaker commitment to equality shows in the way our schools operate. Teachers and students often use first names, and decisions are made with input from the whole community. Service is a practice woven into daily life.

A Living Tradition

The principles that guided those first Quaker educators – seeing the worth in every person, learning through experience, and working together for the common good – continue to shape our approach. The world is changing rapidly. These practices help students develop knowledge and wisdom from a place of empathy.

Joining Our Community

We invite you to learn more about how this educational approach might serve your family. Visit our campus, meet our students and teachers, and experience our community firsthand.

Whether you’re drawn to our academic program, our Quaker roots, our commitment to sustainability, or our supportive community, we welcome your interest and questions.