Why We Chose HFS…

What possibly could prompt us to transfer our son from a well-known private school, where he’s excelled since grade one, to a totally unknown start-up? What captured our fascination and provoked further research after that first open house? What opened our minds to greater possibilities?

Last November, we attended a Harford Friends School (HFS) open house in a cheery, beautiful, new addition to the Deer Creek Meeting House in Darlington. Sunlight streamed through the windows creating an inviting home-like ambiance and promises of the birth of a new and exciting adventure. Totally skeptical of a start-up operation, I came prepared with my list of twenty questions. Within minutes I found myself interviewing the Head of School, Jonathan Huxtable. I was immediately impressed by his exuberance and energy, ability to answer my inquiries, and understanding of the developmental needs of my middle school child. Jonathan was more articulate and impressive than any other educator I have ever met. Curiosity brought us to HFS, but substance, energy and excitement kept our interest. That night, I started to think critically about what is most essential to a great education.

I came up with several thoughts. The most obvious was an academically strong program that would prepare my son for acceptance into any high school of his choosing. We wanted an emphasis on literature, writing, math, science, and social studies taught by caring individuals. Computer science, art, music, gym, and language would also be beneficial. A small class composed of motivated children with similar goals would be ideal. We wanted a safe and nurturing environment where our son would be academically challenged, feel comfortable expressing his ideas, and treated with respect. After deeper reflection, I realized that what he really needs is to be encouraged to question, develop his independence, and self-reliance. We want him to grow into a confident free-thinker, able to critically seek out the truth around him, and solve problems responsibly. We want him to develop a passion for learning that will last a lifetime! Strong academics coupled with learning to think is what he truly needs to succeed.

Can HFS fill the order? Am I making a blind leap of faith? Well, all the high school and college admissions officers with whom I spoke could only rave about a Friends Education. According to my Google searches these essentials are what Friends Schools do best. After listening to Harford Friends’ Head of School, meeting its faculty, and interacting with its trustees, I believe it.

Carmella Fifty
Churchville, Maryland