An Alumna Reflects

By Chelle Jeffrey, New Garden Friends School alumna and parent of a current third grader who enrolled in kindergarten

My mother says she picked New Garden Friends School for me because I was a rule follower. She knew that at most schools, I’d sit in the front row and do everything right. At Friends School, she believed I might have the opportunity (or courage, perhaps?) to break the rules, and have that be okay.

There, I learned my interconnectedness with the world; that my privilege required my generosity. I learned that people who were different from me were just as special. I learned to challenge myself and to set high expectations. I was taught so much more than how to read, write, and do math; I learned how to learn. I also learned how to be a friend, to question authority, and to stand up for what was right, even if it was hard or uncomfortable.

When the time came to choose a school for my son, I knew he’d learn to read, write, and do math anywhere. But I wanted a place for him to express himself, to see the strengths in others and himself, to value differences, to wonder about the world around him, to know that not everyone has the comforts he does, and that it’s his responsibility to reach out to those in need. I wanted a place where he would be seen as an individual, a place that would expect him to succeed, support him and challenge him, and a place full of people who would love him. I picked New Garden Friends School. My son is having a fantastic time. There isn’t a day that he doesn’t want to go to school.

Just as New Garden was a perfect fit for me, so it is for my son. This is more than just a school; it is a community that feels like home.

Come explore how a New Garden Friends education can make a difference for your child. Join us for our Open House, Monday October 21 for Preschool and Kindergarten from 5:30-6:30 at our Preschool Campus, A Child’s Garden at 801 New Garden Road and 6-7 pm at our Guilford Campus at 1128 New Garden Road or Tuesday, October 29 from 8:30 until 9:30 am for grades K-8 at our Guilford Campus.

Nothing takes the place of a visit, so if you are unable to make the above events or would prefer an individual tour, please feel free to call our Admissions Associate, Maggie Keskinen at 336.299.0964 or email admissions@ngfs.org to plan a convenient time.

Sponsored by New Garden Friends School