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Meet the Head of School

 

Welcome to Stratford Friends School. For over forty-eight years SFS has led the charge in providing the best education practices for neurodiverse students. What our experience has taught us is that children who learn differently thrive when given excellent instruction by caring teachers who take the time to understand what each child needs to succeed. We know that our teaching practices, rooted in Quaker values, allows all of our students to thrive.

At the cornerstone of our programming is a daily literacy block. During this time students work with their teachers to become strong, independent readers and writers. The research-based Orton Gillingham curriculum is used to directly and systematically teach students to unlock the code of reading and become fluent readers. Students receive direct instruction in reading comprehension strategies in rich literature and informational text.

The research-based JUMP Math program offers a distinctive, agile approach focusing not only on what students learn, but how they learn it. It has been developed through extensive research and experience working with children. Unlike teaching methods that rely on text books, rote learning or memorization, our approach helps children overcome “math anxiety” by building their confidence and resilience through tackling incrementally more challenging concepts at each stage of learning. This leads to success at understanding math – not just memorizing concepts.

 At SFS, technology is infused into our curriculum giving our students the opportunity to develop 21st-century skills and they enjoy taking on STEM challenges like robotics, programming, and designing futuristic cities.

Our School Counselor and social thinking teacher facilitates a social thinking and friendship curriculum fostering social and emotional development. This dynamic curriculum in combination with our rich academic experience provides a balanced education program that supportthe whole child. 

Student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1 in the lower school and 8:1 at middle school, along with our flexible programmatic structure, enables us to specifically target each student’s individual academic needs while fostering a sense of belonging and community. 

Each day is filled with a rich curriculum that not only provides instruction that addresses students’ individual needs but also challenges them to develop their gifts and find their passions. Opportunities to grow as artists, musicians, and athletes are vital parts of our program that allow our students to nurture their creative spark.

Grounded in strong Quaker values, SFS provides so much more than a nurturing environment. It provides all children with the assurance that the way they learn matters; fairness requires that unique learners have equal access to diverse learning experiences. The lessons the children learn through the Quaker principles will continue to inform who they are as adults and prepare them to become positive forces in the world. I am privileged to be a part of the Stratford Friends School mission.

Warm Regards,

Jill Dougherty