How are the School values exercised in the curriculum?
Our school values reflect the traditional Quaker testimonies of truth, equality, justice, discipline, peace, tolerance, service, creativity, and simplicity.
The School practices value-led education through innovative ways. Teachers at both the Upper and Lower School are encouraged to incorporate Quaker principles through topic selection and student discussion. Though the curriculum offered at Friends School is mandated by the Palestinian Ministry of Education, it is enhanced by a variety of classes and programs specifically developed to reflect the School’s values. One such supplement is the Community Service program, which encourages students to become more active members of their community through field visits and face-to-face interaction. Visits to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and retirement homes are arranged for the younger children, while older students undertaking graduate requirements are involved in more intensive and extensive community service projects. All Students at the school also take classes in Ethics, which allow them to explore more fully different social, religious, and moral beliefs. Topics include conflict resolution, comparative religion, cultural diversity, and civic responsibility. Our Special Needs program, which incorporates students with disabilities into the mainstream learning environment, raises awareness on issues such as tolerance and equality among students. Serving the community and being respectful of difference are essential messages behind Quakerism and the School’s philosophy.

How many students are at each school and who are they?
The Friends School strives to have a student body representative of Palestinian society by accepting applicants from diverse social, religious, and economic backgrounds. There are approximately 1200 students at present. The Lower School (FGS), located on a beautifully shaded campus near the heart of the Old City of Ramallah, presently has over 650 girls and boys from the lower kindergarten to grade six. The Upper School (FBS) is located on the picturesque campus of El-Bireh. It presently has nearly 520 girls and boys in grades 7 to 12.
The vast majority of the student body is Palestinian and lives in or around the Ramallah and el-Bireh area. Palestinian-American students make out around 30% at the FBS and 15% at the FGS.

Are all the classes taught in English?
The school’s curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ interest in reading, writing and critical thinking through applied activities. In addition to practical learning, the school stresses proficiency in both Arabic and English. By the time a student reaches the 9th and 10th grades, most of the courses are taught in English in preparation for SAT I & II and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
The Friends School is accredited by the Palestinian Ministry of Education. The Upper School is also accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

How many students receive financial assistance?
Nearly 20% of the student body (around 200 students from 92 families) receives some form of financial assistance. Depending on the amount of donations received, the School allocates between $70,000 to $100,000 for its Financial Aid and Scholarship Fund, which is supported solely through contributions.

How much does tuition cost?
The amount students pay for tuition depend on grade level. Tuition costs range from $1800-$3000 annually.
What can a graduate expect after their Friends School education?
With the help of the School college counselor, many of our students enter selective universities throughout the Middle East, Europe and the United States. We have a very high matriculation rate to colleges and universities, almost 95%. Most attend universities and colleges throughout the Middle East, particularly Birzeit University, followed by the U.S. and Europe. Because of the rigor of their coursework, many are well prepared for college and a substantial number receive prestigious scholarships and awards.
The Friends School impact has been perhaps felt greatest among the Alumni. For over the past 125 years, graduates who have embodied Quaker values of academic excellence and social commitment have reached the pinnacle of success in various fields, such as commerce, science, art, and diplomacy and hold prominent positions within the Palestinian community and abroad-an accomplishment many attribute to their education and experiences at the Friends School.

Where does the Friends School receive its support?
The Friends School supports itself mainly through tuition and fees (80%). The remainder comes mostly from donations. The Friends School greatly depends on the support of Quakers, Alumni, and other contributors to sustain its educational programs. Large infrastructural projects are normally funded by USAID/ASHA and other international development agencies, including the UNDP