Summer Fun at Friends is a unique summer camp as it offers much more than care, it offers an engaging schedule of fun and exploration! Leveraging the Friends School campus, campers will have the chance to do a variety of experiential activities encompassing art, science, literacy, culinary, cooperative learning and physical activity. Each week is driven by a specific and creative theme that will excite your child! For any questions regarding Summer Fun at Friends, please email the summer camp staff at [email protected].
REGISTRATION
To register for Summer Fun at Friends, click here and complete the information on the summer camp portal to register. A $310 deposit is required at registration to hold your child's spot. A $50 registration fee for non-VBFS students will be billed separately. After registering, you will be directed to pay pal to submit the deposit. Your child's spot will not be held if the deposit is not paid. If selecting the one week option, your remaining balance will be due on the Friday before your child's first day of summer camp. For full summer camp selection, the remaining balance will be due in equal installments between June, July and August. Discounts will not exceed 5% off the total summer program cost. Any questions about billing or discounts, please contact the summer camp staff at [email protected].
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Make New Friends
Testimonials
I am so grateful for Friends School! This is our second year, we started last year in their Cottage class for 3 year olds and Kindergarten. My children spent all summer asking when school started again. The warmth and caring of the teachers and staff is really remarkable and the campus itself offers my kids the ability to eat lunch outside, run off their energies and be in a community that is safe and nurturing. And I am so excited about the new leadership of the school! I have already seen so many wonderful changes-Friends is now becoming a huge part of our whole family's life, not just the kiddos school.
- Kimberly Vap
The Friends School has been an amazing part of our lives and our daughter is starting her second year there. We absolutely love how she has grown and learned from her experience there. Every day is an adventure for her and she comes home with stories to tell and praise for her classmates as well. Every student is a member of the school family and they all have a wonderful time learning together.
- Dallas Thurston
My children have been at Friends school for the past 5 years. I love the small, family environment and the opportunity for my children to grow academically. They have never been held back to grade level expectations when their ability is greater and they are encouraged to grow as learners. During the school wide picnics I can’t drag them away from their school. It really is a second home for them. My children are currently in middle and upper school and they have told me they couldn’t imagine being in any other school. Administration and staff are easily accessible and communication is frequent and ongoing. It takes a village and Friends School is my village.
- Lesa Leiden
We are accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and an active member of the National Association of Independent Schools and Friends Council on Education.
Why Choose Virginia Beach Friends School
Experiential Learning
Founded in 1955, Friends continues a 350-year tradition of educational principles committed to an inquiry-based curriculum and experiential (hands-on) learning. We have progressed from a simple gathering of children to the thriving community that it is today. Our educators purposefully engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop their capacity to contribute to their community.
Friends Diversity
VBFS embodies the historical Quaker belief that each individual has a distinct inner light. VBFS is a community that values diversity and inclusivity, as our student body represents a wide variety of religious faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and interests. In keeping with the Quaker philosophy of honoring each individual, students representing different ethnic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds are challenged daily to respect and learn from one another.
Intimate Learning Environment
A Virginia Beach Friends School education is undoubtedly powerful, as each student directly benefits from small class sizes with individualized attention and support. At Friends, no classroom has more than 15 students, with an average student to teacher ratio of 6:1. In our classrooms, teachers are able to truly know each student and instruct to their needs, helping them thrive and grow as lifelong learners. Regardless of their interests, our approachable size enables students to have meaningful experiences as they pursue passions in and out of the classroom.
Convenient School Location
Located just miles from the Chesapeake Bay yet situated in the heart of the bustling Hampton Roads metropolitan area, our school's unique location our students to learn by doing. Whether harvesting oysters in local riverbeds for environmental science or performing a Fine Arts production at MOCA- VBFS students see their learning come to life. Plus, our balanced student to teacher ratio allows instructors to deliver an unprecedented level of attention to each individual learner, ensuring student success no matter the age or academic level.
Our Mission
Virginia Beach Friends School aims to educate the whole child, developing strong academic intellect and personal character, through recognition of each child’s individual light and living the Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
Academics And A Whole Lot More
Art & Music
The Art Studio at Friends was designed to become a creative workspace for every incoming student. The Music and Performing Arts Department is committed to providing students with diverse opportunities to gain a broad music education and to express themselves through the arts.
Library & Media
We like to think that the VBFS Library is a haven for our entire community. With a collection of over 20,000 books paired with digital and electronic resources - our students and their families are encouraged to freely use our facilities to become more informed and ethical users of information.
Learning Center
Every student’s educational journey is different. Our goal, above all else, is to ensure academic and social success in and out of the classroom. The Learning Center at Friends provides students with educational support, instruction, and organizational assistance that helps students reach their potential.
Guidance & Counseling
All students receive the support and mentoring needed to grow into their very best selves. Our Counseling Center is a place that assists students in becoming more aware of the importance of effective and positive socialization skills. The goal of our school counseling is to ensure students excel academically and develop the life skills needed for a successful future.
Extended Day Programs
AWe offer a morning and afternoon Extended Day Program designed to stimulate, engage and enrich our students well-beyond the traditional school day. Our staff supervises all age-appropriate activities both before and after our regularly scheduled days. Our Extended Day Programs are open to all Friends School students ages 3 through the 6th grade.
Athletics
Our physical education program is designed to focus and expand upon fundamental skill development, helping students succeed in both traditional and non-traditional athletics. We also teach our students how to develop a lifelong passion for health and wellness. With 22 sports programs and other recreational physical activities, athletics play a vital role in developing our students.
Virginia Beach Friends School
1537 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach VA 23451
