Academics

Learning Support and Enrichment

Learning Support and Enrichment at Newtown Friends School

As a parent, you want your child to feel both challenged and encouraged by teachers who see their potential. At Newtown Friends School, each student is guided by a dedicated team of educators who:

Nurture each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth
Create opportunities for enrichment that spark curiosity and inspire deeper learning

Supporting Diverse Learners

Our Student Support Team works to ensure that every learner — including those with diagnosed learning differences, ADHD, and processing challenges — is celebrated and has the tools and encouragement they need. While we strive to help each student succeed within NFS’s dynamic, college-preparatory environment, unfortunately, we are not equipped for intensive or highly specialized programs.

Here’s what we offer:

Differentiated Instruction

We believe children learn in unique ways and at their own pace. Our teachers design lessons that are flexible, engaging, and responsive to the needs of the whole class. When additional support is needed, the Student Support Team partners with classroom teachers to provide tailored strategies, small-group instruction, and individualized guidance. Specialists offer resources, model strategies, observe, and co-teach when appropriate, helping every student experience an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Student Support Team Meetings

When questions or concerns about a student arise, our Student Support Team meets to review progress, listen to families, and recommend next steps. This may include supporting families through evaluations or implementing accommodations for students with diagnoses. By providing guidance and targeted support, the team ensures every learner can thrive.

Well-Being and Growth

In our caring, personal environment, each child is guided toward balance and wellness. Staff model integrity, compassion, and a love for learning.

School Counselor: Provides individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, and partners with teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a positive, inclusive environment.
School Nurse: Supports physical and emotional well-being, addresses medical needs, and coordinates with staff to promote a safe, healthy community.

Meet Our Dedicated Learning Support Specialists

Behind every student’s progress is a team of educators who bring expertise and care to their work each day.

- Pam Reifsneider
  
  Learning Support Specialist
- Sophie Sproul
  
  Learning Support Specialist
- Kavitha Surendhran
  
  Math Specialist
- Theresa Stumpo
  
  School Nurse
- Sarah Matthews
  
  School Counselor
- Sarah Buxton
  
  Lower and Upper School Head

Enrichment That Engages the Whole Child

Enrichment at NFS provides students with the space to explore ideas, express themselves, and lead with purpose. These experiences prepare learners to make thoughtful contributions and become compassionate global citizens.

What Enrichment Means at Newtown Friends School

At NFS, we use hands-on learning and interdisciplinary projects to help students discover new passions and ways of thinking.

Grounded in Quaker values, our program emphasizes reflection, empathy, and community, encouraging students to use their talents to contribute positively to the world.

Enrichment opportunities include:

STEM & Innovation: Robotics, coding, math circles, and hands-on engineering projects.
Math Enrichment: Math Olympiad and teaching concepts beyond the standard curriculum through hands-on activities, problem solving, and creative challenges.
Arts & Expression: Visual arts, music ensembles, theater, and creative writing.
Service Learning & Leadership: Local and global projects fostering empathy and responsibility.
Middle School Programming: Advisory time, study hall, and programs like Middle School 101, which builds independence and teaches critical thinking.
Clubs & Activities: Chess, debate, gardening, environmental initiatives, and student-driven projects.
Athletics & Wellness: Sports, outdoor education, and mindfulness practices promoting teamwork and resilience.