Friends schools have long been recognized as vigorous learning communities centered on Quaker values. Connecticut Friends School is unique in Fairfield County in offering this education. Each classroom is a mixed-age learning environment with a team of teachers using a combination of traditional and progressive techniques. In the Maples class (ages 5 to 7), students are challenged to a degree that is appropriate for their individual developmental level while still enjoying play-based activities. Each day starts with morning circle, which embraces community building conversations, a literacy-based morning message activity, and a period of silent meditation. The program includes hands-on explorations to lay the foundations of elementary language arts and mathematics, field trips, and community service projects.