International Friends School, opened in 2018, is an independent, non-profit school serving children Toddler - 4th Grade in Bellevue WA. We grow one grade a year until 5th grade.
Our specialized bilingual program nurtures Mandarin-English 21st century learners.
As the first Quaker Friends School in Washington State, we intentionally integrate the testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship into the everyday experiences of our teachers and students.
很高兴您找到了我们!
To educate students to embrace the challenges of today, so they may seize the opportunities of the future.
Summer Camp 2025 is Open for Registration!
Summer Camp 2025 is Open for Registration!
School News and Updates
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This Trimester, we are focusing on the Quaker Testimony of Peace. Elementary students will explore ways to find their inner peace, while early childhood children will practice Anjingxialai (sit in silence).
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Our Kindergarteners explore materials—wood, paper, and fabric—learning how their properties shape their use. Through engineering challenges, they build structures, explore energy transfer, and discover how natural resources impact our world. With curiosity and creativity, they develop the foundation for innovation and sustainability!
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2nd Graders learn about the journey of Change Makers and the similarities in their journeys - identifying challenging, developing allies + tenacity, setbacks and eventual outcomes. Their Field Trip in March is to the Wing Luke museum to learn more about Bruce Lee. Heroes matter, and understanding the journey that leads to their lasting impact matters just as much.
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In our Water Dragon Pre-K1 class, we focus on laying the groundwork for Chinese character recognition before diving into writing. Since Chinese writing requires fine motor skills, we introduce characters through fun, hands-on activities that help students explore structure and meaning in engaging ways. While we’re not writing just yet, we’re certainly not slacking—every day is an adventure in discovering the beauty of Chinese characters!
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Give your child a summer of fun, exploration, and Mandarin learning!
At IFS Summer Camp, we’re making Mandarin learning exciting by immersing children in hands-on experiences that bring language to life! From arts and crafts to cooking and cultural activities, every moment is designed to engage, inspire, and reinforce language skills in a natural, interactive way!
Register Here!
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The Art Studio has snakes slithering and moving about as we prepare for the Year of the Snake. Watch this space (and keep your eyes on the ground)
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4th graders embark on a unit about Genes + Hereditary traits, using the Romney square to explore traits in their own families.
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The Spring Camp is open for registration! Campers will dive into the fascinating world of wildlife, discovering how animals live, adapt, and thrive in different environments. 🌍 🌱Don’t miss out; spots are filling quickly! Be sure to secure your spot soon before registration closes.
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Join UW professor Dr. Chan Lü for this community workshop on bilingual language learning and literacy development for young children. Please double click on flyer image above for additional details.
Saturday, March 22, 1:00-3:00 pm in the IFS Auditorium. All are welcome!
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Students from the Toddler to Kindergarten engage in EF centers to help them become organized learners. These centers involve an Executive Functioning process such as working memory, categorization, measurement + data. Tasks range in complexity based on the age of the child. Students in PreK2 and up must take care of their own system for checking off their work, evaluating it and caring for their resources. EF at it’s best.
