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.
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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Join our 2-hour workshop on Feb 15th, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm!
Discover how to nurture your child's brain development during the critical first five years. Our Head of School, Dr. Brooks, will share practical strategies for parents to support their child's cognitive growth through daily activities—this workshop will be conducted in English.
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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 Mid-Winter Camp is just around the corner, and we’re so excited to take your children on a cultural journey across Asia! This year, we’ll be exploring the vibrant celebrations of China, Vietnam, and Korea, all while honoring the Year of the Snake. Don’t miss out—registration is open now, and spots are filling quickly! Be sure to secure your spot soon before registration closes.
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We had an incredible time celebrating the Lunar New Year with our IFS families! From our tiniest toddlers to our confident performers, every student took the stage to share the joy of the season. The grand finale? A thrilling lion dance to bring in luck and prosperity!
Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at IFS! 🐍🏮
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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.
