Where you can

be a friend

A joyful, open, and deeply connected school community on 65 acres in North Dartmouth, MA. Early Childhood to Grade 8.

A School Where Every Child is Known, Challenged, and Celebrated

Students at Friends Academy build a strong educational foundation through academics, community, respect for differences, responsible citizenship, and a sense of well-being — setting them up for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Ages 3 & 4

Early Childhood

Our youngest students grow, learn, and thrive through play and exploration, particularly outdoors.

Kindergarten – Grade 5

Lower School

Smaller classes and hands-on curriculum builds knowledge, develops close relationships, and inspires students to learn.

Grade 6 – Grade 8

Middle School

Shaping students into leaders as they learn, mature, and build confidence and independence for secondary school and beyond.

Grade 1 – Grade 8

Sally Borden Program

An integrated program for students with language-based learning differences including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

2026-27 School Enrollment

Limited Openings Still Available!

We have limited openings for the 2026-27 school year.

Get Started Now »
  • Lower School students during a music activity period at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “We came to FA expecting a small, caring community — but we have experienced so much more. Both our [kids] have flourished emotionally, socially, and academically; as parents, we have been able to be involved in their learning a meaningful way.”

     

    – Middle School parents
  • Friends Academy Early Childhood students and teacher outdoors wearing colorful weather-proof suits.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “The patience, kindness, empathy, and love [the staff] model for our kids is just the best. Thank you for providing a community that embraces diversity and empathy — it’s needed now more than ever!”

     

    – Early Childhood parents
  • Friends Academy Lower School students play outside during recess.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “The experience our children are having has exceeded expectations. They truly seem to be loving the opportunity to be part of the Friends community.”

     

    – Lower School parents
  • Two Friends Academy Lower School students work together in art class.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “Our [children] are thriving at FA because of the smaller class size and the welcoming environment. We enjoy the support they receive, the sense of community, and the commitment of the faculty to their success.”

     

    – Sally Borden Program parents
  • A Friends Academy teacher stands in a circle with students during morning meeting.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “The teachers and staff provide a loving and nurturing environment. My son is receiving an exceptional education while also learning the key tools to become a wonderful, thoughtful, and empathic human being.”

     

    – Kindergarten parent
  • Middle School students at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA sit in a circle during morning advisory.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “I’ve been so impressed with my student’s happiness since going to Friends. The environment is warm and friendly, and my child is so encouraged and supported by staff.”

     

    – Middle School parent
  • A Friends Academy Middle School teacher sits in a circle with students during morning advisory.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “I really like how Friends is focused on the whole child. There is equal emphasis on academics and social
    emotional development. They also do a great job teaching the individual child and playing to their strengths.”

     

    – Parent of Middle School and Lower School students
  • A student holding up a beaker in science class.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “We have been impressed with Friends in our first year. There is a focus on high academic standards, an inclusive environment, and allowing children to be very active during the learning day.”

    – Lower School parents
  • Why Choose Friends?

    “We love FA for inspiring wonder and kindness! Our children are starting their lives, emotionally and academically, on the right foot. We are forever grateful.”

     

    – Lower School parents
  • Students in the Sally Borden Program (SBP) at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA sit around a blue table during a structured literacy lesson.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “[I have] peace of mind knowing that my child is being taught by a person who is not only invested in the community, but who is invested in the best outcome for my child.”

     

    – Sally Borden Program parent
  • Two students in Lower School at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA practice shaking hands during morning meeting.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “We are so pleased with the community, the commitment to social kindness and well-being, and the academics. Thank you for providing such a welcoming and safe environment for learning!”

     

    – Lower School parents
  • A Friends Academy teacher works with two Lower School students during a math lesson.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “Our son feels safe and supported by his community and is encouraged to be true to himself — not like he needs to conform to others to fit in. We know what our son is experiencing and absorbing at Friends will be invaluable for his lifetime.”

     

    – Middle School parents
  • Three Friends Academy students conducting an exciting outdoor science lesson.

    Why Choose Friends?

    “I love the feeling of Friends Academy — it is a happy place where my children feel comfortable, cared for,
    and inspired by all that they are learning.”

     

    – Lower School parent
  • Why Choose Friends?

    “Our child wakes up excited to go to school each day, and enthusiastic to share what happened during the day. This hadn’t always been the case at previous schools.”

     

    – Lower School parents

Why We 🧡 FA:

(Straight from our students, teachers, and staff!)

News & Stories

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Stories

July 30, 2026

Eighth Grade Students Create Inspired ‘River Table’ From Beloved Campus Tree

Class of 2026 students create a community table and publish a book as part of a year-long service learning project.
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Events

June 10, 2026

21 Students Graduate in Class of 2026

Friends Academy celebrated the graduation of 21 eighth grade students at Class Day on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
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Events

March 27, 2026

FA Student Artists Showcase Works at New Bedford Museum

Third, fourth, and fifth grade students can tell you what it’s like to see your artwork on display at a museum!
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News

September 12, 2025

Free Literacy Screenings in Dartmouth, MA for Kindergarten-Grade 6 Students

Monthly screenings measure the development of local children’s literacy skills, including reading, spelling, and written expression.