--- title: The Friends' Central School Blog | N-12 Advice | Alexa Quinn '98 description: As a leader in (innovative) education since 1845, Friends' Central School shares its perspective on relevant topics in 21st century learning. --- - [About Us](http://friendscentral.org/about) - [Admissions](http://friendscentral.org/admission) - [Academics](https://friendscentral.org/academics) - [Athletics](http://friendscentral.org/page.cfm?p=501) - [Arts](https://friendscentral.org/arts) - [Campus Life](https://friendscentral.org/campus-life) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide#_ga=2.50017889.679910470.1731592311-467942295.1720540655) [![FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FriendsCentral%20-Mar2018/Images/text-wide.png) ![FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FriendsCentral%20-Mar2018/Images/text-narrow.png)](https://www.friendscentral.org/) Outstanding Quaker Education Since 1845 | Nursery - Grade 12 - [About Us](https://www.friendscentral.org/about) - [Why FCS?](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/why-fcs) - [Strategic Plan](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/strategicplan) - [Diversity and Inclusivity](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/diversity-and-inclusivity) - [School Leadership](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/school-leadership) - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/faculty-staff-directory) - [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) - [Employment Opportunities](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/employment-opportunities) - [Lower School Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/lower-map) - [Middle & Upper School Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/middle-upper-map) - [Admission](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [How to Apply](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply) - [Admission Events](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission) - [Directions & Transportation](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/directions-transportation) - [Our Admission Team](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/our-admission-team) - [Affording FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/affording-fcs) - [Wynnefield Scholar Program](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/wynnefield-scholar-program) - [Tuition Refund Insurance Plan](https://www.friendscentral.org/uploaded/Admissions/Documents/2017-2018/TRP_Dewars_Brochure_(generic).pdf) - [International Students](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/international-students) - [Admission Portal Login](https://admissions.veracross.com/App/FCS/Account/Login) - [Academics](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics) - [Quaker Philosophy in the Curriculum](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/quaker-philosophy) - [Signature Programs](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/signature-programs) - [Nursery](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school/early-childhood) - [Lower School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/upper-school) - [College Counseling](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/college-counseling) - [Learning Through Service](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/program-highlights/service-learning) - [Technology & Libraries](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/technology-libraries) - [Athletics](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics) - [Athletics Overview](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics) - [Schedule](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/schedules) - [Teams](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/teams) - [Directions & Facilities](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) - [Wellness](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/wellness) - [Inside Athletics](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/inside-athletics) - [Contact](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/contact) - [Arts](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts) - [Music](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/music) - [Drama](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/drama) - [Visual Arts](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/visual-arts) - [Meet the Arts Department](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/meet-the-arts-department) - [Campus Life](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life) - [Student Support Services](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/student-services) - [Auxiliary Programs & Services](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/auxiliary-programs-services) - [FCS School Store](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/school-store) - [Publications](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/publications) - [Communications](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/communications) - [Sustainability at FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/sustainability-at-fcs) - [Distinguished Lectures](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/distinguished-lectures) - [Support FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs) - [Ways to Give](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/ways-to-give) - [Friends' Central Fund](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/friends-central-fund) - [Tax Credits for Scholarships](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/tax-credits-for-scholarships) - [Our Development Team](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/meet-the-office) - [Giving Tuesday](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/givingtuesday) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [Parents](https://www.friendscentral.org/parents) - [Faculty & Staff](http://myfcs.org/) - [Alumni/ae](https://www.friendscentral.org/alumniae) - [News](https://www.friendscentral.org/news) - [Calendar](https://www.friendscentral.org/calendar) - [Quicklinks](https://www.friendscentral.org/quicklinks) - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/faculty-staff-directory) - [Veracross](https://portals.veracross.com/fcs#_ga=2.258547016.351763938.1520833058-1423637094.1518007214) - [Health Forms](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/support-services/health-services) - [School News](https://www.friendscentral.org/news) - [Photo Gallery](https://www.flickr.com/photos/friendscentralschool/albums) - [School Calendar](https://www.friendscentral.org/calendar) - [FCS Blog](https://blog.friendscentral.org/#_ga=2.229267550.351763938.1520833058-1423637094.1518007214) - [Parents](https://www.friendscentral.org/parents) - [Trustee Portal](https://www.friendscentral.org/board-member) - [FCS Summer Programs](http://www.fcsprograms.org/home/) - [FCA (Aquatics)](http://www.swimfca.org/) [The Friends' Central School Blog](https://blog.friendscentral.org) ## Alexa Quinn '98 ![Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Alexa%20Quinn%20(1).jpg) ### Recent Posts [![Independent-Learner-Graphic](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Independent-Learner-Graphic.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/independent-learning) ## [What is Independent Learning & Why Is It Important For Your Child?](https://blog.friendscentral.org/independent-learning) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Jan 25 2022 [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/independent-learning) [![teaching child to be independent learner](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos/Summer-reading-fcs-blog-feature.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/raising-an-independent-learner) ## [How to Teach Your Child to Be an Independent Learner](https://blog.friendscentral.org/raising-an-independent-learner) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Apr 05 2021 Teaching children to be independent learners is key to academic success now and in the future. The same skills necessary for students to have agency over their own earning are skills that will set. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/raising-an-independent-learner) [![DSC\_3452-1](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/DSC_3452-1.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/the-no-drama-no-tears-way-to-help-your-middle-schooler-with-homework) ## [8 Tips to Help Your Middle Schooler With Homework](https://blog.friendscentral.org/the-no-drama-no-tears-way-to-help-your-middle-schooler-with-homework) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Feb 01 2021 As a middle school educator, I often think back to my time as a sixth, seventh, or eighth grader and remember the things that were most challenging and rewarding about those years. One of the things. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/the-no-drama-no-tears-way-to-help-your-middle-schooler-with-homework) [![FCS blog parents guide to college feature image](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS-feature-image-parents-guide-to-college-planning-in-middle-school.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/college-planning-guide-for-parents) ## [The Parents' Guide to College Planning in Middle and High School](https://blog.friendscentral.org/college-planning-guide-for-parents) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Jan 18 2021 Although students typically begin applying to colleges during the fall of their senior year, preparation should actually begin much earlier than that. But how early is too early? And how can parents. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/college-planning-guide-for-parents) [![FCS\_Middle-School\_-Advisory-Program.jpg](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Capture%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-advisory-program) ## [5 Benefits of a Strong Middle School Advisory Program](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-advisory-program) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Dec 28 2020 [Middle school](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/middle-school) is a time of transition. Transitioning between schools, transitioning between social circles, transitioning physically and socially from children into teenagers. And like a lot of. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-advisory-program) [![Middle-School-Resilience](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Middle-School-Resilience.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-resilience) ## [How Building Resilience Can Help Middle Schoolers Thrive in Adolescence & Beyond](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-resilience) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Apr 14 2019 As parents, it’s natural for us to want to protect our children from adversity and the pain that comes with it—whether that’s related to performing poorly on a test, not making the team, not being. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/middle-school-resilience) [![FCS\_Students-in-Park](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS_Students-in-Park.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/teaching-children-about-community) ## [How Your City Can Help Instill a Sense of Community in Your Child: Philadelphia Opportunities for You and Your Kids](https://blog.friendscentral.org/teaching-children-about-community) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Nov 08 2018 As parents, we understand that the community plays an important role in the lives of our family and our children. No matter where you live or where you come from, community anchors us. Community. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/teaching-children-about-community) [![Common-problems-switching-schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Common-problems-switching-schools.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/kids-struggling-switching-schools) ## [4 Common Reasons Kids Struggle When Switching Schools and What Parents Can Do To Help](https://blog.friendscentral.org/kids-struggling-switching-schools) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Jul 26 2018 Switching schools is an exciting time for any child and family. As a process, switching schools brings with it so many opportunities—from academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities to new. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/kids-struggling-switching-schools) [![When-to-Change-Schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/When-to-Change-Schools.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/best-time-to-change-schools) ## [The Best Times for Your Child to Switch Schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/best-time-to-change-schools) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Jul 23 2018 If you’re in the process of planning a school switch for your child, you undoubtedly have a lot of questions swirling around in your head. You’re thinking about the academics and classes offered by. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/best-time-to-change-schools) [![FCS-Middle-School-Tech-Shop](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS-Middle-School-Tech-Shop.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/tips-to-make-switching-schools-easier) ## [5 Tips to Make Switching Middle Schools Easier for Your Child](https://blog.friendscentral.org/tips-to-make-switching-schools-easier) [By Alexa Quinn '98](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98) Apr 17 2018 When a parent decides to enroll their child in a new school, it’s typically done for good reason. Whether you simply aren’t impressed with the quality of education your child is currently receiving,. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/tips-to-make-switching-schools-easier) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffriendscentralschool%2F%3Fhl%3Den%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/school/friends'-central-school/) **See what Friends' Central has to offer.** [Early Childhood](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school/early-childhood) [Lower School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school) [Middle School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/middle-school) [Upper School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/upper-school) [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide#_ga=2.100048030.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [Visit FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/admission-events#_ga=2.165592127.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [Apply Now](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply#_ga=2.65926062.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [RSS Feeds](https://www.friendscentral.org/news#) 1 [2](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98/page/2) [![blue arrow](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/forward-arrow.png)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/alexa-quinn-98/page/2) [All posts](https://blog.friendscentral.org/all) [Friends' Central School](https://www.friendscentral.org/) Middle & Upper School Campus Grades 6-12 1101 City Avenue Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-649-7440 [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) [Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/middle-upper-map) Lower School Campus Nursery - Grade 5 228 Old Gulph Road Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-642-7575 [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) [Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/lower-map) - [Apply Now](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply) - [Support FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs) - [Request Information](hhttps://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.friendscentral.org/privacy-policy) - [Site Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/site-map) - [Accessibility](https://www.friendscentral.org/accessibility-statement) [Powered by Finalsite](https://www.finalsite.com)