--- title: The Friends' Central School Blog | N-12 Advice | Lydia Martin description: Read Lydia Martin's articles to explore school related topics as well as various tips and tricks for parents. --- - [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) ## Lydia Martin Read Lydia Martin's articles to explore school related topics as well as various tips and tricks for parents. ### Recent Posts [![FCS preparing for an independent school application](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS%20independent%20school.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/private-school-application-tips) ## [5 Tips for Your Independent School Application](https://blog.friendscentral.org/private-school-application-tips) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Mar 18 2022 [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/private-school-application-tips) [![FCS_Students-in-Park-1](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Guide-to-Main-Line.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/new-to-the-main-line-a-parents-guide-to-the-area) ## [New to the Main Line? A Parent's Guide to the Area](https://blog.friendscentral.org/new-to-the-main-line-a-parents-guide-to-the-area) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jan 25 2022 There are few areas in the U.S. offering as much culture and value as Philadelphia’s Main Line. Originally constructed around the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Main Line has a rich and unique history. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/new-to-the-main-line-a-parents-guide-to-the-area) [![Student discoveries-FCS](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/student-discoveries---FCS-feature.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/student-discoveries) ## [3 Student Discoveries that Started in the Classroom](https://blog.friendscentral.org/student-discoveries) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Oct 18 2021 At Friends’ Central School, our students are taught to understand that knowledge does not simply exist: It must be generated, and each of us have a part to play in the creation of knowledge. This. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/student-discoveries) [![Steam education for your child](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Steam-education-for-your-child-(feature-image).jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/why-steam-education) ## [Why Choose a STEAM Education For Your Child](https://blog.friendscentral.org/why-steam-education) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Oct 04 2021 As parents and caregivers embrace a new school year and look for ways to ensure their young learners’ success and happiness, they may begin to explore the type of curriculum they’d like their child. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/why-steam-education) [![Parent's guide to moving to philadelphia](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS_Students-in-Park.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/guide-to-raising-your-family-in-philadelphia) ## [Moving to Philadelphia: Parent's Guide To Raising Your Family In A New City](https://blog.friendscentral.org/guide-to-raising-your-family-in-philadelphia) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jun 14 2021 If you’re moving to the Philadelphia area, you’re in luck. Philadelphia, also known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is an amazing place to raise a family. The city is home to iconic historical. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/guide-to-raising-your-family-in-philadelphia) [![New to Philadelphia Main Line](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FC-4990-(feature-dimensions).jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/philadelphia-main-line-towns) ## [New to the Philadelphia Main Line? Your Neighborhood Guide](https://blog.friendscentral.org/philadelphia-main-line-towns) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jun 07 2021 If you’ve recently moved to, or are considering moving to the Philadelphia Main Line, you’re in luck. The Main Line is an amazing place to raise a family, boasting close proximity to Philadelphia and. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/philadelphia-main-line-towns) [![blog post feature image, benefits of having a mentor in high school](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/blog%20post%20feature%20image%2c%20benefits%20of%20having%20a%20mentor%20in%20high%20school.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/benefits-of-having-a-mentor-in-high-school) ## [Benefits of Having a Mentor in High School](https://blog.friendscentral.org/benefits-of-having-a-mentor-in-high-school) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Feb 08 2021 For most students, choosing a high school is an exciting time. But with so much to consider in making your decision, it can also be a stressful endeavor. You’ve probably found yourself searching for. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/benefits-of-having-a-mentor-in-high-school) [![Should-Students-Take-AP-Classes-FCS](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Should-Students-Take-AP-Classes-FCS.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/how-to-choose-a-high-school) ## [How to Choose a High School: 6 Factors to Consider When Comparing High Schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/how-to-choose-a-high-school) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jan 25 2021 Choosing a high school to attend is an exciting time! Whether you are just finishing middle school now and looking to take the next step in your academic career, or you're already in high school and. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/how-to-choose-a-high-school) [![Smiling Friends Central Student](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/Private%20School%20Interview%20Questions-1.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/questions-for-parents-school-admissions-interview) ## [8 Private School Interview Questions for Parents to Ask](https://blog.friendscentral.org/questions-for-parents-school-admissions-interview) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jan 04 2021 If you are in the process of [evaluating different private and independent school options](https://blog.friendscentral.org/questions-to-ask-before-enrolling-your-child-in-an-independent-school) for your child then you know that most, if not all, schools require parents to sit for an admissions interview. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/questions-for-parents-school-admissions-interview) [![how to learn about a school when you cant visit in person](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS-feature-visiting-school-when-you-cant-in-person.jpg)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/learning-about-schools) ## [How to Learn About a School When you Can't Visit in Person](https://blog.friendscentral.org/learning-about-schools) [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Nov 02 2020 With the fall nearly behind us and many families looking ahead to the winter and spring months, it’s important to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the ways families live and. [Read more](https://blog.friendscentral.org/learning-about-schools) [![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/lydia-martin/page/2) [![blue arrow](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/forward-arrow.png)](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin/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)