Silence and Reflection
At The Friends School of Atlanta, Silence and Reflection—often called Silent Meeting—is a valued practice that invites students to pause, reflect and connect with their Inner Light. Rooted in Quaker principles, it is integral to our learning environment and fosters peace, self-awareness and community.
How it works
Students and teachers gather in silence. After settling, anyone may share a brief message if moved to speak, then the group returns to silence. A simple query often guides reflection—questions that encourage students to explore kindness, resilience, empathy or growth. Examples include, “How can I be a better friend today?” or “What does courage look like in my life?”
Why it matters
Through Silence and Reflection, students practice attentive listening, mindful communication and speaking with purpose. They learn to pause before acting, center before speaking and consider others with empathy. These habits support strong academics, social-emotional learning and a healthy school culture.
An inclusive practice
Silent Meeting welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. You do not need to be a Quaker to participate. We ask only that everyone enter the space with openness, curiosity and care for the community.
The Query of the Month
A query is a simple, open-ended question that helps students listen inward, notice their thoughts and consider how their choices affect others. Queries invite reflection rather than debate and guide our time of quiet listening together.
We use queries to build the habit and reflection and self-awareness, to connect daily choices with FSA’s values and Inner Light, and to practice respectful listening and thoughtful sharing. Queries also strengthen our sense of community across ages and perspectives.
Each month, a different grade proposes the schoolwide query. In class, students brainstorm questions tied to what they are learning or noticing in our community, test the wording for clarity and kindness, then choose one to bring forward. Teachers support the process while students lead the thinking. The chosen query is shared in Silent Meeting, posted in the CMR and carried during Community Time all month.
This month's Query of the Month Is:
How are we going to use our Light to encourage and protect people who are being oppressed?
- Presented by the 7th grade class