religious society of friends (quakers)
Sunday Youth Programs
First Day School (Sunday School)
Children and youth are full participants in the spiritual life of our community. We are delighted to welcome young people from birth through age 18 into our First Day School (FDS) program. In the Quaker tradition, we often call Sunday “First Day”.
First Day School Registration & Photo Forms for 2026-27 school year
Click on FIND OUT MORE to register your child for the First Day School 2026-27 School Year
and to give your preferences about photos.
a full part of the community
Each Sunday
At Albuquerque Monthly Meeting, children are full participants in the spiritual life of our community. We are delighted to welcome young people from birth through age 18 into our First Day School (FDS) program.
Each Sunday, children begin the morning in Meeting for Worship alongside their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. After ten minutes of shared worship, the main doors open and children who wish to participate in First Day School are invited to transition to our youth program spaces.
During the school year, First Day School offers 45–60 minutes of age-appropriate religious education in a supportive and nurturing environment. Together, we wonder about big questions, explore our Quaker faith and practice, and cultivate our relationship with that Spirit of Love and Mystery we sometimes call God. Throughout the year, children engage with themes such as Quaker testimonies, Quaker history, worship, and personal spiritual practices.
Our Core Beliefs
What grounds our program
Our program is grounded in several core beliefs:
- Children have rich spiritual lives. They have an innate relationship with awe and wonder; these are not skills they need to be taught.
- Children deserve to be listened to and treated with deep respect.
- Children's play is meaningful work.
- Adults are companions and guides; we do not need to have “the answers”.
- Children's spaces are intentionally not “over-adulted”; our staff and volunteers' focus is on supporting children and honoring their discoveries.
You Are Welcome
Join us at anytime
Whether your family attends every week or only occasionally, you are warmly welcome. We recognize that every family has its own rhythm, and we hope you will join us whenever it feels right for you.