What's cool about our campus is that it's spread out over seven acres in Philadelphia's historic neighborhood of Germantown. The buildings are an eclectic mix of old and new, a unique look and feel more consistent with a college campus. With three gyms, three auditoriums, a student center, numerous open, green spaces and nine classroom buildings, it's a place worthy of adoration and exploration. The Meetinghouse, at the center of it all, provides a beautiful and spiritual focal point.
1. Main Building 2. Meetinghouse 3. Sharpless 4. Hargroves 5. Wade Science Center 6. Alumni Building 7. Admissions 8. Living Graveyard 9. Dead Graveyard 10. Loeb Performing Arts Center 11. Smith Gym 12. Cary Building 13. Friends Free Library 14. Field House 15. Scattergood Gym
At GFS, students and teachers gather in Meeting for Worship once each week. This is a time for shared, silent contemplation. Anyone who feels moved to speak may rise and do so. It is a simple formula, and can be a remarkably powerful experience.In these days of constant connectivity, the ability and opportunity to sit in silence have special value. Meeting for Worship is a cornerstone of the GFS culture that many come to cherish throughout their lives.
We strive to deal fairly, equally and honestly with everyone. We aim to do as we say, reflecting our beliefs in our actions. even when it is inconvenient or challenging, we stand by our convictions, striving to lead lives of integrity.
We are all blessed with remarkable gifts. We are equally qualified to seek truth and to hear the voice of God. Every person deserves equal respect. For these reasons, we work against prejudice and discrimination and for equality.
"Alone we can do little; together we can do so much."* We know there is strength in cooperation and wisdom to be found when many perspectives come together. We believe in the power of community.*
The words of Helen Keller.
In every way we can, we try to minimize the distractions that can draw our attention from the important things in life. This means not becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of daily routine. It means seeking balance. It means embracing simplicity.
This planet we inhabit, the talents we've been given, the community of which we are a part- all hold remarkable value. We must be responsible, imaginative and proactive in protecting these gifts and caring for the world and people around us. We must exercise good stewardship.
We believe each life is precious and unique. We stand against war and violence and work to eliminate their root causes, including ignorance, racism, hatred and oppression. We are committed to creating peace.
WHEN yOu bEgIN WITH THE bELIEF that each person has a unique inner light, great things can happen. At GFS, we discover and nurture a multitude of hidden talents. We teach each child to speak his or her mind, and make sure every voice is heard. We believe community is built on a foundation of mutual respect. Read Our Mission
At GFS, we instill in our students the belief that they can achieve anything, and allow them the opportunity to grow, to step forward as leaders and to find their own way. As a result, our graduates have the creativity and confidence to write their own definitions of success.
"Going to GFS was the best decision we ever made. It prepared us for college and beyond, and now we want to offer the same experience to our students," said Jamil Pines '15.
After attending Elizabethtown College and playing on their Varsity Basketball team, twin brothers Jamil and Jalil Pines are excited to be back on campus, serving as assistant teachers and coaches. Jamil is an assistant in the 4th grade for Tim Jones' class, and Jalil supports all 6th grade teachers.
Last month, Germantown Friends School (GFS) Upper School music and theatre students enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of the performing arts and hear first-hand from professionals in the field during a memorable day in New York City.
After a morning tour of the Juilliard School and lunch at the nearby home of alumna Michelle Toll ‘87, students gathered in front of the Revson Fountain in Lincoln Center on their way to see the final dress rehearsal of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, which opened the Metropolitan Opera season.
Congratulations to three students who received awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for their work on the Middle School newspaper, The Corner.
The campus Common was all abuzz as students raced from table to table, signing up for their clubs for the year.
Boys Varsity Soccer put on a show in their home opener last Friday despite the rainy conditions as they played host to our neighbors Germantown Academy.
in grades EC–12
Student-to-faculty ratio
73% hold advanced degrees
Zip codes
represented
Friends Schools League Athletic championship titles
National Merit Finalists, 2014-18
National Merit Scholars, 2014-18
Neighborhood organization partners
Upper School clubs
Classroom buildings
Nobel Laureates
in Physics
LEED Gold building,
the Wade Science Center
Leah Rosenberg GFS Class of 1982
Michelle Marshall GFS Parent
Eric Owen russell GFS Class of 1978
Faye Steacy Retired Lower School Teacher
Reiss Clauson-Wolf GFS Class of 2009
