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.
in grades K–12
Student-to-faculty ratio
66% hold advanced degrees
Zip codes
represented
Athletic championship titles
since 2006
National Merit Finalists since 2011
National Merit Scholars since 2011
Neighborhood organization partners
Upper School students who designed a Directed Independent Study in 2015-16
Classroom buildings
Nobel Laureates
in Physics
LEED Gold building,
the Wade Science Center
At first glance, Danny Ceisler '10 might seem like an unlikely military intelligence officer. After all, he's a GFS lifer and a self-described Philadelphia-area progressive.
But, Danny says, "My GFS education was the best training I could have possibly had."
On Wednesday, 4/11, a team of Upper School students, with support from faculty and staff, led a daylong teach-in on race for the entire Upper School.
"My work explores how power differentials are inherited, and looks to the past to see how we arrived where we are," said Marisa. "By articulating resistance and history through art and experiences, we can more effectively work on making change."
Dr. Steven Larson, co-founder of the social service agency Puentes de Salud (Bridges to Health), spoke to Upper Schoolers about the impact of current policy on the health and wellness of Latino immigrants.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards honored many of our talented writers and artists, selecting 63 GFS student works for recognition.
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
