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Germantown Friends School

explore our CAMPUS

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

we have deep roots in this place

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Germantown Friends School

The Pillars of A

Quaker Education

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.

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speak the truth

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.

Shine Together

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.

stay connected

"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.

keep it simple

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.

care for all

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.

promote peace

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.

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LGBTQIA+ Presence & Community Life

Members of the Upper School Sexuality and Gender Alliance at Upper School Club Fair Fall 2019

GFS is committed to supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary students, parents, faculty, and staff.

We strive to be a safe and welcoming school where all community members can proudly be out, affirmed in their identities, and surrounded by powerful allies.

There are a number of initiatives and groups that address LGBTQIA+ issues at GFS, including our student-led Upper School Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA).

Also yearly, GFS students and faculty participate in the National Day of Silence that brings attention to bullying and silence that gay, lesbian, bi and trans people face in many schools. Day of Silence is an initiative of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, an organization that promotes safe schools across the country.

Faculty Initiatives

Our faculty and staff are actively engaged in supporting gay and lesbian families, in exploring sexual orientation and gender identity, and are leaders in diversity at GFS. We encourage all faculty-staff to engage in professional development around gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues.

Key projects include:

  • Lower School Social Justice Taskforce
    The Lower School Social Justice Taskforce works with Lower School teachers to better access language and vision around gay and lesbian issues. In the past, members of this group have sponsored workshops and book fairs surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues for faculty and provided age-appropriate classroom resources that affirm the diversity of families.

    This taskforce is an important voice in bringing awareness and support to the Lower School and the entire school community.
     
  • Diversity Committees in Every Division
    Groups of faculty and administrators in Early Childhood through Upper School support diversity efforts and help to deepen the diversity conversation across the divisions. 

    These groups support faculty in issues of teaching and learning pertaining to diversity and multiculturalism, and helps to build positive community interactions in our diverse school community.

Professional Development & Faculty Diversity Leadership

As a national leader in diversity among independent schools, GFS builds capacity among faculty members who have a deep interest in leading discussions around diversity, multiculturalism and social justice, including being a LGBTQ-affirming school community.

  • Opportunities to attend conferences and trainings on topics focused around safe schools, anti-heterosexism/homophobia, transgender realities, social justice education, etc. are publicized and made available to teachers.
     
  • In-house professional development training opportunities for faculty and staff are offered yearly and are designed by the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. These include Intergroup Dialogue facilitation and a Professional Learning Community for anti-bias and social justice education.
     
  • Faculty meetings dedicated to creating safer spaces and strengthening expertise in working with students across the spectrum of gender and sexual identity.