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Germantown Friends School

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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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Academics

Exploration, inquiry, experimentation, play—these themes are found throughout the academic program at Germantown Friends School. Our students wrestle with ideas and try concepts on for size. They question theories and ideas, and are curious about the world around them and their role in it. They find satisfaction in learning.

Our Early Childhood students play with patterns inspired by Mondrian, while third graders create a barter-based African market. In science, sixth graders fill small observation journals with questions and notes and cunning pencil sketches. Kindergartners, seventh and twelfth graders alike spend full class periods immersed in Spanish. Eighth graders study the history of the Black Panthers. And on a Math Trail tour of Center City, tenth graders discover how math truly exists all around them.

What do students need to know? What do they need to be able to do? Building on our long-standing tradition of academic excellence, we guide our students in recognizing beauty in ordinary things, tackling thorny issues in our community, society and world, and discovering genius in simple, elegant solutions to problems. They achieve all of this through careful thought and observation, which propels them to decisive action, expressing themselves with clarity and purpose.

Respect for learning and for seeking truth is but one demonstration of our mission as a Quaker school, and we value strongly the central belief that there is “that of God in everyone.” In our community, we endeavor to honor each of our students as individuals—and encourage them to see, learn, experience, and celebrate “that of God” in others, too.

"Germantown Friends School is not just a campus filled with buildings. It embodies a community that inspires, supports and promotes the right ingredients for success."
—Michelle Marshall, GFS Parent