Skip To Main Content

Lower School

Lower school students smiling & working on a class assignment.
Lower school students sitting outside on stairs taking a picture together.

At GFS, the elementary years are truly wondrous, and we provide our students in grades K-5 with an academic program that is developmentally appropriate, highly ambitious, well balanced—and joyful.

Explore our Curriculum

At GFS, we believe authentic questioning, diverse and inclusive environments, relevant learning, engagement, and an equitable curriculum are the keys to shaping the future of our society.

Activities & Affinity Groups

View our wide-range of extracurricular activities and affinity groups available to Lower School students.

Apply Now

Ready to apply? Learn about our Lower School application process.

Lower School News

View All News

Meet Joe Stanzione: Director of Lower School

Joseph Stanzione
Joseph Stanzione

Joe Stanzione joined GFS as the Director of Lower School in 2022. He previously served as the Elementary Principal and Head of Campus at The American School Foundation of Monterrey (ASFM) in Mexico. Prior to leading the Elementary division (nursery through Grade 5), Joe worked as the Assistant Principal for Grades 3, 4, and 5, and the Assistant Principal for Curriculum. He has also held teaching positions in Mexico and New Jersey since 1993.

Joe holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College. He has completed a number of certifications in instructional coaching, Responsive Classroom, and leadership, and has led workshops and classes on mindfulness, STEM play, social and emotional learning, and inclusive learning environments. In addition to his professional experience, Joe is an avid soccer fan, enjoys running, exploring new places, listening to podcasts, and learning every day. 

Lower School Office

To contact the Lower School, please call 215-951-2318 or email lowerschool@germantownfriends.org.

For help with Lower School Admissions applications, please email admissions@germantownfriends.org.

Joe Stanzione
Director of Lower School

Daisy Curtin '11
Assistant to the Director of Lower School

Kyle Hoffman
Lower School Administrative Assistant