Lower School

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

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Cross-Divisional Community: Upper and Lower School Buddies Chat

To commemorate the endings and beginnings that come with the conclusion of the school year, we asked three Senior & Lower School Buddy pairs to interview one other about school, life, and the meaning of community.

GFS Bids Farewell to the Year with Performances, Final Projects, and Graduation

The end of the school year is a special (and busy!) time, with events, trips, exhibitions, and celebrations—so many opportunities to gather as a community.

Grade 4 Play Captures Life Lessons from Greek Mythology

GFS fourth grade students brought their study of Greek mythology to life in their annual play this week, using frozen poses, known as tableaux, to depict the journeys of Orpheus, Icarus, and Arachne, and their struggles with human limitations, pride, and ambition.

Further Afield

GFS Lower School educators reimagine what a field trip can be.

Read more about Further Afield

GFS’ MLK Day: A Morning of Service and Learning

On Monday, January 20, 2025, the GFS community gathered for the school's 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The day included a keynote speaker, workshops, volunteer shifts, and more!

The Top 10 GFS Events, Activities, and Traditions We’re Excited About for 2025

With the new year upon us, we're sharing some of the moments and upcoming events at GFS that we're most looking forward to in 2025!

GFS Lower School Brought "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr." to Yarnall Auditorium

On November 21, the Lower School debuted its fall musical "Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr." in front of friends, family, and classmates.

Fourth Grade Leads Campaign to Honor Freedom Fighters

GFS fourth grade students attended a Girard College street renaming ceremony to honor Civil Rights Freedom Fighters after participating in an activism campaign.

Making Moves

Across the GFS curriculum, theatre and movement arts boost student learning and engagement.

Meet Joe Stanzione: Director of Lower School

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