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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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Health Education

The health of our bodies, minds and spirits informs all that lies before us in life. The goal of the Health Education Department is to lead students in understanding that our individual health does not stand alone, but is integrated into every aspect of our lives. Our aim is to educate students on the merits of clear communication and the clarification of values. We also show them how to access credible health information. Health Education courses are developmentally appropriate and cover a range of health topics, including sexuality, mental health, mindfulness, safety, alcohol and drug use, nutrition and healthy eating. Health education is interdisciplinary by its very nature—we continually collaborate with both the science and physical education departments.

Courses

HEA401 Health Education 10
required minor (one semester course) | grade: 10
Health Education is semester long course focused on decision-making and information gathering on the topics of mental and emotional health, drugs, and sexuality. We begin with a mindfulness-based stress reduction program, where together we explore and practice different forms of meditative practices to cultivate our ability to pay attention to the present moment with the hope of allowing us to make more thoughtful decisions. We also discuss stress and our stress reactions, how we experience and process the world through our body, thoughts, and emotions, and ways to cultivate gratitude in our everyday lives. Another main focus of the mental health unit is how to recognize when someone needs help and how to seek help for yourself or others. Sleep, addiction, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating are also addressed. We then examine substance abuse both at a societal level and also the individual consequences of choosing to use, including addiction. We explore drug-related issues through various lenses, including current research, statistics, media, societal norms and direct and indirect pressure. Sexuality is presented in a holistic manner, and the topics include sexual identity, gender and society, reproductive health, and building and maintaining healthy relationships. All topics in the course are explored through information gathering, analyzing of media, personal reflection and discussion.

HEA600 Life Issues
required minor (yearlong course)| grade: 12
The objective of the Life Issues course is to provide students with the information and tools they need to navigate their senior year and the transition into the next phase of their life, including college. The course is coordinated with Advisory once a cycle all year. A portion of the course is devoted to college advising and grade advising. The remainder focuses on a list of topics that the students help generate, including personal finance, mental health and mood disorders, happiness, stress, basic car maintenance, resume writing and business communications, personal safety, healthy romantic relationships, maintaining a strong relationship with parents and family, buying and preparing food, physical intimacy, sexual consent, bystander intervention, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexual identity, social media, and alcohol and drug use. We recognize that many parents and caregivers are also reflecting on how to prepare students for their lives after GFS.