Frequently Asked Questions

GFS is proud to award $5.3 million dollars of need-based financial aid. Financial aid is available for families with students who are applying to Kindergarten through grade 12. The deadline for submitting financial aid applications, as well as supporting documents, is January 4, 2021.

• Start your FAST application and begin gathering information outlined in the Downloadable Worksheet.
• Complete all steps in the Financial Aid application process, including uploading copies of your 2019 tax and 2020 income documentation by January 4, 2021 to be eligible for first round financial aid review for the 2021-22 School Year.

Please review our detailed Financial Aid instructions.

Recognizing the important benefits of on-campus instruction, age-appropriate plans have been created for every division. Learn more about our Roadmap to Reopening.

We have designed our plans for the upcoming year so that we can respond adaptively to current COVID-19 case conditions in Philadelphia and other critical data. Our decision-making about our reopening plans is guided by the CDC, city, and state guidelines, and in consultation with our Medical Advisory Board.

In addition to modified on-campus instruction, we are pleased to offer Colloquia, our thoughtful remote learning program for Early Childhood learners through twelfth grade. Colloquia is designed to reflect the depth and breadth of the everyday GFS experience and bring students together in community online. View Colloquia in Action

 

In addition to scheduling and completing your Virtual Parent Interview, complete all division- or grade specific application items by January 4, 2021 to be eligible for first round review for the 2021-22 School Year. These items are outlined in detail within the Veracross Admissions Portal. As you move through the application, we will help you complete the different checklist items within the process.

Early Childhood:

• Play Observation Video
• For PreK applicants only:
  • Virtual Readiness Assessment
  • Confidential Teacher Recommendation

Kindergarten:

• In-Person Readiness Assessment* & Observation Video
• Confidential Teacher Recommendation
• Official Transcripts or School Records

Lower School, Grades 1-5

• In-Person Admissions Testing* & Observation Video
• Confidential Teacher Recommendation
• Official Transcripts or School Records

Middle and Upper School

• Confidential Teacher Recommendations
• Admissions Testing (ISEE or SSAT)
• Official Transcripts or School Records
• Graded Writing Sample

*Remote/Virtual Options Available

Virtual Parent Interviews are a chance for us to get to know your family, learn about your child and answer any questions you have about GFS. They typically last about an hour and are conducted via Zoom. If you aren’t familiar with video chat, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Please schedule your Virtual Parent Interview as soon as you have submitted your application as our interview slots tend to fill up quickly

Currently, we are holding a number of virtual events, which give prospective families the opportunity to hear from GFS leadership, staff, faculty, and students. Browse a list of upcoming Virtual Open Houses and Lunchtime Chats. We look forward to connecting and introducing you to the rich array of learning opportunities that a GFS education offers!   

Sign Up for a Virtual Admissions Event

We are here to help you through the process and happy to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office at 215-951-2345 or admissions@germantownfriends.org.