Mobile Trigger

Voices of GFS
Campus
Values

Search

Germantown Friends School

Treatments Container

Close

Campus Container

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

Values Container

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.

Grid Container

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.

Faces Container

Germantown Friends School

Media

previous

next

Landing Container

girl on laptop

Girls playing double dutch jump rope on the Common

Section Navigation

Student Life

Germantown Friends School is a family—extended and inclusive. We’ve led the way among independent schools in creating a community diverse in religion, race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Friends are Family

At GFS, students call most teachers by their first names. Some new to the practice assume this signals a lack of respect, but that is not the case. In fact, the practice reflects a profound and mutual respect that shapes and enriches every aspect of life at our school.

If you ask our graduates their best memories of their years here, the most common answer is the close bonds with faculty. This is not just nostalgia: It’s a description of friendships that are often still vibrant many years after students have graduated.

Through community involvement projects, environmental action and institutional partnerships, GFS is connected with and committed to Germantown and Philadelphia. It’s a remarkable place: the site of a Revolutionary War battle and the Deshler-Morris House, the temporary White House where George Washington took refuge during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, as well as home to unique businesses and dynamic organizations.

From their first days here, our students know they are part of a family—and that Germantown is our home. Seeing life through the lens of the neighborhood, they grow in compassion and independence, and come of age as outward-looking people, eager to take their education into the world.

Student Scenes