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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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Germantown Friends School

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Environmental Stewardship

Stewardship of the environment is essential tenet of our Quaker beliefs. Germantown Friends School is a member of the Friends Environmental Education Network (FEEN) whose goal is to promote both education and action within our schools around the issues of environmental stewardship and sustainability. With the help of some of our science faculty and the faculty members of the Stewardship Commitee, GFS is committed to working toward these goals.

Over the course of the past years, many steps have been taken by the GFS in partnership with the local community to incorporate sustainability into our educational program. It is with great humility that the community hopes to build on these first important steps and continue in our efforts towards environmental sustainability. Please feel free to contact us with ideas or opportunities to further this goal.

Wade Science Center

The Wade Science Center is a LEED-certified sustainable urban center for science instruction.

This building dashboard shows real-time tracking of the building's green features, including stormwater management, solar energy, and water use.

Recycling Program

Recycling

For many years, the GFS community has recycled paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastics with ample containers distributed around campus and in classrooms. 

Granola Wrappers

The GFS Lower School collected granola bar wrappers and sending them to a company called TerraCycle. This company "upcycles" the old wrappers into items such as pencil pouches. For each wrapper, GFS received 2 cents. Eventually, the money will be put toward the purchase of new outdoor recycling receptacles to be positioned next to each outdoor trashcan.

Environmental Action Club (EAC)

The Upper School EAC has been working hard over the past several years to increase environmental awareness at GFS. Here are some of the events they have organized and held:

  • Partial screenings of the films Kilowatt Ours and Food Inc, to increase awareness of the environmental issues involved in generating electricity and producing food.
  • Sales of healthy banana whips, and CFL light bulbs at the annual Fun Day.
  • Saturday mornings volunteering for trail maintenance and clean-up in the Wissahickon.
  • Running awareness campaigns about what is recyclable and what is not.
  • Creating a push for large scale composting at GFS and an awareness campaign
  • Creating "Bike and Car Pool to School" weeks
  • Initiating a "These Came From Trees" sticker campaign on paper towel dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, and printers to help raise additional awareness.

Cafeteria

Food Change and Sustainable Practices in the GFS Kitchen

Did You Know?
  • We are celebrating the success of CulinArt’s purchasing produce from the Common Market, Philadelphia: a farm to school initiative of the Food Trust.
  • Daily vegetarian meal option
  • Whole wheat pasta/brown rice option
  • Recycle oil from fryer into Paulmier car
  • Eliminated Styrofoam
  • Peanut butter and jelly served on wheat bread
  • Organic yogurt
  • Composting food waste and paper products
  • Recycling cardboard, glass, and plastic
  • Use "green" soap in the new dish machine
  • Reduced the number of weekly grocery deliveries from 3 to 2 on most weeks and have requested a no idling policy
  • Switched to bulk condiments to help eliminate waste
  • Purchase only hormone-free milk
  • Paper napkins in the dining room are 100% post-consumer recycled paper
  • Students plant and maintain an herb garden on site
  • Sushi once a week