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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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Capital & Endowment Programs

While the Annual Giving program provides funding for the daily operating expenses at GFS, Capital and Endowment programs focus on meeting the long-term strategic goals of the school. These goals include strengthening the endowment to support the strongest talent in the classroom and campus improvements to meet evolving program needs.

Our top capital and endowment priorities are:

Recruiting and supporting a gifted faculty (Faculty Endowment)

Educational innovation at GFS lies with our faculty, who foster the academic culture and intellectual creativity of the school. To retain this tradition of innovation, GFS raises money to invest in the faculty, both in terms of competitive salaries as well as opportunities for professional development.

Donors may establish named endowed funds to support extraordinary teaching in perpetuity with a gift of $50,000 or more. Gifts of any size may be directed towards existing funds. Many alumni and friends have created such funds to honor family members or beloved former teachers. Donors of named endowed funds receive annual reports on the use of their gift.

Attracting and retaining a talented student body (Financial Aid Endowment)

GFS has always strived to maintain a diverse student body and enroll the strongest students, regardless of their families’ ability to afford tuition. Both the Community Scholars Program and general financial aid dollars are critical to offering access to all talented students. The need for this aid is greater today than ever before.

With gifts of $50,000 or more, donors may establish named endowed scholarships or named endowment funds for non-tuition support, such as books, computers or summer enrichment. Gifts of any size may be directed towards existing funds. Donors of named funds receive annual reports on the students who benefit from their generosity. Gifts can be made as one-time gifts or multi-year pledges.

Businesses can also support financial aid at GFS through the Pennsylvania tax credits known as EITC and OSTC.

Preserving and enhancing the school’s historic campus to meet emerging program needs

GFS prides itself on its historic campus located in the heart of Germantown. Along with regular maintenance to keep the campus beautiful, additions and enhancements are made to facilities when dictated by programmatic needs. Recent projects have included major upgrades to the campus technology infrastructure in 2014, the Wade Science Center, a LEED certified green building, in 2009, a renovation to the Friends Free Library in 2008, and the replacement of a parking lot with a Campus Common in 2005. Gifts to capital projects can be made as one-time gifts or multi-year pledges.