PICTURE THIS A Campaign for Learning and Community
Picture This: A Campaign for Learning in Community brings GFS’ strategic vision to life by creating a home for cross-disciplinary learning in the arts and engineering while supporting the wellbeing of our community; increasing need-based scholarships; expanding the teacher pipeline and offering meaningful academic enrichment opportunities for students in the greater Philadelphia community; and furthering the extraordinary teaching and learning that GFS is known for. As we enter the final phase of the campaign in 2025-2026, we invite you to join us.
PICTURE THIS: Campaign Priorities
All School Commons
A Space for Learning in Community
Completed in Fall 2024, this new 40,000-square-foot, three-level complex transforms the student experience by enhancing collaboration across the arts, engineering, film, and theatre, while fostering community and wellbeing in a new state-of-the-art dining center. The building connects to the Loeb Center for the Performing Arts and the renovated Smith Gym dining hall.
Designed to center creativity and support the making and sharing of art, the facility complements the outdoor Common and Meetinghouse. It strengthens the heart of campus, integrates art with design and engineering, and provides a welcoming space for all.
GFS Annual Fund
Strengthening Our Foundation
In growing the Annual Fund—the first giving priority and a vital source of operational support—GFS is ensuring a rich student experience and supporting continuous innovation and enrichment.
Funds raised through the Annual Fund are a direct investment in the teaching and learning excellence for which GFS is known. Whether for a class research project, a new student club, or professional growth for faculty, this support remains critical.
SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUNDFinancial Accessibility Endowment
Exceptional Academics for All
GFS is growing our endowment to expand educational access and strengthen the socioeconomic diversity of its student body. By fostering a diverse learning community, we continue to better reflect our neighborhood, city, and world, while enriching the academic experience.
The campaign aims to increase the endowment by 18% to fund scholarships across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, building on GFS’ strong commitment to tuition assistance. Currently, 35.5% of students receive financial aid; among new families in 2024-2025, 40% were awarded scholarships.
Community Education Programs
A Pathway to Educational Opportunity
As GFS expands educational opportunities through financial aid, we also do so through our community education partnerships and programs—providing academic enrichment for students attending area public and charter schools, training and support for a diverse pipeline of aspiring teachers, and opportunities for community involvement and connection between GFS and neighboring organizations.
The campaign is growing the endowment to sustain these partnerships long-term and provide sustained funding and greater capacity in this critical area of GFS’ work.
