Germantown Friends School
Tel:
(215)951-2345
- Founded in 1845, Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, K-12, co-ed independent day school dedicated to reaching that of God in every person.
- Our mission is to seek truth, challenge the intellect, honor differences, embrace the city, and nurture each student`s mind, body and spirit. GFS takes its strong identity from five distinct elements: a vibrant intellectual community of teachers and students; an historic urban setting in Germantown; a diverse and multicultural faculty and student body who value difference as indispensable; a Quaker vision of what is possible for both individuals and communities; and a belief in fulfilling this vision through reflection, collaboration and action.
Quick Stats (2018-19)
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Students: 906 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,175
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 2 / rolling
Top Placements
Germantown Friends School places among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
- Category Attribute
- Affordability Least expensive tuition
- Student Body Largest student body
- Sports offered Most sports offered
- Extracurriculars Most extracurriculars offered
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | Friends Council on Education (FCE) National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools |
| Religious Affiliation | Friends |
| Grades Offered | Grades Kindergarten-12 |
| Year Founded | 1845 |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
Student Body
| Total Students | 906 students |
| Student Body Type | n/a |
| % Students of Color | 25% State avg.: 22% |
| Students by Grade |  |
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 131 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 7:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| % Faculty w/Advanced Degree | 73% |
| Average Class Size | 20 students |
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
| Matriculation DataMatric. Data | Link to Matriculation Data |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
Finances and Admission
| Admission Deadline | Dec. 2 / rolling |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $22,175 |
| Tuition Notes | Tuition ranges from $23,050 for Kindergarten to $34,475 for grades 9-12. |
| % on Financial Aid | 35% |
| Average Financial Aid Grant | $9,729 |
| Admissions Director | Laura Sharpless Myran |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 13 sports |
| Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Winter Track, WrestlingBaseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Winter Track, Wrestling |
Extracurriculars
| Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric. | 61 extracurriculars |
| ExtracurricularsExtra-curric. | Captains' Athletic Council Club or Organization: Ahlan Wa Sahlan (Middle Eastern Culture), Animal Care (Lower School), ANNO (Upper School Yearbook), Art Club, Asian Students Association, BASE (Brothers for Academic and Social Enrichment), BIG SIBS (Directed Independent Study Minor), Bridge Club, Chaverim, Chess Club, Classics Club, Community Action Committees, Cooking Clubs (Middle and Upper School), Debate Team, Drama Club, Earthquake (Upper School newspaper), Education Justice Club, Environmental Action Groups, Fashionistas, Film Club, Focus (Christian spirituality), Graffiti (Middle School literary magazine), HackGFS, Human Rights Group, Manos Ayudantes, Math Club, Mock Trial, Multicultural Student Union, Music Appreciation Club, Musical Theater, Peer Tutoring, Polyphony (Upper School art/literary magazine), Religion and Philosophy Club, SAGA (Straight and Gay Alliance), Science Olympiad, Sistahs (Female Students of Color), Ski and Snowboard Club, SOS (Save Outstanding Species), Spoken Word/Freestyle Rap Club, Student Advisory Council, Support for Positive Body Image, Tech Theater, The Corner (Middle School online newspaper), The Hare Society (Upper School art publication), Woodshop, XKCD (Computer technology & security awareness), Yearbook (Middle School) Arts and Music Programs: "Coffeehouse" (Open mic/performance nights), A Cappella (Middle and Upper School), Art History, Chamber Music, Choir (Grades 10-12), Chorus, Coffeehouse (Open mic/performance nights), Jazz, MadriGals, Orchestra, Plays and Musicals Recreational Athletic Programs: Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball (Middle School) |
School Notes
- Lower School highlights include class plays; an Asian festival; a Native American Gamwing; an African market; a Greek field day; and a May Day celebration.
- Middle School highlights include camping trips; 8th grade musical production; community service; experiential elective projects; and an exchange program for selected 7th and 8th grade students with schools in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Upper School highlights include 9th grade French and Spanish exchange program; 10th grade day in New York to study Harlem Renaissance; 11th grade independent project in January; and 12th grade week of community service learning.
Related Schools
Show me:
- People that viewed Germantown Friends School also viewed these schools: William Penn Charter School, Greene Street Friends School, Friends Select School, Abington Friends School and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
Show me:
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- PhiladelphiaWilliam Penn Charter School(Friends)Grades: PK-12 | 947 students
1.1 miles
3000 W School House Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215)844-3460 1.1 PK-12
947 - PhiladelphiaGreene Street Friends School(Friends)Grades: PK-8 | 321 students
0.2 miles
5511 Greene St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215)438-7000 0.2 PK-8
321 - PhiladelphiaFriends Select School(Friends)Grades: PK-12 | 573 students
5.3 miles
17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)561-5900 5.3 PK-12
573 - Jenkintown Grades: PK-12 | 549 students
4.9 miles
575 Washington Ln
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215)886-4350 4.9 PK-12
549 - Philadelphia Grades: PK-12 | 1101 students
2.9 miles
500 W Willow Grove Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215)247-4700 2.9 PK-12
1101
School Reviews
| 5 My daughter has been a part of Germantown Friends School Community for 3 years now. I couldn't be happier with our choice to send her to GFS. This is an excellent well rounded school. The lower school provides excellent fundamentals and a love of learning. From what I hear and see the academics provided are challenging and stimulating but you also have the aspect of being involved with athletics, community service and clubs. I hear about the kinds of projects that the upper school is working on and I am really impressed. Everyone is really kind and supportive. I am so thankful that we are a part of GFS. - Posted by Parent - congd |
| 5 Our daughter started at GFS in 7th grade. We chose GFS because the academics are outstanding for children who love to learn. There is a real emphasis on helping students discover and nurture their interests and skills. Teachers are very supportive and the students cooperative and motivated.
GFS is in an urban environment. The school's community involvement program helps our child learn to work with a diverse set of people. That is a gift she will have for the rest of her life. - Posted by Parent - Lois. |
| 5 GFS is a fantastic school. They''ve created a learning environment that is both rigorous and nurturing. My son's teachers have all taken the time to really get to know him and have done an amazing job supporting his growth. It's such a great feeling to put him on the bus knowing that he's going to come home tired but happy and enriched. The things he's learning are amazing, but most importantly he's learning how to be a lifelong learner. We live in Center City and the bus is great. - Posted by Parent - sherr |
| 5 My 12th grade daughter and 10th son have been at GFS since kindergarten and it has been a wonderful experience. We feel very lucky to have them attend GFS. The teachers all the way through have been excellent, and want to work with the students to enable the students to do the best they can. The teachers are also always available for any questions or help, from students or parents, which makes the experience feel very collaborative. The academics are top notch, and my children have been neither bored nor overwhelmed, leading them to really love school. The other families are truly wonderful--you''ll want to be friends with all of them! The arts and music are taken very seriously at GFS, and are not considered second tier subjects. - Posted by Parent - crowy |
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