Founded in 1845, Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, coed, independent day school for students in preschool through grade 12. Located in the historic neighborhood of Germantown in Northwestern Philadelphia.
GFS is nationally known for its academic excellence, attention to Quaker values of Peace, Equality, and Integrity, a commitment to diversity, and its long-standing neighborhood partnerships.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 1,157 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 19 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Germantown Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1845
Colors
Navy Blue, White / Orange
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
1,157 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1383
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 19 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition for the 2022-23 school year ranges from $21,000–$25,500 for Early Childhood to $43,000 for Grades 9-12
% on Financial Aid
33%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,500
Admissions Director
Laura Sharpless Myran
Admissions Associate
Kelly Wright
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
14 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
74 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Admission Office Student Guidesand Aquatic Life (CORAL)
Animal CareAnimanga Club
Anno (Upper School Yearbook)Art Club
Asian Students AssociationBig Sibs
Black Student UnionBrainstorm Neuroscience Club
Bridge ClubBrothers for Academic and Social Enrichment (BASE)
ChaverimClassics Club
Classics Club/Literary Journal (Libellum)Coffeehouse (open-mic nights)
Community Action CommitteeCommunity Culinary Club
Computer Science ClubConserving Oceans
Cycling ClubData Science Club
Dungeons and Dragons ClubEarthquake (quarterly news magazine)
Education JusticeEllipsis: Academic Writing Journal
Environmental Action ClubGermantown Community Gardeners
GFS Quiz BowlGlobal Understanding Club
Graffiti (Middle School literary journal)High School Democrats of America (HSDA)
Human Rights GroupJam Club
LASSO (Latin American Student Solidarity Organization)Lunch Art Club
Math ClubMiddle School Yearbook
Mock TrialModel UN
Multiracial Affinity GroupMusic Performance Club
Online NewspaperOuting Club (hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, biking etc)
Peer TutoringPhiladelphia Youth Film Festival (PHYFF)
Philly IssuesPolitical Dialogue Club
Polyphony art and literary magazinePost Modern Languages: Esperanto Club
POW: People of Winter Ski and Snowboarding ClubREAD (Read, Enunciate, and Declaim)
ReefsReligion and Philosophy (RAP)
SAGA (Sexuality And Gender Alliance)Sistahs
South Asian Student AllianceStudent Advisory Council (SAC)
Student BeekeepingSupport for Positive Body Image
Tea Time Games ClubThe Corner (Middle School Online Newspaper)
Tiger$ Investing LeagueUpper School Math League
Ways of Being ClubXploring Sustainable Farming (Aquaponics Club)
Arts and Music Programs:
A CappellaChamber Music
ChoirChorus
Jazz EnsembleOrchestra
World Percussion
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Early Risers (Lower School)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
- Germantown Friends School (GFS) seeks students who are bright and eager, who demonstrate the potential to engage deeply with an intellectually rigorous academic program, and who will contribute to a vibrant school community. Please visit the school's website to request more information or apply online.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Kristen Welker - 1994 - Moderator of NBC News' Meet the Press -
- Cedric Hall - 2004 - Vice President of Student Experience at Girard College -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous alumni from Germantown Friends School?
Germantown Friends School famous alumni include: Kristen Welker - 1994 - Moderator of NBC News' Meet the Press and Cedric Hall - 2004 - Vice President of Student Experience at Girard College.
What sports does Germantown Friends School offer?
Germantown Friends School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Winter Track and Wrestling. Germantown Friends School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Germantown Friends School's ranking?
Germantown Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest average SAT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Germantown Friends School?
The application deadline for Germantown Friends School is Dec. 19 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 19 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Germantown Friends School located?
Germantown Friends School is located in the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 18 other private schools located in Northwest Philadelphia.
School Reviews
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