Germantown Friends School campus in Philadelphia, PA

Germantown Friends School

Philadelphia, PADay · Co-edGrades SK – 12OtherEst. 1845
Grades
SK – 12
Enrollment
800
Student : Teacher
6:1
Excellent
Founded
1845
Campus
5 buildings acres
Gender Policy
Co-ed

About Germantown Friends School

At Germantown Friends School, our mission begins with a commitment to diversity, our community, and to the belief that academic achievement is not in itself enough. At our independent day school, we guide our students’ growth in mind, body and spirit, and encourage them to put their ideas to work in the world.

Germantown Friends School (GFS) is a private, coeducational Quaker day school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1845, GFS emphasizes academic excellence, Quaker values, and a commitment to community service, nurturing the intellectual, social, and ethical development of its students.

Core Values

CommunityServiceExcellenceNurture

Teaching Philosophy

Learning is for life. This idea is at the heart of Germantown Friends School, where we view the years from Kindergarten through twelfth grade as a critical chapter in a lifelong learning adventure. Our sense of the power of education defines our daily work. At GFS, education is about each individual rising to meet his or her own standards of excellence, guided by the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.

Faith Tradition: Other

What Makes Germantown Friends School Special

  • Traditional
  • Quaker faith-based education
  • Financial aid & scholarships offered
  • 181+ years of heritage (est. 1845)
  • 5 arts & creative programs

Academics

Curriculum

Germantown Friends School offers Traditional, Progressive, and Other curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, Languages, and Sports.

Academic Environment

Academic Culture
Rigorous

Languages of Instruction

English

Programs & Extracurriculars

Arts Programs

5 programs
Music (instrumental)Music (vocal)Visual artsDrama/TheatreOther

Sports

4 programs
BasketballSwimmingSquashOther

Clubs & Activities

5 programs
RoboticsDebateEnvironmental clubStudent governmentOther

Campus & Facilities

Germantown Friends School sits on a 5 buildings-acre campus with Swimming pool, Library, Theatre, Art studio, Science lab, and Gymnasium.

Uniform not required

Photo Gallery

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid
Available

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Admissions

Day Student Deadline
December 1

Requirements

  • Application form
  • Report cards
  • Interview
  • Reference letters
  • Essay
  • Standardized test
  • Other

Community & Culture

Germantown Friends School cultivates a warm, intellectually vibrant community grounded in Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. The school embraces silence, reflection, and listening as central to learning, creating an environment where students find their unique voices through discovery and inquiry. The campus pulses with creative energy—corridors vibrate with color, stages host nearly daily productions, and students engage in everything from robotics and debate to art competitions and service projects. Affinity groups like Sistahs (for Black female leaders) and the Asian Student Alliance foster belonging, while traditions like A Cappella Fest (now in its 30th year) and Jazz Night celebrate community connection.

Diversity & Inclusion

Germantown Friends School demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through multiple initiatives. The school celebrates Black History Month with assemblies, workshops, and programs honoring Black historical figures and excellence. Affinity groups include the Asian Student Alliance, Intersectional Equity Club, and Sistahs (supporting Black female leaders). The Early Childhood curriculum features an author studies program centered on Black, Indigenous, and authors of color to help students see themselves and learn about different cultures. The school's non-discrimination policy explicitly protects students based on race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and other characteristics. Additionally, the sc

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions a parent/guardian questionnaire and virtual parent/guardian interview as part of the admissions process, and references a School Committee that includes alumni and community members. However, specific volunteer opportunities, parent committees, or ongoing engagement programs are not described in the available materials.

Accreditations & Recognition

Ministry-inspectedOther

Contact Germantown Friends School

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Germantown Friends School

Germantown Friends School serves students in grades PK-12.

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