Germantown Friends School, founded in 1845, is a prestigious private school located in northwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its high-quality teaching, diverse curriculum, vibrant arts atmosphere, active community involvement, and rich historical traditions, GFS has established itself as one of the top private schools in the Philadelphia area.
The school, affiliated with the Quaker tradition, emphasizes the cultivation of responsibility, empathy, and social justice values among its students. With a student population of approximately 1,129 (around 300 in the high school), GFS maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of 1:5, fostering close teacher-student interactions and personalized attention.
GFS provides a broad curriculum encompassing subjects like math, science, English, history, modern languages, literature, technology, and sports. The school also offers computer science and digital media courses covering programming, robotics, electronics, and digital design. Renowned for its active and refined performing arts programs, GFS hosts an annual art exhibition in the spring, inspiring students’ artistic talents and creativity.
The high school curriculum includes a variety of elective and honors courses in subjects such as English, history, science, mathematics, world languages (French, Spanish, Latin, Chinese), and the arts. Individualized counseling, a writing center, and academic advisory services ensure personalized student development.
Graduating students from GFS have a 100% college acceptance rate, with many gaining admission to Ivy League schools and other top universities. The Ivy League acceptance rate exceeds 20%, and 29% of students receive scholarships. Notable destinations for GFS alumni include Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Visual and performing arts courses cover painting, sculpture, photography, drama, and music (choir, band), with high school students required to complete at least two years of mandatory art courses. Annual theater performances, art exhibitions, and concerts showcase student works often receiving regional or national awards.
The school’s sports programs offer over 20 different sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and cross country, with teams known as the Tigers. Emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork, GFS has won several awards in Pennsylvania interscholastic competitions.
The campus features 11 buildings, including natural science labs, photography labs, an art center, a theater, a recording studio, a pottery classroom, and a digital media lab. Additionally, the school boasts three gyms, six tennis courts, a full-time track, and fourteen acres of natural grasslands, providing ample space for varied athletic activities.
Combining 19th-century historic buildings like the main “Meeting House” with modern science labs, art centers, and libraries housing over 30,000 volumes, GFS offers digital resources and study spaces. The proximity of the campus to museums, universities, and research institutions provides abundant opportunities for off-campus learning.
The application process involves submitting an application form, transcripts, recommendations, standardized test scores (optional), a family interview, and a student campus visit. Deadlines typically fall in mid-December (check the official website for updated information).
Standardized test requirements include a minimum TOEFL score of 90 and SSAT scores above 80%. Interviews can be conducted via Skype or on-campus.
Tuition for the 2024-2026 academic years ranges from approximately $32,150 to $46,750 annually for K-12 grades. Around 35.5% of new students receive financial aid amounting to over $9.95 million per year.
For international students, GFS offers homestay arrangements, regular progress reports, one-on-one academic tutoring, university counseling, medical insurance, and a meal plan at the cafeteria. New students undergo a week-long orientation before admission to help them acclimate to the academic and cultural environment in the United States.
GFS prioritizes the holistic development of students, balancing academics, arts, sports, and character, emphasizing academic excellence, artistic enrichment, and social responsibility. Through small class sizes, high teacher-student interaction, and personalized attention, GFS stands out as one of the highly esteemed private schools in the Philadelphia area and beyond.