Admission Viewbook 2013-2014

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY

WELCOMETO GERMANTOWN ACADEMY

Flag Raising—the first day of school. As the bell in our historic Belfry sounds, our students gather on the Quad, eager to begin an exciting newyear of discovering their passions, gaining new knowledge, and making great friends. All of our students share the experience together—as theyso often do at Germantown Academy. Our campus design, as well as our educational philosophy, promotes interaction, and there are count-less opportunities for learning, leadership, and fun for the entire school community. The Flag Raising ceremony, one of GA’s most beloved tradi-tions, is a metaphor for the Germantown Academy approach to education. It is a symbol of our cohesive community and our Patriot pride.

Welcome to Germantown Academy, a non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory independent school for students in Prekindergartenthrough 12th Grade. Our mission, forged from an over 250-year legacy of academic excellence, is to provide an experience that helps studentsbecome...

Visit GA, where the energy is palpable, the learning is deep and broad, and students flourish because of powerful relationships with talentedteachers who guide them on their journey to becoming their best self.

Independent in Thought. Confident in Expression. Compassionate in Spirit. Collaborative in Action. Honorable in Deed.

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY/1

A LOVE OF LEARNINGCRITICAL THINKERS. CREATIVE INNOVATORS. ASTUTE PROBLEM-SOLVERS. EFFECTIVE TIME-MANAGERS.

CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS. MOTIVATED COLLABORATORS. COMPASSIONATE CITIZENS.

At Germantown Academy, we are committed to instilling in each studenta love of learning that manifests itself in these powerful outcomes. We believe there is an excellence within every student—one that will becoaxed to the surface by caring faculty who provide a balance of experi-ences in the classrooms and the labs, on The Preserve, on the stages andthe playing fields, in the studios and out in society.

Our teachers facilitate curiosity as they help students discover and enhance their talents—whether they lie in scholarly exploration, the arts,athletics, or a combination of them all. Their bodies move. Their imagina-tions soar. And their intellects are amplified while, simultaneously, theirhearts are imbued with the qualities that ultimately make them ethical,ambitious, and productive young people. People who are technologicallysavvy yet care about the environment. People with a broad and unbiasedview of the world and a respect for their fellow human beings. People witha strong work ethic who will be leaders one day—at their universities, intheir communities, and in our global society.

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When our children begin their Germantown Academy journey in Lower School, they are introduced to the most important concept of all: a love of learning. During this wide-eyed time in children’s development—spanning from age four in Prekindergarten to approximately 11 years old in 5th Grade—our teachers focus on making learning fun. Through small class experiences and joy-filled lessons that actively engage students, we help children discovertheir strengths and weaknesses, interests and passions.

Reading, writing, and mathematics are the foundational subjects all Lower School students experience; these become the building blocks for a level oflearning that gathers substance and sophistication from year to year. Our comprehensive Lower School curriculum also includes public speaking, modernlanguage (Chinese and Spanish), art, music, science, social studies, and physical education.

“Children learn by playing, and the skills they learn through play prepare them for success as they grow and mature. PreK is allabout tapping into children’s sense of wonder and creating a safe, loving environment. Through lots of fun activities, children

develop confidence, healthy socialization skills, reading and math readiness, and most importantly, a love of learning.”

DISCOVER YOUR PASSIONTHE LOWER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Betsy Duryea ‘75, Prekindergarten Teacher


America in the

1800s

Just after President’s Day each year, 4th Grade students study the Industrial

Revolution by becoming citizens of a ficti-tious town called Walden, Michigan. Divided into those who are in favor of

progress, those who like their town just theway it is, and those who don’t have a

strong opinion either way, students discusswhether or not a proposed railroad should

be built in Walden.

For four days, students work in makeshiftfactories, read newspaper articles fromthe 1830s and ’40s, write letters, have de-bates and discussions, and conclude theirtime by voting for or against the railroadat a town hall meeting. The Walden proj-ect, says one 4th Grade teacher, “helpsstudents learn by actually feeling what’sgoing on and gives them the opportunityto be in someone else’s shoes.” They learnabout history, economics, the value of

hard work, and the price of progress whilealso developing important writing and

public speaking skills.

Through experiential learning projects, we broaden students’ knowledgewhile also encouraging them to wonder and question as they learn to trusttheir instincts, confidently defend their viewpoints, and respect the ideasand perspectives of others.

Our nurturing and supportive environment is successful because of excep-tional teachers who possess both expertise in their disciplines and a deepunderstanding of how children learn and develop. Simply put, GermantownAcademy faculty love what they do—an enthusiasm that yields countlessbenefits for our children. Parents are important Lower School partners aswell; we welcome them and invite them to share their talents in the classroom, on field trips, and on special project days.

The third component in our “love of learning” equation is our bright, cheerfulfacilities, equipped with the latest technologies, wonderful playgrounds justoutside the classroom door, and an on-campus outdoor environmental laboratory like no other.

“One of our favorite things we’ve done this year is going to camp forfour days. We learned about nature, went kayaking, went on a highropes course, and did archery. There was even a photography session

where we captured all of those moments.

When we started here at first it was a little awkward because wedidn’t know anyone. Now we know everyone!”

Alejandro G. and Andrew T., 5th Grade Students


THE LOWER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

While our academic portfolio in Lower School is both extensive and challenging, we are also committed to helping Lower School students develop the values and skills they will need to thrive as productive, caring human beings: a strong work ethic, a respect for others, a concern for the environment, and aclear understanding of right and wrong. Learning is about joy and about believing in your dreams. We are passionate about giving our students the personal attention they need to become articulate, confident individuals.

“The way they teach at GA is so interactive. The kids really participate in the process of learning. Merely filling the aquariumwith fish became a math lesson for my son. He became part of the process and therefore really understood what he learned.”

Lisa Butler ‘82, Alumna and Parent

FIND YOUR VOICETHE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

The powerful combination of adolescent energy and the emergence of abstract thinking make Middle School at Germantown Academy an exciting time.We celebrate the greater self-awareness our Middle School students are developing by creating a challenging academic, artistic, social, and physical environment where each student can find his or her own voice. Our Middle School—through our teachers, our curriculum, our extra-curricular offerings, andour environment—brings forth the spirit inherent in every student.

By reading great literature, analyzing historical and current events, engaging in authentic research through the scientific method, and delving into progres-sively more sophisticated mathematical concepts, Middle School students learn to think critically and creatively, to reason and argue, and to take academic risks. Through a robust physical education and interscholastic athletics program, they grow strong and healthy while learning lifelong wellness skillsand discover passions for competition, teamwork, and hard work. Opportunities to be creative, through an extraordinary array of fine and performing artsoptions, reveal to students their unique talents—talents they are soon eager to pursue and develop.


“There hasn’t been a single daythat my children have not beenexcited about going to school.Every night at dinner, they walkus through their day—talk aboutthe little anecdotes, the disap-pointments, the triumphs. Allthree of my children are verydifferent from each other, yet

GA is a wonderful, safe, warm place where every child is

embraced.”

Vicki Burkhart, Parent

Middle School

Memoir

Each year, 8th Graders participate inMemoir, a reading and writing proj-ect that asks students to producetheir own memoirs. “Memoir,” theproject description reads, “is a kindof writing that looks back at one’s lifeand looks for the threads or themesthat tie that life together.”

When 8th Grade students are firstpresented with the idea of writingtheir own memoirs, they have a diffi-cult time imagining they have beenalive long enough to have anythinginteresting to say. By the project’sconclusion, however, students gainprofound insights into their lives, theirfeelings, their dreams, and their suc-cesses and failures. Some of their insights include: “I will have to givemy best in order to be proud.” “Afterpushing myself wholeheartedly thatday, I knew I could accomplish any-thing I set my mind to…I felt stronger,invincible. I could do anything.” “I’m an artist. Music is my brush.”


For every student at GA, writing is part of every class,every day. Reports and poetry. Research papers, memoirs,and speeches. Objective, subjective, journalistic, creative.

Developing adept communicators is a priority here.

Tentative writers become concise, organized writers. Goodwriters become great ones. Effective writing is one of themost important skills in life, and it is paramount at GA.

Mark Stephens,Middle School Teacher

“The art of writing underlies society. The written word is no moreconfined to the walls of a single classroom than numbers are to thewalls of another. We help our students to develop their ideas and to

express them clearly and powerfully in written form.

Whether writing to a politician or creating a memoir, whether writing aproposal to create a mail-delivering drone or the summary of a scienceresearch paper, it's hard to imagine a more important goal than to helpstudents to build powerful writing skills…and the passion to use them.”

The Importance ofWriting Well


THE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Our Middle School students find they have increased freedom as well as responsibility. They harness these powers by assuming leadership roles in manyways: writing for or editing the student literary magazine, presenting or performing on stage or in class meetings, or participating in student government andother student organizations.

Many Middle School faculty members hold advanced degrees in their discipline, and all of them further connect with their students by serving in an additional capacity outside the classroom as coaches, advisors, or activity facilitators. Middle School parents are encouraged to lend their support to theirchildren by attending plays, performances, and sporting events, and by participating in conference days and Middle School Life meetings.

“There’s a huge sense of community here at GA. Everyone here isvery welcoming, both the students and the teachers. The teachers always have time for you. Even though I like math, for example, it

can sometimes get challenging.

“At any point during the day, I can go in to my teacher, who is al-ways willing to sit down with me one-on-one and explain things. I’m a

different person than when I first came to GA. I think I’ve gotten smarter!”

Davonne Henry, 8th Grade Student

LEAD BY EXAMPLETHE UPPER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Our Upper School philosophy is rooted in the idea that faculty and students are partners in a learning community where weighty intellectual matters are examined and explored. Spirited conversations around Harkness tables lead to new insights as students learn to respect others’ opinions and to defend theirassertions—both objective and subjective. Enhanced by highly accomplished faculty who love interacting with their students, an exceptional independentcapstone project during senior year, and our innovative tradition—the House System—the Upper School experience helps students grow exponentially asthey prepare to take on leadership roles both in college and in life. Experiential learning continues to be important in Upper School, as students apply the sophisticated concepts and knowledge they are mastering.

Projects and assignments in every academic discipline in Upper School require a high level of engagement and tenacity. Students have a myriad of oppor-tunities to accelerate their studies by being part of the Academy Scholars Program, honors and AP courses, independent studies, international exchangeprograms in China, England and Poland, and internships. Our curriculum is rigorous, yet it is balanced with leadership activities, service opportunities, and agreat deal of fun—all of which help students solidify and magnify their strengths and identities, goals and aspirations.



Senior ProjectDuring the final month of their GA

experience, seniors complete an off-campus Senior Project. Developed togive graduating seniors a memorableopportunity to apply their competenceand confidence, the Senior Project canbe about exploring a topic of interest orlearning something completely new.

Some students travel abroad to immerse themselves in other cultures. Others create works of art or choreograph a

dance or participate in a service project.

Several students use the Senior Project as an opportunity to shadow abusiness executive or complete an in-

ternship in a field they are considering asa future career. Students keep a dailyjournal of their experiences and presenta final speech to share their newfoundinsight with the faculty and Junior class.Now sophisticated learners and ambi-tious thinkers, our seniors look forward tograduation day and the next step on

their life’s journey.


THE UPPER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Scientific Research

“GA takes your children and nurtures their talents tomake them the best they can be. It’s ok to be anything at

GA. You can be an athlete who’s great at music or a history buff who stars in the musical. And we are so impressed by how well the teachers know our children.”

Linda Weber, Parent

“Rather than being given a kit that allows them to solve a problem in a 45 minute class, these studentslearn how to go about doing real research—the kind that involves asking powerful questions and

experiencing many trials and failures before a desired result is achieved. Our goal is to help students usethe power of inquiry to better understand what’s going on in the world around them.”

Sarah Smith, Teacher, Independent Research ClassUpper School Science Teacher

A number of students each year sign up for an optional research course for which authentic science is the focus. Students choose the topics they would like to explore, and many use their after-school time and summers to conduct a research project as a member of a cutting-edge university or medical center research team. Two students worked at

Drexel School of Medicine exploring drug options for people with immuno-compromised systems. Another worked with aUniversity of Pennsylvania researcher to explore ways to treat brain tumors without resorting to invasive operations. Still another developed a solar “cooker” that would allow people in third-world countries to sterilize water. The level of work

yields stunning results: many students win awards or are invited to present their findings at local, regional, and international competitions and academic conferences.

Fox Chase Cancer Center LaboratoryGERMANTOWN ACADEMY/15

alcott •galloway •kershaw •osbourn • roberts • truesdell • washington

THE UPPER SCHOOL EXPERIENCE “It’s just like Harry Potter!” is the phrase most often used to describe the Upper School House system. And it does come with its ownbrand of magic. Created to provide a bond between students of all grades within Upper School, the House System consists of sevenhouses named after important figures in GA’s history. It provides leadership opportunities for both faculty members and students, in-creases the involvement of advisors, increases opportunities for students to enjoy events and competitions, and, especially, allows students to feel part of a small select group as well as a citizen of the school.

Each House has a combination of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. One faculty House Head works with two senior prefects—a boy and a girl—to plan meetings and activities. Overall, the House System enhances the Upper School experience and promoteshigh-level interaction while giving students in Middle and Lower School something exciting to look forward to!

Patriots big and small eagerly file into our Big Gym in an-ticipation of our Community Service Organization (CSO)Holiday Program every December. With brightly-wrapped presents in hand, students and faculty aregreeted by cheerful CSO volunteers with smiles andwords of thanks as the Upper School String Orchestraplays festive holiday tunes. It is an inspiring scene that isrepeated year after year, but never gets old as the GAcommunity comes together to support those in need.

At GA, it’s not only important to us that we prepare ourstudents for life after high school, but that we inspirethem to be good citizens of the world. Leading theschool in goodwill projects throughout the school yearand helping us be Compassionate In Spirit, one of thetenets of our Mission Statement, is our CSO.

Since its inception, CSO has positively impacted the livesof thousands of children and adults in the Delaware Val-ley. The cross-divisional program is dedicated to raisingawareness of the significance of service and providingleadership opportunities for students.

Lower School, Middle School and Upper School CSO volunteers engage in a variety of activities designed toreach out directly to people in need, and, at the sametime, work with organizations whose mission is to providevital services to the less fortunate. Throughout the year,students lead gift drives, food drives, can drives, and

book drives, while day trips to local non-profit organiza-tions include volunteering at food banks and homelessshelters.

"Participating in community service is making a state-ment,” said Director of CSO Peter McVeigh 1760. “Studentslearn that there is a big world out there - that they have tohelp people who are in need. This is a part of a quality education.”

Learning Compassion

“I participated in CSO to help out those in need.Going to a school like GA, and having all the thingsthat we do, we sometimes forget how lucky we truly are. I want to help kids who never have the

chance to live the fulfilling lives we have.”Kristian Kergides ‘14

“It may sound cheesy, but I’ve grown up here—GA is like a family. I’vegotten close with the faculty and feel comfortable going up to my

teachers. I get so much satisfaction out of working hard. When I struggle,I set up a one-on-one with a teacher. When I get good grades, I know itwas because I worked hard and managed my time well. I’m prepared to

move on, but I’m really going to miss this place.”

Meg Palmer, 12th Grade Student, Writing Center Tutor, Prefect,CSO Senior Leader, Academy Club, Admission Office Ambassador

“We found GA to be challenging, but at a good pace. We like the teachersbecause the smaller classes mean they can give you more individual

attention and they can push you to your potential. If we were talking toa prospective parent, we’d say if you’re looking for a challenge and to really have your child be prepared for college and beyond, choose GA.”

Tim and Tom Reuter, 10th Graders, Soccer, Lacrosse, Concert Band, Jazz Band…but they play different instruments!


PREPARING FOR COLLEGECREATING A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE

The Future. Germantown Academy has students preparing for it as early as Prekindergarten. Our alumni speak over and over of how prepared they werefor college. They say they knew how to write well, speak publicly with confidence, and participate in outside-of-the-box thinking with voracity, that comesfrom years of encouragement from GA faculty. When GA alumni move on to college and beyond, they hit the ground running.

Germantown Academy’s full-time staff of college counselors engage students about their educational goals and their current academic and extra-curricular involvement beginning sophomore year. Focusing on the student’s educational journey empowers college counselors to know each studentand recommend colleges where they will thrive. Small class sizes allow Germantown Academy faculty to get to know students personally, and so when it istime to write college recommendation letters, faculty have no trouble putting finger to keyboard to highlight the students’ best virtues for a successful transition to college.

The College Counseling program complements the academic and extracurricular offer-ings at Germantown Academy. A recommended course of action for students duringeach year of Upper School and tailored meetings for students, and for parents, at eachgrade level, is adhered to for a successful pathway toward college.


82% of the GA Class of 2008 graduatedfrom their respective colleges in fouryears

The 122 graduates of the Class of 2014are attending 68 different colleges anduniversities in 20 states and the Districtof Columbia

46% of the members of the Class of2014 were recognized as AP Scholarsby the Advanced Placement Program

15% of the members of the Class of2014 earned recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

Many members of the Class of 2014 received multiple merit aid scholarships

27% of the Class of 2014 were recruitedto play a sport in college

11% of the Class of 2014 auditioned orsubmitted a portfolio to gain admissionto leading visual and performing artsprograms.

“Beginning in the sophomore year, GA’s team of professional college counselors meet one-on-one with students todevelop a relationship, launch the college search process, and review test taking plans, scheduling, and extra-

curricular involvement. Our team focuses on educating students and families about the latest admission trends, theappropriate preparation needed to achieve the student’s goals, and working with students individually so theypresent their best selves in their college applications. While we revel in those moments when students burst into

our offices to share news of their college acceptances, our true reward occurs when graduates visit to recount their successful transition to college and all they have accomplished.“

Karen Mason, Director of College CounselingMore than 100 colleges and universities from the U.S. and overseas head to GA’s campus every fallto provide interested students a personal look at their institutions of higher learning. Combine thatwith the annual Parents’ Committee sponsored College Panel, where recent GA graduates returnto campus in early January to discuss their own college search processes and college experience,gives students and their families unique insight into what is to come.

While many students matriculate to some of the most competitive colleges and universities in theUnited States, they all join the ranks of Germantown Academy graduates who are exceptionallyprepared to take on the rigors of the next level of learning wherever they land.

“My family chose GA because of its academic reputation, but GA is so much more. I play a lot ofsports—football, basketball, and baseball—and GA allows me to participate in as many sports as I like.But what I also like is attending sporting events towatch my classmates play. There’s a lot of school

spirit here.”

Ryan Dolan, 10th Grade Student

FALL SPORTSBoys Cross CountryGirls Cross Country

Field HockeyFootballCoed GolfBoys SoccerGirls SoccerGirls Tennis

Boys Water PoloGirls Water Polo

WINTER SPORTSBoys BasketballGirls Basketball

Coed Ice HockeyBoys Indoor Track & FieldGirls Indoor Track & FieldBoys Swimming & DivingGirls Swimming & Diving

Girls VolleyballWrestling

SPRING SPORTSBaseball

Coed CrewBoys LacrosseGirls Lacrosse

SoftballBoys Tennis

Boys Outdoor Track & FieldGirls Outdoor Track & Field

COMPETE WITH CONFIDENCETHE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

“In my tenure here, I’ve seen the athletics program really evolve. We believe athletics, as well as other out of class activities, are co-curricular—they are part of the life of the kids and the overall experience of the GA community. The athletic programs teach the important values of

teamwork, tenacity, and sportsmanship and, at the Upper School level, are also about being competitive and successful.”

David Martin 1760, House Head, Coach and Parent

Over the past 12 years, our varsity teams have won more than 100 Inter-Academic Athletic League titles. Our girls’ swimming team has won 21 consecutiveInter-Ac championships since its inception as a league sport in 1990. Spirited competition is a hallmark of Germantown Academy, and our teams have along standing record of excellence. Three seasons are filled with varsity, junior varsity, and often third-level team and individual sporting opportunities, pro-viding students with many ways to participate. From our national powerhouse swim teams to our nationally ranked basketball teams, the Patriots are winnerson and off the field. We stress skill building, sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication—an approach that energizes those who participate and fans whowatch.

With our new Outdoor Athletic Complex, which was completed as part of our Campus Master Plan, our athletes enjoy nine new regulation size fields—threeartificial turf, two sod, and four natural turf; a new 836-seat fully equipped stadium; a new running trail for cross country; a new track with high jump, longjump, pole vault, and shot put spaces; 12 new tennis courts; and new baseball and softball fields.


EXPLORE YOUR TALENTSTHE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

Song writing and sculpture. Lighting design and photography. Film and drama. Choruses and bands. Musicals and concerts. Art exhibitions and movie presentations. Extraordinary in both scope and disci-pline, the fine and performing arts at Germantown Academy are led by nationally recognized and pro-fessionally active musicians, actors, and visual artists. Knowing that participating in artistic endeavors aswell as appreciating beauty enriches life, our teachers love to share their passions as they cultivate theinner artist in the highly motivated students at Germantown Academy.

Modeled after college programs that train serious students of the arts to launch professional careers, Germantown Academy art is a major academic program with the same rigorous expectations as physicsor history or English. We introduce students to the arts in Prekindergarten and provide an age-appropriateand progressive curriculum through 12th Grade that promotes curiosity and imagination, an understand-ing of one’s self and others, and a broader view of the world around us. Our proximity to major culturalcenters such as Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. allow for eye-opening field trips and easyaccess to visiting artists.

Our visual artists have dozens of opportunities and spaces to display their work, andmany of our instrumental and vocal ensembles perform in the surrounding communityor even share their gifts with national or European audiences. An entire campus build-ing is dedicated to GA arts—and every medium has its own dedicated space. A spe-cific gallery is dedicated to the work of the highly accomplished students in ourHonors Art Program.

“The real strength of the program, which I believe is unique to GA, is that the students andparents recognize that constant practice at creative problem-solving, embracing ambiguity, andlearning how to take a skill set honed in one area and apply it to another, are skills you need inlife. The art program has become so integral to developing the intellectual life of our students.“

Gabrielle Russomagno 1760, US Art Teacher, US Visual Arts Department Head


LEARN WHAT YOU LOVECLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

The vast majority of GA students are also enthusiasticmembers of more than 50 GA clubs and organizations.Each provides leadership opportunities as well as thechance to explore new interests, develop friendships,and contribute in meaningful ways to the school

community and the community at large. Community service is becoming increasingly more important as GAencourages students to become caring citizens and todiscover the joy in helping others. Community service

opportunities span all three divisions—even ouryoungest scholars can help in some way—and wehave ongoing commitments with the PhiladelphiaCommittee to End Homelessness, Project H.O.M.E.,

St. John's Hospice, and Habitat for Humanity.

A Sampling of Clubs and Activities

The Academy MonthlyACT (All Cultures Together)Art ClubASIA ClubBelfry Club (Drama Club)CSO (Community ServiceOrganization)

The Edition NewspaperFilm ClubFrequency (Music Club)Green Ambassadors

Jazz EnsembleKids Teaching KidsMock TrialModel UNNational Science Honors Society

Outdoor Club Patriot AmbassadorsRelay for LifeRoboticsSCUBA ClubYe Primer Yearbook

“My parents and I chose GA due to the combination of academics, athletics, and the arts. I play water polo and lacrosse, and Ienjoy sculpture. You can do anything here. Whether you’re an artist,

athlete, thespian, or musician, GA is open to you doing it all.”

Reid Weber, 10th Grade Student


The Preserve Inspires 4th Grade Students to Write Poetry

A school doesn’t thrive for more than 250 years without constantly evaluating, evolving, updating, andimproving. In that spirit and buoyed by a commitment to prepare students to succeed in a rapidlychanging world, we know our students must be thoughtful citizens of a global society. A GA experienceis one that will take you to unexplored places.

THE CAMPUS EXPERIENCEGA TAKES YOU PLACES

A Germantown Academy education takes you places: to other countries to exploretheir cultures, to new heights of imagination and confidence, and back to naturewhere you learn about the importance of sustaining and renewing our environment.

Our international culture and language program fosters a sense of place and a globalmindset in Prekindergarten through 12th grade. The Preserve continues to be a glori-ous place with its wetlands and woodlands, its flora and fauna, and its green conser-vation features. It has inspired an ecologically-based curriculum complete with newlessons and activities for students in Lower, Middle and Upper Schools.

EXPLORATIONGA TAKES YOU INTO THE WILDERNESS WITHOUT LEAVING CAMPUS

The Preserve that surrounds the Wissahickon Creek distinguishes GA. Here, students become truestewards of our natural environment and, in doing so, better understand their place in the world.We have reshaped our curriculum to take advantage of all that our beautiful campus offers. It’san outdoor laboratory for the sciences, an inspiring setting for art and literature, and a place to cultivate leaders in environmental stewardship.

“In this digital age, today’s kids learn so much about the world through virtual rather thanauthentic, hands-on experiences. They need to be grounded literally and figuratively, and ourLower School learning garden offers that opportunity. They learn where food comes from.They learn about nutrition. They get their hands dirty. It’s a thrill for the students.”

Lisa Martin, Lower School Science Teacher

“Our nature curriculum gives incoming students the opportunity to have an environmental education that is second to none. Our international programs help students understand that at our core, we are all one, no matter what language we speak. It all comes down to a good education. If youunderstand the world around you, you will better understand yourself. You will understand why things happen and what you can do to change things.Seek to understand rather than to be understood. This kind of thinking, this kind of learning, sets our students up to be leaders in the future.”

Jim Connor 1760, Head of School

It is through their engagement with the natural world inthe school gardens and The Preserve that students cancome to understand, appreciate and express the beautythat exists in a fast and furious world. In their own garden,young Lower School students learn about soil health andcaring for the land. They plant and cultivate flowers,herbs, and vegetables, which they cook—and eat!

When exploring in The Preserve, students learn how toclosely observe the world and ask questions. Whethercreating poems or sculpture, or analyzing the effects ofhumans on the environment, The Preserve is an endlessprovider of inspiration.

IMAGINATIONGA TAKES YOUR IMAGINATION FOR A RIDE

Middle School represents a critical time in students’ lives. They are building confidence by exploring their interests, forming opinions, developing relationships,and trying new activities. The Honickman Auditorium, a state-of-the-art venue, is a place where Middle School students take the stage as actors, musicians,and presenters. They gather together as a unified whole and feel safe and comfortable being themselves in front of a supportive audience of their peers.

“Having access to the Honickman Auditorium allows the Middle School community to have an intimate space to gather. From weekly morning meetings, class meetings, assemblies, the fall play, and the Spring Showcase, the auditorium provides

students endless opportunities to express their voice to the entire GA community.”Joanna Rominger, Middle School Drama Teacher and Director

THE WORLDGA TAKES YOU AROUND THE GLOBE

“Students have the opportunity to travel abroad during springbreak, Senior Projects, or after the school year ends, depending on

the program. Our goal is for each of our students to have a significant international experience before graduating. Whether byparticipating in one of our many programs or immersing yourself inour exciting, intensive language programs, GA is a premier school forexpanding your international horizons and preparing for life as

global citizen in the 21st century.”

As it becomes ever easier to develop meaningful connections with peoplearound the world, we have launched international programs to help all students adopt a world view. We inspire students to develop compassion andrespect for people of different cultural backgrounds. International programs,trips, faculty and student exchanges, and partnerships in the Upper School in-clude agreements with the North London Collegiate School in England; the FirstHigh School of Krakow, Poland; Capital Normal University High School in Beijing,China; and Jin Cai High School in Shanghai, China. We offer an annual SCUBAtrip to the Caribbean and biannual cultural excursions to France and Spain,and our students often travel abroad for their Senior Projects.

After hosting visitors from China a few years ago, we realized a wonderful op-portunity to enhance the international programs and language courses we al-ready offer in Latin, Spanish, French, and German. In partnership with a schoolin China and the Chinese government, we created a Confucius Classroom forthe study of Chinese language and culture, which allows us to bring a Chineseteacher to GA, initiate new student and teacher exchange programs, developextracurricular clubs and classes for GA students and families, and introduceChinese to even our youngest students.

Rich Schellhas, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School

THE GA EDUCATIONPROVIDES LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

A Germantown Academy education opens minds, opens doors and opens limitless possibilities. Startingfrom as early as Prekindergarten, alumni speak of learning to question, and thinking of what they couldachieve. This confidence and attitude is something that they carry with them throughout their GA years,during college and long into the workforce and family life.

Alumni work internationally in unbelievably diverse fields. The list includes aerospace engineers, chemists, doctors, teachers, lawyers, actors, graphic designers, business enrepreneurs and owners, judges, mothersand fathers, coaches, artists, engineers, investment brokers, software engineers...and so much more. Theone common thread that these alumni continually repeat whether they live in the Philadelphia area or inLondon, England is that Germantown Academy left an indelible mark on them that still continues to givethem a “return on their parents’ investment.” They also can’t wait to keep returning to the campus to seetheir fellow classmates at the next big GA-PC homecoming game!

Because the strong bond within the student body also extends to their relationship with the faculty, our community continues to stay in touch with each other for years after graduation. They share stories aboutthe ups and downs of their lives, seeking a friend’s advice while reminiscing about the fantastic times theyhad while on Germantown Academy’s campus.Jeff Weintraub ’81, worked on swimming robots for

classic movies “Free Willy” and “Deep Sea Blue”.

Having developed exceptional skills—high-level reasoning, communica-tions, time-management—as well as a clear grasp of who they are,Upper School students are well-prepared for college and for life.

When they graduate from GA, no matter where their journeys leadthem, students become members of the Germantown Academy AlumniSociety, an exceptional network of alumni who stay connected to theiralma mater. Alumni host current GA students at their chosen colleges,connect students and other alumni to career opportunities, and, ofcourse, simply stay in touch with the lifelong friends they met while at-tending GA. We keep them informed through a biannual magazine, fre-quent e-newsletters, and special announcements. Alumni come backto campus for sporting events, reunions, alumni family festivals, and career networking events. Regional activities are often planned wherethere are pockets of GA alumni. Faculty members who are able totravel to these events continue to make the alumni connection.

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY’S ALUMNI–STAYING CONNECTED!

Panelist discussion at the alumnievent "Navigating a Career Path:

A View from the Top”

“Germantown Academy really set me up to do well in college. In addition to being able to handle my studies, the time

management skills I learned at GA also allowed me to ventureinto research. I might be doing dinosaur-sized work

at Drexel, but I got my start at GA!”

Aja Carter ‘10

Aja Carter ‘10 studied Paleantology and Gelogo at DrexelUniversity. While on her first dig in Montana, she and fellowstudents found a cache of fossilized dinosaur remains whichcould lead to important discoveries in a broad range of sciences.

With her career off and running, she took some time off towrite her Head of Upper School, Mr. Schellhas to explainhow well GA prepared her for life after high school...

GERMANTOWN ACADEMYINDEPENDENT IN THOUGHT. CONFIDENT IN EXPRESSION. COMPASSIONATE

IN SPIRIT. COLLABORATIVE IN ACTION. HONORABLE IN DEED.

Learning, we believe, is a gift—one that, if cultivated properly, will lead to a lifetime of fulfillment.For more than 250 years, Germantown Academy has been profoundly dedicated to fostering alove of learning and to creating an exceptional academic, artistic, athletic, and social experi-ence for our students. The outcome? Successful,well educated, ethical young people who believe in themselves and recognize their responsibility as members of our global society.

Whether they are just beginning their academic journey or are well on their way, our students receive an unparalleled education. Know that we recognize each one as a unique and valuable individual. Know that we have high expectations and that we challenge, support, andencourage our students while also empowering them to champion their own exciting future. Ouralumni consistently attest to the power of their GA experience.

Be a part of the Germantown Academy community, where students of all ages define their ownsuccess and interact in meaningful ways, where parents are valued partners, and where dedicated teachers care deeply about helping students succeed—no matter what path theychoose.


www.germantownacademy.net

Germantown Academy340 Morris Road

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034

www.germantownacademy.net267.405.7070

Documents

Admission Viewbook 2013-2014