Research Germantown Friends School private Schools in Washington, District of Columbia

“GFS overall is an excellent school which gives children opportunities to learn and experience learning in a stimulating environment. The teaching staff is an excellent group and overall the staff is supportive but can be narrow. Also the parents can be a bit 'Stuck UP' in attitude and somewhat difficult to merge into the Click of Parent(s) unless you are a notoriety in profession.”

“With all due respect to the reviewer below me, he or she has not painted an accurate picture of GFS. As a student someone who currently attends the school I can say that most of what the previous reviewer has said is untrue. It is incorrect to say that 'most kids' have outside tutoring in fact, the number of those that do is no larger than at any other friends school. I also must say that the kids at GFS are some of the kindest and most polite I have ever met, and they most certainly WILL hold a door for you. GFS is a wonderful school, and while I can't say that I don't have a few problems with it, the quality of the education one will receive at the school is very high much higher than most friends schools I know of.”

“Hmm, all of these reviews are fairly accurate, but miss a couple of truths about the school. First, it's a narrow pipe, and although there is talk about openness to differences in learning, ADD pretty much excludes a child from GFS, leaving Greene Street Friends across the street, which goes up to 8th grade covers them on this.- GSFS is about equal in quality of education. Most kids at GFS have external tutoring, and while I suppose that's not an awful thing, perhaps on average, they should be able to get enough into most kid's heads that they don't need additional support. Also, socially, I would encourage you to walk through GFS and see if any student holds a door open for you, or defers let you pass. They will not. The culture is highly entitled, and actually a bit rude. This is not the case at other local Friends' schools.”

“I can't imagine there's a finer school in the country than Germantown Friends School. The school has superb, smart, caring teachers, a strong commitment to its community, and the highest standards of excellence and commitment at all levels.”

“Not much diversity there. Besides that its ok”

“Unlike many Fiends schools that merely offer lip service to Quakerism, GFS places an emphasis on its values values that benefit everyone regardless of philosophic beliefs. Students learn to give back generously to their communities, the value of kindness, the joy of self-reliance, and the rewards of contemplation; all in a subtle, gracious way that never crosses the line into 'preachiness'. Diversity has become a clich d p.c. word; however, it accurately describes the heart of GFS. where all socio-economic spheres and families of every possible makeup are represented and cherished. Germantown Friends challenges and nourishes my daughter mentally, physically, academically and emotionally. I could not have made a better choice.”

“Our daughter is thriving at Germantown Friends. It is an incredible environment for learning--in both academics and life. Community involvement is emphasized as well as diversity and inclusion. Our daughter's class includes children of various ethnic backgrounds and represents the gamut of family structures. As a kid with lesbian moms, she feels embraced by her school community (and she is not the only one in her class with two moms/dads). GFS is teaching children to be responsible, empathetic and educated adults, and I am excited to see how they will change the world.”

“Germantown Friends is a fabulous school. Children become involved in specific activities at a young age, such as photography, Sign Language, working with disabled children, acting, and many creative activities like photoshop, woodshop, etc. In the later Lower School years (3,4,5 grades), children are paired up with partners that have disabilities, and things such as cerebral palsy. The children visit with each other, do art and crafts, and even put on play together! It really is a life-changing experience. The children have opportunities to expand their knowledge on these activities and many others as they get into Middle and Upper School, and some end up becoming involved in this after graduating, and even after college. In Middle School, children have oppurtunities to have partners with the neighboring school, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. The kids learn sign language while making friends. Overall, wow. This school is amazing.”

“Our son has been at GFS for kindgergarten and first grade and we love it. He was a little shy and not very self-confident about his academic skills when he came there, and he has really blossomed thanks to the great teachers. As with other private schools, GFS has lots of 'specials' like library, art, music science and gym taught by specialists. A reading specialist comes every day as well. The teachers have lots of freedom to design their curriculum and teach skills through their own 'themes' like Korea, China or art history, so they are very enthusiastic and creative. They also create a real feeling of community amongst the kids. We don't consider ourselves to be private school-type people, but we are reluctant to move to the suburbs now because the school has been so great for our son.”

“This school is very community oriented and friendly. You should expect to be an active parent. The level of education is very high: all aspects of eductaion including art, music, physical, and social concerns are met. I love this school for the most part. I do however think that pre-high school could be a litte more involved in science fairs and activities overall.”

“GFS is a highly pressured environment. Most kids thrive in it, some kids don't, or don't transition well later. The school is run extremely well, with a great deal of parent involvement. It can be stuck in its ways, but very dedicated and sincere.”