Ask the Students

At Open Houses held throughout the year, prospective families come in to visit Germantown Academy. One of the highlights of their visit is hearing from our student panels. Click on the tabs above to read Frequently Asked Questions.

Lower School Questions

Q & A with Lower School 5th Grade student panel

Q.  How was it adjusting to a new school?
“I got used to it after about a week.  Everyone here is really nice and they greeted me on my first day, I didn’t know it would come that easily.”
    --Andrew, 5th Grade
“My tour guide Shannon took me around before I came here.  When I started the year, Shannon welcomed me.  I met a lot of friends through her.”
    --Lilly, 5th Grade

Q.  What part of school do you love the most?
“When we learn you have fun at the same time.  The teacher doesn’t just sit there and talk at you.  All the teachers are very nice. “
    --Emily, 5th Grade

Q.  How did you learn public speaking?
“Practice in front of my parents.” 
“Other students give us evaluations so you can learn.” 
“The teachers and students are really encouraging.  They would never tease you.”
    --5th Graders

Q.  What’s your favorite activity at GA?
“When we went to the creek and got to catch crayfish.”
“When the fourth grade studied all year about Ellis Island and immigration and then we actually go to Ellis Island.  It was great to get to see the real stuff.”
“In 4th and 5th Grade you get to run for student senate.  I didn’t win, but that’s OK.”
    --5th Graders

Q.  Do you do extra curriculars at school?
“I do SPARK (the after care program)”.
“I play the bass and really like it.”
“I like the sports clinics.  They have different clinics for field hockey, basketball, and more.”
    --5th Graders

Middle School Questions

Q:  How many students do you have in each class?
A:  “The classes are small, so it’s really good. You get individual attention. That’s different than where I went to school before, and I really like it.”
--Butch S.

Q:  How did you find the change from public school?
A:  “Yeah, it was harder for me at first, but when you get in the swing of things it’s great. And everyone helps you—the kids, and your teachers. Everyone really.”

--Butch S.

“And here you start learning a language in 6th grade, and it’s the coolest thing.”
--Arjun N.

Q:  In terms of athletics, what happens if you haven’t played sports before?
A:  “You don’t have to have experience to play a sport. We get to try things in PE class, which is fun. I did and my gym teacher encouraged me to play field hockey. I was nervous at first but, well, now I’m the captain. It’s fun to be with friends on the team and it’s a good idea to try new things.”
Katharine C.

Q:  Do you use computers here?
A:  “Yes, we make graphs and tables in science and write papers for History and English. And there are lots of different places where you can use a computer. You can go to the library or you can go to Mrs. Evans (in the Middle School Office) and take out a lap top.”
--Arjun N.

Q:  Tell us about some of your memorable moments at GA:
A:  “I have one. In 6th grade, the Jazz band went to Rowan University. There were lots of kids there from different schools and everyone had the chance to play. It was a great day.”
--Matt F.

 “Mine was our cup stacking tournament last year. Each of the advisories competed against one another and everyone really got into it. People get competitive here so we were all taking it seriously. It was so much fun! We all cheered on our teams, so it was really loud. I think everyone really liked it.”
--Evelyn R.

Upper School Questions

Q:  What's it like coming from another school?

A:  "The transition was pretty easy.  Within a tight knit community you make a group of friends.  The workload is heavier than where I was, but GA's a college prep school so it's to be expected.  You just learn time management."--Keenan

"Because a lot of the kids here have been together a long time, they LOVE having a new person." --Stephanie

Q:  Is it hard when you don't live nearby?

A:  I live 45 minutes away, but close friends of mine live near me.  I take the R5 suburban train."--Matt

"I live in Philadelphia.  I take a bus, subway, then the R5. I've always just done it.  You get home around 7pm if you have after school activities.  As soon as you get home you do homework.  You get used to it and take advantage of study periods."--Fatima

"I take the bus or my sister drives.  A lot of friends take the train together, even some of the faculty.  There's always a buddy."--Kristen

Q:  What would you do to change about GA?

A:  "I wish I had more time to do things that sound really interesting like forensics or more sports."--Matt

Q:  How was it dealing with finding a college?

A:  "Colleges come here and give you a presentation."--Natalie

"The college guidance department really helps you, and any student can just stop by and visit any time."--Keenan

"College guidance does a really good job and helping you find where you'll be best suited."--Emily

Q:  What was it like when you first came here?

A:  "I came in 7th grade and I still remember my tour guide.  You can totally be yourself during the entire application process.  I felt really comfortable with my personal buddy.  Plus there were oreos!"--Grace

"I felt like I knew everyone my entire life, they make you feel so welcome.  I didn't want to go back to my regular school, I just wanted to go to GA the next day!"--Casey