GA is a PreK-12, coed, nonsectarian day school in Fort Washington, PA
Sue Szczepkowski
Head of Lower School
Allison Sasson
Assistant Head of Lower School
Amanda Mitchell
Early Childhood Coordinator
Susan Fornicola
Assistant to the Head of Lower School
Amy Boorse
Lower School Administrative Assistant
More than 40 years ago, Edward Piszek 1760 emigrated to the United States from Poland. Two of his children, Bill Piszek ’77 and Helen Piszek Nelson ’70, went to Germantown Academy. Edward decided to start a tradition of giving a book to every child in the Lower School; this tradition continues to this day.
Germantown Academy third graders took a trip to Wings Airfield to experience the concepts of flight that they had been learning about in class in a real-world setting.
The Upper School Asian American Student Association (AASA) ran an event for the Lower School Asian American Student Affinity Group that saw a lot of fun and creativity with the end result a beautiful aquarium of unique marine animals. Read below a Q&A from two of the Upper School student leaders, Stella Lee ’23 and Aayush Kevadia ’23, about their group’s work.
Health and Wellness as a curricular topic is in the air this season! Construction is coming along on the new Health and Wellness Center, and Director of Health and Wellness Dr. Leigh Serra P’24 ’28 used that theme for Lower School’s Design Day.
Happy Fall Y'all! Lower School families gathered on the playground to celebrate the fall season at the annual LS Fall Fest. The event featured lots of fun fall activities.
At Germantown Academy, we believe that learning is a life-long, collaborative process. Our talented and dedicated faculty are committed to helping curious students grow into thoughtful, caring, and engaged citizens in our world.
Our approach to teaching and learning is active, mission-driven, and team-oriented. We merge the developmental needs of young learners with our college-preparatory program in order to meet students where they are in an engaging, 21st century curriculum.
Together, we cultivate a climate for creative learning and build lives of character within our community. Excellence is growth that happens when students are engaged in meaningful experiences that provide a healthy challenge.
STEAM is a transdisciplinary approach to learning that engages student-driven ideas through guided inquiry, dialogue, and collaboration. Originally piloted with our 4th Grade classes, STEAM is now growing throughout the Lower School. Learn more about STEAM Studio
Design Thinking
Design Thinking is a five-step process that encourages students to think more deeply about the way they approach problem-solving and gives them an opportunity to practice risk-taking and failure. Learn more about Design Thinking
The Nature Program at Germantown Academy helps the community to know and appreciate the environment, to understand why it should be protected, and to encourage teachers to explore the campus' abundant natural resources with their students. Learn more about the Nature Program
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning at GA, and the kids feel it! From visionary leadership to engaged teachers who are passionate about igniting young minds, GA radiates a dynamic energy throughout its campus.
An authentic dedication to the natural world sets GA apart, and outdoor learning spaces complement a program that balances traditional classroom learning with a 'get muddy, be creative, hands-on' approach that kids love.
The emphasis on collaboration, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship prepares children to meet the challenges of today's changing world. My boys are becoming confident, curious, creative and (most importantly) caring people, and they are excited about the opportunities ahead of them.
– Allison D., Chestnut Hill
As the first bulbs of spring flowers poke through the grass, our PreKindergarten students dress up and perform songs and skits based on their favorite characters from classic Mother Goose nursery rhymes.
Every year on October 31, the whole school community lines up around Connor Quad to cheer on the parade of costumed kids (and teachers!) from all grades of the Lower School.
The Friday before Memorial Day, Team Red and Team Blue follow their captains out to the fields for a day of friendly competition. Students keep their Field Day colors throughout their tenure at GA and beyond.
![Third Grade Science Learns About Flight at Wings Airfield]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680006527/germantownacademy/w34zici8b8bk0lrlqxqq/WingsAviation.jpg","width":2200}])
![Ideas Flow in Lower School Design Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670360395/germantownacademy/nf4wwe13bvv0bzsopl8c/LSDesignDay2022-1.jpg","width":1080}])