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David Samson Named Head of Upper School

Germantown Academy Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 has announced the hiring of David Samson as the school’s next Head of Upper School. Samson is no stranger to GA or the Philadelphia area as he is a graduate of the Shipley School and worked in GA’s Upper School from 2004-15.

Nine Students Place at County-Wide Oral Proficiency Contest

Nine students placed first or second in the 2024 James J. Doyle Oral Proficiency Contest sponsored by the Montgomery County Association of Teachers of Foreign Languages. Nosotros estamos orgullosos de ti! Nous sommes fiers de vous! Wǒmen wèi nǐ zìháo! We are proud of you!

Germantown Academy Places 31 Student-Athletes on Winter All-League Teams

Germantown Academy was well-represented on the lists, with 26 student-athletes being recognized, two of whom were named the Most Valuable Player for their respective sport. In addition, the Independence Hockey League announced their All-League teams as well, with five student-athletes making the list. 

Alumna Drew Tye Ruby-Howe '05' paints with two students at a private school in Philadelphia

GA's Art Across the Academy sponsored alumna Drew Tye Ruby-Howe '05's amazing art installation. There were also many beautiful teaching moments from all divisions. One of the take-away lessons was to feel what emotion you are having, then find a paint color that you think represents that. Little and big students, along with some faculty, loved getting their hands dirty to create gorgeous art of their own.

Germantown Academy Names Kyle Donahue '14 Varsity Football Coach

Germantown Academy Director of Athletics Tim Ginter has named Kyle Donahue ’14 as the new Head Coach of Varsity Football. Donahue, who has spent the past five seasons working with the Patriots’ offense, becomes the youngest head football coach in the Inter-Ac League.

US Art Reception Wows the Crowd

Beautiful art, spectators in awe, behind the scenes peeks. The Upper School Visual Arts Department hosted a reception and studio tours to celebrate the Upper School Honors Visual Arts Student Exhibition.

Gabby Bowes '25 Supports Athletes Helping Athletes

Gabby Bowes '25 and her teammates on the Germantown Academy girls basketball team hosted a fun carnival to support Athletes Helping Athletes, a local group whose mission is to connect local athletes with special needs with mainstream student-athletes in a spirit of friendship for their mutual benefit, inspiration, and respect. 

Swimming & Diving: Girls Win, Boys Take Third as Germantown Academy Wins Easterns Combined Team Title

Germantown Academy had a major showing that included 29 top-eight finishes while competing at Franklin & Marshall College and GA for the Easterns Interscholastic Swimming and Diving competition over the weekend. Those performances powered the GA girls to their third consecutive Easterns title, while the boys finished third in the team standings. Overall, Germantown Academy was the Combined Team Champion for the second time in three years.

Wrestling: Germantown Academy Finishes Fifth, Qualifies Six Student-Athletes for National Preps

Germantown Academy only brought eight wrestlers to the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Wrestling Tournament from Feb. 16-17, but even though they were small in numbers, the Patriots' performances were mighty. With seven top-eight finishes, the GA compiled 117.5 points, good enough for fifth place. The team also had six wrestlers finish in the top six of their weight class, automatically qualifying for National Preps.

Winter Track: Germantown Academy Boys Wins PAISAA, Girls Take Fourth

Germantown Academy’s indoor track team braved snowy conditions as they took to Mercersburg Academy over the weekend for Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association Championships. Student-athletes put up top performances, setting numerous personal bests and breaking two school records. 

Middle School Show Willy Wonka a Huge Success!

The Middle School musical, "Willy Wonka", was a scrumdiddlyumptious hit that played to two sold-out crowds. It was a ton of fun to watch the fantastic choreography of the Oompa Loompas and Veruca Salt being as bratty as ever!

Germantown Academy Alumni Spotlight: Cori Rosen '12

Germantown Academy graduate Cori Rosen '12 has achieved remarkable success in her career in communications, having gained experience at prominent companies such as HBO & Max, Business Insider, and TikTok. Rosen's diverse career experiences exemplify her strong work ethic and dedication to her craft.

Curiosity Leads to Passion Project for Aidan Gor

Junior Aidan Gor ’25 has turned his curiosity for coding into a passion for computational neuroscience. Taking the fundamentals of coding, Gor turned a research project into a memory game that boosts memory in individuals with working memory deficiencies, such as those with Autism and ADHD and presented at the International Brain Research Organization's World Conference.

Voces8 Gives Choral Clinic at GA

GA was pleased to host members of the internationally acclaimed choral ensemble, Voces8, for a clinic with the 1759 Singers last week. Voces8 is among the most celebrated professional choral programs in the world.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Germantown Academy Upper School honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day with some beautiful, emotional, and educational moments this past week.

GA Honor Musicians Participate in PMEA District 11 Band

Students from the Honors Academy Symphonic Band - Andrei Vava '24, Jianna Kim '25, Arthur Hu '26, Ethan Page '24, Dominic Perazza '25, and Umang Mittal '25 just completed their District 11 Band Festival at Bensalem High School.

 

GA Celebrates MLK Day of Service

More than 250 GA community members gathered to honor Martin Luther King Jr. at GA's 21st MLK Day of Service, which was full of good will and school spirit.

Head of Lower School Sue Szczepkowski Joins EQuipt People's Advisory Board

Sue Szczepkowski, Head of the Lower School at Germantown Academy and a preeminent educator, has joined the organization's Advisory Board. Her emphasis in providing students and faculty with skill sets for the future aligns with the core mission of EQuipt People to create cultures of understanding through listening.

"Kids Teaching Kids" Uses Hands-On Learning

Kids Teaching Kids (KTK) is one of the most loved activities at GA for PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, and Upper School students when they gather for scientific hands-on learning.

Pat Terefenko Announces Retirement

Fortunately for Germantown Academy, the numbers have always added up. Accounting Manager Pat Terefenko, who has announced that she will retire at the end of the school year, has made sure of just that for the past 24 years and GA will be hard pressed to find someone as meticulous and tenacious.

Robotics Club Excels at GA

“I love to build things!” “It’s so much fun!” “I like hanging out with my friends!” “YES! We did it!” were just some of the comments that were heard during GA’s Middle School Robotics club. The carefully controlled chaos was heard in both the science lab and Beard Center for Innovation (BCI)

Faculty Spotlight: DeLane Doyle Performs in "10 Day in a Madhouse" with Opera Philadelphia

Earlier this fall, Opera Philadelphia played host to the world premiere of “10 Days in a Madhouse,” from composer Rene Orth with a libretto by playwright Hannah Moscovitch. The opera retold the story of Nellie Bly, who, in 1887, wrote about the inhumane conditions at an all-female asylum on Blackwell’s Island in New York City. The performance used an acoustic orchestra and electronics to represent the balance between sane and insane, and Germantown Academy Assistant Band Director, Percussion Instructor, and MS General Music teacher DeLane Doyle was one of the musicians involved in helping create that unique effect.  

2023 Holiday Program

On Tuesday, December 19, students and employees from across the school gathered in the Field House for Germantown Academy's 34th annual CSO Holiday Program.

Carol Peery Ayers 1760 to Retire

A sense of calm and relaxation comes over Señora Carol D. Peery Ayers 1760 when she walks into her Spanish classroom on the third floor of the Upper School where her true home away from home awaits. Ayers has created a welcoming space for her students to learn, filled with books, posters, Spanish phrases, and a love of teaching. While love for her students, colleagues, and especially GA will never wane, Ayers has announced that she will be retiring at the end of the school year. She leaves behind a giant list of accolades, positions, and initiatives that, frankly, helped make GA the place it is today.

DeLane Doyle Performs in "10 Days in a Madhouse" at Opera Philadelphia

Earlier this fall, Opera Philadelphia played host to the world premiere of “10 Days in a Madhouse,” from composer Rene Orth with a libretto by playwright Hannah Moscovitch. Germantown Academy Assistant Band Director, Percussion Instructor, and MS General Music teacher DeLane Doyle was one of the musicians involved in helping create the score.

Jianna Kim '25 Combines Passion for Music with Community Service

This story about Jianna Kim '25 is a testament to the power of volunteerism. Starting as a youth volunteer for the Special Olympics track and field team in 6th Grade, Kim's passion for supporting individuals with disabilities grew into a lifelong commitment. Her dedication led her to initiate a plaque installation project with Worcester Township to encourage and support Special Olympics athletes and their families.

Brianna Geist '24 Brings the Sugar Plum Fairy to Life

Senior Brianna Geist ’24 is fulfilling a dream. One that began at seven years old when she first auditioned for the iconic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Not only has she achieved her goal of starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy, but she will perform the role for the SECOND time this weekend with the Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company.

Wrapping Up the 2023 Holiday Marketplace

On Sunday, December 3, GA celebrated its annual Holiday Marketplace in the Field House. With more than 60 vendors in attendance and the new From the Boot food truck stationed outside, the Marketplace was a blast! Attendees had the opportunity to participate in raffle contests and the lucky winners were announced at the end of the event.

Upper School Ushers in Winter with Annual Concert

The Upper School Performing Arts Department ushered in Winter 2023-24 with its annual Winter Concert on November 30. Featuring the Academy String Orchestra and Honors Strings, Singing Patriots and 1760 Singers, and the Academy Symphonic Band and Honors Band, almost 100 students performed for family, employees, and friends in the Arts Center.

Designs Come to Life in Fourth Grade STEAM Studio

STEAM Studio, taught by Lower School Art Chair and PreK-12 STEAM Coordinator Jess Grisafi and Lower School 3rd-5th Grade Science Teacher Troy Holiday '01, along with 4th Grade homeroom teachers, is one of the most interactive parts of the 4th Grade curriculum.

Lower School Gives Thanks!

The Germantown Academy Lower School decided to try something new this year for their annual Thanksgiving project and embarked upon a “Thank You Day.” As told by Head of Lower School Sue Szczepkowski during the assembly, “showing gratitude is when we appreciate what is good in our lives; we appreciate our homes, food on our tables, family who takes care of us. When we say thank you and think about that, and we express that, it is called gratitude.

Matt Dence Steps Down as Germantown Academy Football Coach

After a 12-year run that included eight winning seasons, Germantown Academy Head Football Coach Matt Dence is stepping down from his position. The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a 5-5 record that ended with a 35-14 loss to Penn Charter on Nov. 11. Dence finishes his tenure with the Patriots with a 67-46-1 overall record.

Brainstorm - A Touching Belfry Club Performance

The award-winning Upper School Belfry Club performance of Brainstorm made you laugh and cry, and sometimes at the same time. The main thread throughout the show was that you are unique, and you are not alone.

Class of 1973 Welcomed into Old Guard

The Old Guard, Germantown Academy's alumni group that includes those who have graduated 50 years ago and more, welcomed the Class of 1973 at the annual dinner during GA/PC Weekend.

Germantown Academy Falls to Penn Charter on GA/PC Day

The first point of the 2023 GA/PC rivalry was won three days before the actual day's events as the GA golf team bested Penn Charter, 6.5-1.5. Despite the early lead, the Patriots were unable to win back the coveted Competition Cup, falling to PC on GA/PC Day, 6-4. 

GA Celebrates Five with Alumni Mission Awards

Five Germantown Academy alumni were honored with Alumni Mission Awards at the biennial awards ceremony in the Arts Center on November 9, 2023. The awards, given by the Alumni Society Board, reflect how this class of inductees are Independent in Thoughts, Confident in Expression, Compassionate in Spirit, Collaborative in Action, and Honorable in Deed.

The Patriot Playbook Episode 3

The GA Department of Athletics is pleased to present the third episode of The Patriot Playbook, a podcast featuring interviews with coaches and student-athletes.

Halloween Fun at GA

Putting the "Happy" in Halloween, the Germantown Academy community took to Connor Quad for the annual Halloween Parade to the delight of hundreds of families, employees, and students.

Lenape Descendant Visits Third Grade

Third Grade had an amazing time learning about the Lenape tribe. Carla Messinger, a woman of Lenape descent, visited with the students and read the book that she authored named, “Where the Shadbush Blooms”.

Congrats to GA's Commended Students

Congratulations to the following seniors on being named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program: Ali Amann ’24, Celina Bagchi ’24, Carmela Jenkes ’24, Samantha Kostacos ’24, Richard Liao ’24, Isabelle Lieu ’24, Alan Liu ’24, Melinda Shen ’24, Danika Staples ’24, and Andrew Zhou ’24.

Xavier Stearn is ‘a self-motivator’ who’s next in line of accomplished QBs at Germantown Academy | Aaron Carter

Expletives, eyebrows, and onomatopoeia. When those are the main ingredients people use to describe a quarterback, chances are they’re referencing a special talent. Such is the case with Germantown Academy sophomore Xavier Stearn, who, through just five games in his first season as a starter, has already statistically outpaced the school’s long line of talented quarterbacks.

GA Welcomes Siri Lindley as First Lunch & Learn Speaker

GA was excited to welcome Siri Lindley as our first speaker in the new Lunch & Learn Series for Middle and Upper School students. Lindley barely knew how to swim when she began the training regimen that would lead her to conquer prestigious triathlons such as the ITU World Championships. Today, as the world’s former #1 ranked triathlete, an in-demand coach, one of Tony Robbins’ favorite motivational speakers, and a cancer survivor, Siri has made it her business to change lives for the better.

Endless Possibilities: Through a tradition known as the Senior Project, Germantown Academy empowers graduating students to explore real-world opportunities by way of its vast alumni network | Leigh Ann Stuart

During the last month of high school, most seniors’ thoughts turn to graduation, senior week, summer vacation, and college life. At Germantown Academy, seniors in their final month of school explore areas of interests in a real-world environment. The goal: to forge invaluable connections and prepare them for what awaits in the next phase of their lives.

K. Richardson Announces Retirement

The Germantown Academy Arts Center stage certainly won’t be the same after K. Richardson takes her final bow at the end of the 2023-24 school year. While she hasn’t spent the past 20 years at GA for awards or applause, Richardson does find joy having taken hundreds of students from merely actors to true performers with her artistic creativity and directorial leadership.

Eric Greenwood '16 - Alumni Spotlight

Eric Greenwood '16 used his time as a Prefect at GA to learn initiative and leadership skills, which he then brought to Lehigh University. Currently working at GroupeConnect in Boston, Greenwood has added advertising, marketing, and club soccer to his daily routine. 

Class Stone Tradition from 1885 Continues Today

The giving of the class stone is a tradition that dates all the way back to the 1800s and was introduced by Head of School Dr. William Kershaw. This year year's class stone was designed by senior Ryleigh Dougherty '23.

"In Our Own Write" Middle School Club Hosted Spring Writers' Contest

The glitter, markers, and stickers were abundant as the members of the Middle School magazine, In Our Own Write, worked to create posters about their Spring Writing Contest. The contest provided a great opportunity for students in the Middle School community to create submissions for the magazine, and students within the club were the editors and judges. 

Nathan Chang '24 and Richard Liao '24 Become Eagle Scouts

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America is the highest level attainable and it carries with it an extremely prestigious reputation, as Eagle Scouts exude leadership, compassion, and service. Nathan Chang '24 and Richard Liao '24 have now joined this illustrious group.

Students Awarded Highest Prizes in Art

Aisosa Idahosa ’23 and Claire McMichael ’23 took home prestigious art prizes this year.  Idahosa’s large-scale figure drawing was chosen by the GA Visual Arts Faculty as this year’s “Purchase Award” winner and McMichael took home the “Student’s Choice Award” in Visual Arts as her GA/PC inspired chess set sculpture was voted on and chosen by GA students for this year’s prize.

 

4th and 5th Grade Celebrate Final Assembly

Fourth and 5th Grade students celebrated their final assembly of the school year in the Arts Center Auditorium. Students accepted their 5th Grade Completion certificates, and several awards were given out.

Class of 2023 Graduates from Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy honored, celebrated and welcomed the remarkable Class of 2023 into the school's storied alumni body during a picture-perfect ceremony on Friday, June 9, 2023 on Connor Quad.

Middle School Celebrated the Class of 2027

The Class of 2027 was celebrated for the last time as Middle School students in Connor Quad. Speeches of the day were inspiring, and lessons in themselves for the 98 members of the class.

Prize Day 2023

The Upper School student body gathered for one final assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium on Friday, June 2, 2023 for the annual Prize Day ceremony, a GA tradition to acknowledge the many accomplishments of dozens of deserving students.

The Germantown Academy Class of 2023 College List

With graduation less than one month away, the 132 members of the Class of 2023 are getting ready to leave Germantown Academy and move on to 88 different colleges and universities in 29 states, Washington D.C., and Scotland.

Alumni Update: Former Patriots Recognized for Spring 2023 Seasons

FORT WASHINGTON -- Finding success on the field and in the classroom is not out of the ordinary for Germantown Academy student-athletes. However, that focus does not end once they leave the Fort Washington campus. Many former Patriots recently garnered accolades for the work that they put in during the spring season. 

Boys Tennis: Germantown Academy Repeats as Inter-Ac League Co-Champions

Following up on a historic season can be an intimidating and daunting task for some teams, but not for the racquetmen of Germantown Academy. One season after claiming a share of the Inter-Ac League title for the first time since 1986, the Patriots repeated the feat by defeating arch-rival Penn Charter 5-2 on May 11.

Sarah Marvin '23, Walker Schwartz '23 Named Inter-Ac AD Award Recipients

The AD’s Award is presented annually to a senior girl and/or senior boy who has been a multi-sport varsity athlete and has exemplified dedication to their team and school. Recipients are considered to be outstanding representatives of the Inter-Ac League in sportsmanship and leadership. 

Black letters in bold with a hat icon for Germantown Academy Patriots

Thirty-seven Germantown Academy student-athletes who will play their sport in college were honored at the annual Senior Signing Ceremony in the Korman Family Pavilion. On hand to congratulate GA's seniors and wish them well next year were GA coaches, parents, siblings, friends, Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760, and Director of Athletics Tim Ginter.

Germantown Academy Upper School Students See Success at Science Fairs

Thirty-four Germantown Academy Upper School Science Research students competed at the Montgomery County Science Research Competition (MCSRC) on March 22, directed by Phil Rittenhouse 1760. In total, 32 students earned first, second, or thirds place awards, and qualified for the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF) in the process. 

Piszek Family Book Giving Continues Tradition

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.

Cross-Divisional Project Nets Beautiful Results

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.

Kyle Garland '18 Leaves His Mark At NCAA Indoor Championships

Kyle Garland '18 set the collegiate heptathlon record to win his first national championship with the world’s second-best score in history during the final day of the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in the Albuquerque Convention Center Saturday

Five GA VEX Robotics Teams Compete at State Competition

On March 4, the Germantown Academy VEX Robotics team, led Upper School science teachers Diane Goldstein 1760 and Michael Rheam, traveled to Norristown for the VRC Spin-Up High School East Pennsylvania State Championship.

29 Germantown Academy Student-Athletes Named to Winter All-League Teams

The Inter-Academic League released its All-League teams for the 2022-23 winter season. Germantown Academy was well-represented on the lists, with 22 student-athletes being recognized, two of whom were named the Most Valuable Player for their respective sport. In addition, the Independence Hockey League announced their All-League teams as well, with seven student-athletes making the list. 

New York Times Best-Selling Author Tami Charles Leads Black History Month Celebration

Germantown Academy was pleased to welcome New York Times best-selling author Tami Charles on Wednesday, February 15 for a full day of student assemblies, Q&A sessions, dinner, and a community presentation where she discussed her life and her books, Like Vanessa, Muted, All Because You Matter, and more in celebration of Black History Month.

Speech and Debate Team Wins at Final Tournament

The Germantown Academy speech and debate team hosted the final tournament of the season on February 8 for the Southern Pennsylvania Debate League (SPDL). Students have participated this fall and winter in a series of meets leading up to the final.

Alum Return for Life After GA Week

As part of the Upper School’s Experiential Learning program, a team of GA administrators put together the school’s first “Life After GA” week. The goal of this unique program was to connect students to GA alums who shared their personal stories about how to make the best use of their GA education, not only their academics but their co-curricular experiences.

Dean Millard '21, Blake Smith '22 Team Up Off the Court for "Tap In" Podcast

When they were attending Germantown Academy, Dean Millard ’21 and Blake Smith ’22 could most likely be found in the gym making plays on the hardwood for the Patriots’ boys basketball team. Although they are not teaming up on the court to dazzle spectators with their athletic abilities any longer, the two friends are showcasing a different set of skills while keeping basketball at the forefront with “Tap In,” a podcast that covers hot topics around the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Joanne Bates Announces Retirement

After a 26-year career at GA, Joanne Bates, private music instructor of the cello and double bass, is hanging up her bow. Stepping on campus in 1997 under the former Head of Performing Arts Janice Kemp, Bates has brought her personal talent of teaching to students that have come to appreciate a love of music.

GA Earns College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award

GA has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with this award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses. GA was proud to have 14 female students take AP Computer Science with Computer Science Department Head Jason Oswald during 2021-22.

Happy Lunar New Year!

There was great cause for celebration as all divisions were treated to live Lion Dance performances in honor of the Lunar New Year.

Martha McGlinchey Announces Retirement

For 12 years Martha McGlinchey has played an integral role behind the scenes in the business office at GA. Working as a key member of our business office, her tedious work has impacted each and every member of the GA community in a positive way. Consequently, Martha will be missed by all, as she has decided to retire at the end of the school year.

Twin Sister Docs Highlight GA's 20th MLK Day of Service

Germantown Academy's 20th annual MLK Day of Service was a complete success! More than 200 members from the GA community came out to hear from the Twin Sister Docs and put together 14 different service projects for a variety of organizations throughout the morning of January 16. A big shout-out goes to Genie Hill '23 and Anthony Commale, CSO Director, and their team for spearheading this feel-good event.

With the Songs Sung and the Gifts Given, GA Celebrates the Holidays

On Monday, December 19, students and faculty from across the school gathered in the Field House for our annual CSO Holiday Program.  Ushered in to the Upper School Jazz Band’s rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” everyone arrived bearing toys, clothes, gift cards and basic necessities to make the holiday season a little brighter and more comfortable for those in need.

Class of 2027 Day Off Campus

The 8th Grade Day Off Campus event returned to GA this fall with resounding applause by the Class of 2027. Students spent a day observing what it's like to work in a career of their choice.

Wrapping Up the Holiday Marketplace

On Sunday, December 4, GA celebrated its annual Holiday Marketplace in the Field House. With more than 50 vendors in attendance and food trucks stationed outside, the Marketplace was a blast!

Student Teaching Art Exhibit

Ms. Karina Slapinsky’s Student Teaching exhibit is  showcased at the Tyler School of Art. Karina has been doing her Student Teaching Placement here at GA since early September and this exhibit acts as the culmination of her Art Education experience.

Ideas Flow in Lower School Design Day

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.

Glenda Daulerio 1760 Announces Retirement

For 47 years, Middle School English teacher Glenda Daulerio 1760 P’07 has brought books to life. One may even go as far as saying that her tenure at GA is a book in itself. To say that Daulerio’s retirement will make a difference in GA's story, especially in the GA Middle School, is an understatement. She has always been an integral part of the GA family.

30 Germantown Academy Student-Athletes Receive All-Inter-Ac Honors

The Inter-Academic League released its All-League teams on Nov. 17 and 18 for the 2022 fall season. Germantown Academy was well-represented on the lists, with 30 student-athletes being recognized, two of whom were named the Most Valuable Player for their respective sport.

GA-PC Day Ends in a Tie, PC Keeps the Competition Cup

Another exhilarating GA/PC Day and Reunion Weekend is in the books! While the Patriots did not claim the annual Competition Cup, five teams -- golf, boys water polo, girls soccer, field hockey, and football -- triumphed over the Quakers. 

Happy Halloween!

Students and employees gathered around Connor Quad to take part in our annual Halloween parade!

Upper School Art Students Create Women Across the Ages

Inspired in part by a trip to the Pennsylvania Academy the Fine Arts last April, then juniors in Visual Arts Chair David Love's class were instructed to find a moment in a painting from their collection to do studies from, which then transformed into large, five foot tall figure drawings.

Lower School Fall Festival!

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.

Author Matthew Landis Visits GA

Germantown Academy welcomed author and educator Matthew Landis to speak with the Middle School on Wednesday, September 28, in the Honickman Auditorium.

Dream comes true for New York Times baseball writer | Len Lear

A baseball fan his whole life, Kepner not only became a “beat” writer, but he ascended to the top of the journalistic mountain. He joined The New York Times in 2000, covering the Mets for two seasons, the Yankees for eight and has been the Times' national baseball writer since 2010. He has covered almost every World Series game over the last two decades. 

Lisa Ledwith 1760 Announces Retirement

Countless mathematics classes + thousands of engaged students x years of personal and professional growth = Lisa Ledwith's 36-year teaching career at Germantown Academy.

Yvette Marquez to Retire from GA

Yvette Marquez’s classroom is one of stories. Nine years of students learning Spanish by being immersed in the language, creating stories as they learn more about each other, their families, and Spanish-speaking countries, have gone by way too rápido.

French Teacher Works to Preserve Language

In addition to teaching French in GA’s Middle School, Zora Meddahi-Larbi is a protector of an ancient Berber language. Today she and others are working to preserve Taqbaylit, a Berber language spoken in Algeria.

Spanish Teacher Receives Honor

Middle School Spanish Teacher Lauren Fosnight’s session from the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association’s (PSMLA) 2021 conference was selected as the "Best of PA".

Academy Club Inducts 99th Senior Class

In all there were 17 students who joined the Academy Club following a full year during which they prepared to be alumni leaders. As Academy Club members, these students are role models for capitalizing on the broad GA alumni network and its innumerable connections.

Class of 2022 Graduates from Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy honored, celebrated, and welcomed the remarkable Class of 2022 into the school's storied alumni body during a picture-perfect ceremony on Friday, June 10, 2022 on Connor Quad. 

This is Cory Miller '22, Signing Off From Germantown Academy

If you have followed Germantown Academy athletics over the past four years, chances are you have heard the voice of Cory Miller ’22. Although he is finished calling games for the Patriots, his legacy as “The Voice of GA” will stand for the foreseeable future. 

Ruth Carver Announces Retirement

Ruth Carver has taught math in the Germantown Academy Upper School for 26 years. Multiply that by the number of students taught and add the amount of people she has supported as Mathematics Department Chair, Relay for Life Advisor, and Faculty/Staff Forum Committee member and her tenure equals a word problem one would be challenged to solve. However, Carver will soon be taken out of the equation as she heads into the aftermath of her teaching career and into retirement at the end of the school year. 

Class of 2026 Remembered at Middle School Assembly

On Tuesday, June 7, Germantown Academy's Middle School, led by Jonas Jeswald, held its final assembly on Connor Quad to honor a number of students for excellence in academics, character, and service, and also said goodbye to the Class of 2026.

Germantown Academy Celebrates College-Bound Student-Athletes

On Thursday, June 2, 2022, Germantown Academy celebrated 28 college-bound senior student-athletes in the Korman Family Pavilion. On hand to congratulate GA's student-athletes and wish them well next year were GA coaches, parents, Head of School Rich Schellhas, and Director of Athletics Tim Ginter.

Class of 2023 McNeil Patriot Scholars Announced

Raina Bandekar '23, Aisosa Idahosa '23, Joseph Richards '23, and Sam Wang were each awarded the McNeil Patriot Scholarship Award during Friday morning's 11th grade/12th grade Prize Day ceremony in the Arts Center.

2022 Prize Day Winners

The Upper School hosted two Prize Day ceremonies in the Arts Center on Friday, June 3, 2022. The 9th grade and 10th grade ceremony took place first and was immediately followed by the 11th grade and 12th grade ceremony.                   

Blue Team Wins 2022 Lower School Field Day

Lower School Field Day is one of Germantown Academy's longest and most cherished traditions. The annual event puts our Lower School students in the spotlight as they are cheered on by Middle School and Upper School students as they march out to Carey Stadium and compete in a variety of fun competitions before bleachers packed with parents and grandparents. 

Natural Selections: Spring Processional: Adventures in the Outdoors | Mike Weilbacher

It’s mid-May, with the spring season in full flower– pun totally intended. Want to know what you might do to more fully experience nature now? Simple. Grab a copy of “Spring Processional,” a hot-off-the-press book by local naturalist Craig Newberger, where you’d learn now is the time to see horseshoe crabs mating on the Delaware Bay and the first meadow wildflowers blooming.

Marnie McDonald Announces Retirement from GA

Nine years and hundreds of books read, stories written, and math equations solved later, Marnie McDonald will say goodbye to Germantown Academy and its third grade hallway this June. Her passion for her students, teaching, and technology propelled her to take advantage of all of GA's gifts to further her own education to be the best teacher possible.

 

Juan Adames '20 Shares Stories About Philadelphia in New Book

Since graduating, Adames has kept up his hard work, most recently becoming a published author. Titled Philadelphia’s Diary, the book shares stories about the city at the micro and macro level that Adames has experienced or heard through his nonprofit.

Charlie Morris '25 Named an Eagle Scout

Germantown Academy freshman Charlie Morris '25 of Scouts BSA Troop 177 received the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA, at a Court of Honor held at First Presbyterian Church of Springfield.

Newsies Delivers to Sold Out Crowd

Newsies, GA’s winter Belfry musical, had the largest cast of any Belfry Show to date, with more than 80 Middle and Upper School students showing off their talent in acting roles, in stage crew, and playing in the pit band during four sold-out shows in the Arts Center.

Ron Gonen '93 Shares Career Journey with Upper School

Ron Gonen '93 admitted that it had been a while since he set foot on Germantown Academy's campus when he took the stage in the Art Center to talk to the Upper School about his book, “The Waste Free World,” and the path that he has taken to become CEO of Closed Loop Partners, a New York based investment firm that finances businesses that are making a positive environmental impact.

Charlotte Dean Announces Retirement

A thirst for knowledge and a passion for helping children be their best selves are two outstanding qualities that Lower School teacher Charlotte Baker Dean has shared with the Germantown Academy community for the past 25 years. As she prepares for her retirement at the end of this school year, she will truly miss her interaction and learning with and from her students.

Black letters in bold with a hat icon for Germantown Academy Patriots

Winter of 2022 brought some frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather, but it also featured some dynamite performances from Germantown Academy student athletes. 

Stage Crew Welds Design and Production Together in "Newsies"

A spectacular set for the upcoming Belfry Production of Newsies can be seen from every seat in the Arts Center. What is most surprising about the set is that all of it was designed and produced by GA students.  While overseen by Technical Theatre teacher Paul Moffitt, it was his students from technical theater classes and those who joined the show’s stage crew that created it from the initial design to the painted sets to the very last welded corner.

Swimming & Diving: Germantown Academy Wins Easterns 2022 Combined Team Title

With 679 points, Germantown Academy's girls swimming and diving team claimed its first Easterns title since they won in 2015. Mercersburg finished in second with 472.5 points. The boys swimming and diving team finished second behind Mercersburg (621 points) with 533 points. However, when the scores were put together, GA outscored the Blue Storm, 1212-1093.5. 

GA Alumni Return to Talk College and Careers

Germantown Academy welcomed nine alumni back to campus to chat with students about their academic and career pursuits. Current GA students were able to sign up for two sessions that interested them and hear from the recent college graduates or college seniors.

GA Welcomes Marian Anderson Museum to Campus

Germantown Academy was proud to host its annual Head of School Distinguished Speaker Series in early February as a kickoff to Black History Month. This year’s guest was the Marian Anderson Museum.

Yash Chadda '23 Composes Own Music

Yash Chadda ’23 is an incredibly talented musician. In addition to playing in GA’s Upper School orchestra, Chadda plays in the audition-only Youth Orchestra of Delaware County and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). He also composed his own music during Middle School, which Middle and Upper School Performing Arts Department Head Chris Horner helped bring to life.

Seventh Grade Student Publishes Book

A published author walks among our Germantown Academy Middle School students. Mallea K. ’27 has a passion for creative storytelling and the horror genre which led her to write her first book, The Orphan's Game.

Lisa Martin 1760 to Retire

Lisa Martin 1760 has spent many years cultivating her garden of life. Armed with a degree in marine biology and a sunny disposition, Martin feels that she has been extremely lucky to have had careers that match up with her passion for the natural world. Beginning at the Wistar Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, moving on to the Franklin Institute, and finally building a 34-year home at Germantown Academy, Martin has left her mark on all things science.

Sofia Eichsteadt '22 Adds Mural to Modern Language Hallway

Senior Sofia Eichsteadt ’22 created a stunning mural which will be permanently housed in the Modern Language hallway in the Upper School. Eichsteadt said that she was asked by her junior year Spanish teacher, Carlos Chubb, if she would be interested in creating the mural last November.

Linda Test Announces Retirement

Madame Test's past travels prove that it really is a small world, and her care and concern for not only her French students, but her advisees and colleagues will all be missed when she closes the door on her GA teaching career this June.

Where in the World is Sandy Bennett 1760?

Sandy Bennett 1760 is still the same fireball as when she started working at GA. Having spent more than three decades molding young minds in the Lower School, Bennett keeps her days busy by living near campus and maintaining her personal GA connections.

Fall All-Inter-Ac Awards Announced

Senior Christian Combs '22 was named Inter-Ac League Boys Soccer Player of the Year and 40 GA student-athletes were named to All-Inter-Ac teams for the fall 2021 season.

Parth Patel '11: Entrepreneur for the Health Care Industry

Dr. Parth Patel ’11 has had more schooling in his short lifetime than many people around the world. A lifer at GA, Patel graduated from the University of Miami in three years, headed back to Philadelphia to earn a dental school degree from University of Pennsylvania, then completed his MBA at Penn’s Wharton School.

Computer Science Education Week 2021

GA celebrated Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) across all divisions during the first full week of December. CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

GA Falls to PC in Competition Cup

Another exhilarating GA/PC Day and Reunion Weekend is in the books! While the Patriots did not claim the annual Competition Cup, four teams - boys soccer, golf, field hockey, and girls tennis - all won their contests. 

THANKFUL to the GA COMMUNITY

We are so grateful to the GA community for the generous food, monetary, and gift card donations given to the 2021 CSO and Parents' Committee Thanksgiving Food Drive!

Boys Soccer Beats PC for 2021 Inter-Ac Title

The boys soccer team entered its Nov. 13 matchup against Penn Charter with a unique opportunity. Not only would a win against the long-time rival Quakers bring the Patriots a coveted point on GA-PC Day, but it would also give the team its first Inter-Academic Athletic League title since 2009.

Preserve Day 5K/10K Run and Fun Walk a Blast!

The annual Preserve Day 5K/10K Run and Fun Walk was a great success! More than 175 runners and walkers registered for the event and skies were beautiful for a run through GA’s cross country course and walk on the track at Carey Stadium.

Inaugural PRIDE Week Celebrated in Upper School

Germantown Academy celebrated its inaugural Upper School PRIDE Week October 12-15. Rachel Lintgen, Upper School Dean of Students, and Michael Ferrier, Upper School English teacher and Co-Upper School Diversity and Community Life Coordinator, brought the Upper School community together to celebrate a week of PRIDE for students, faculty, and staff that identify as LGBTQ+ as well as their allies.

Cum Laude Inductees - Fall 2021

Germantown Academy Director of College Counseling Karen Mason recently announced the fall inductees of GA's Chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

PreK Remembers September 11

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11, Sue Szczepkowski, Head of Lower School, shared a short video with students in kindergarten through 5th grade earlier this week.

Sam Wang '23 Named an Eagle Scout

Sam Wang '23 of Scouts BSA Troop 542 received the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA, at a Court of Honor held at Supplee Presbyterian Church.

GA Mourns the Loss of Michael Kemp

Germantown Academy is sad to announce the passing of former Head of Upper School Choruses, String Orchestras, and Music Theory teacher Michael Kemp, who passed away on July 10, 2021. 
 

The Voyager

Enjoy the 2020-2021 edition of The Voyager, Germantown Academy's modern language journal.  Special thanks to this year's editors: Christina Nguyen '21, Eileen Zhang '21, and Priyanka Anand '21.
 

Scholarship Prize Winners

The Upper School hosted two Prize Day ceremonies on Connor Quad on Friday, June 4, 2021.

GA Mourns the Loss of Jim Fenerty 1760

Jim Fenerty 1760, longtime athletic director, boys basketball coach, and history teacher, and most recently part-time college counselor, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2021. The GA community mourns the loss of this incredible icon.

3rd Grade Wax Museum

The Small Gym was filled with historical figures––Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln, Kamala Harris, Malala Yousafzai, Neil Armstrong, King Tut and more!

GA Nurses

In honor of International Nurses Day, GA honored Lori Andress ’88, Pam Barrer P’02 ’08, Lorraine Rodgers P’03 ’08, Karen Williams P’14, ’16, ’17, and Sarah Williams ’14.

Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760 has announced the hiring of David Pannepacker as the school’s next Chief Financial and Operating Officer. 
 

GA’s Virtual MLK Day of Service

GA's 18th annual MLK Day of Service was a success! Thank you to everyone in the GA community for donating items and for tuning in to the virtual event.

Janet Maurer 1760 Announces Her Retirement

Janet Maurer, member of the honorary alumni class of 1760 and counseling department matriarch, has announced she will be retiring at the end of June after a 23-year career at GA.

Belfry Club Presents a Digital Production!

The award-winning Belfry Club, the nation's oldest, continuously-run high school dramatic club, is proud to perform The Internet is Distract–Oh Look a Kitten! 

GA Senior Named a Top 300 Scholar

Sarah Rojas '21 has been named a Top 300 Scholar in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search for her science research project, Inducing Dysbiosis in Brown Planaria with Single Strain Probiotics Clostridium butyricum, E.coli Nissle 1917, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Germantown Academy Senior Named a Top 300 Scholar

Sarah Rojas '21 has been named a Top 300 Scholar in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search for her science research project, Inducing Dysbiosis in Brown Planaria with Single Strain Probiotics Clostridium butyricum, E.coli Nissle 1917, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Becca Burnett Featured in Independent Teacher Magazine

Independent Teacher, the official magazine of the National Association of Independent Schools, published an article about Germantown Academy Upper School English Chair Becca Burnett's "Shakespeare in Performance" class. 

Early Cum Laude Inductees Announced

Germantown Academy Director of College Counseling Karen Mason recently announced the fall inductees of GA's Chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

GA/PC WEEK IS ON!

The annual GA/PC Day has been turned into GA/PC Week! Join us online for many of our fall sports competitions between GA and Penn Charter where you can cheer for the Patriots watching any device!

GA Students Create Camp Intellect

Helen Wu '21 and Jason Wang '22 created, launched, and hosted Camp Intellect, an intensive, fee-based summer English and science enrichment program for students entering grades 7-9.

Peter Waxler to Retire

For 22 years, Peter Waxler has gently and expertly guided his students through the crucial foundational years of Prekindergarten and Kindergarten.

Jodi Bohr Inducted into the Class of 1760

Lower School Music Department Coordinator Jodi Bohr was inducted into the Class of 1760 during the Class of 2020's graduation ceremony on Friday, July 17, 2020.

An Important Message from Rich Schellhas

I am writing to you with my mind on the state of the world, but more specifically, on our school community. As we strive to find the best path toward reopening school in the midst of a health crisis, we also bear witness to the rise of social justice movements around the world, including in our own city.

Middle School Final Assembly

On Wednesday, June 10, GA's Middle School held a virtual final assembly over YouTube where faculty and staff honored a number of students for excellence in academics, character, and service, and also said goodbye to the Class of 2024. 

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

GA is celebrating its amazing teachers – past and present – from May 4 – 8 in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week!

GA Film Nominated for Audience Choice Award

“Looking at Ambler," a documentary that was created in a Germantown Academy Digital Media class during the 2018-2019 school year placed in the top three of the Documentary Category in the 2020 Film Now Festival, a regional high school film festival sponsored by The Ambler Theater.

GA Students Ace AMC Exams

Every year, a number of Germantown Academy students take the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 Exam or the AMC 12 Exam.

Coronavirus Resources

Germantown Academy created this page to be a resource to the GA Community during this difficult time.

Bravo, Middle School!

The Middle School's production of "Freaky Friday" was truly a highlight of the winter thus far.

Club Wednesday: The Edition

Every Wednesday, Germantown Academy's marketing and communications team spotlights one of the many clubs on campus that make GA so extremely special.

GA Community Gives Others a Happy Thanksgiving

The annual CSO Thanksgiving Food Drive was a complete success! Members of the Our Lady of Hope Church and the Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard were the recipients of the donations.

Mission Award Spotlight: Eugene Golson '76, P'06

An educator and administrator for the School District of Philadelphia for 38 years, Gene Golson (pictured far right) brought about an unwavering commitment to excellence from both his students and his staff.

Mission Award Spotlight: Karla Ballard Williams '90

Leaving a successful career in the banking industry, Karla Ballard Williams '90 took a leap of faith and began service work by starting a chapter of the Urban League, an organization aimed at empowering people of color to achieve economic self-reliance, equality, power, and civil rights.

2019 Prize Day

The Upper School student body gathered for one final assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium on Friday, June 7, 2019 for the annual Prize Day ceremony.

GA Shines in the Pennsylvania Math League

Upper School Mathematics Department Chair Jason Straub 1760 recently announced the top GA scorers in the Pennsylvania Math League during the 2018-19 school year.

7th Grade Career Day A Huge Success

The Class of 2024 had the unique opportunity to hear from a number of professionals during 7th Grade Career Day on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Track & Field: Patriots Ready for Penn Relays

Just a few days stand between the student athletes of Germantown Academy and the first day of The Penn Relays on April 25. With four relay teams and five individuals competing, the Patriots will be in nine total events, up from the seven they were in just a year ago.

Diane Goldstein 1760 Honored

On February 15, Head of School Rich Schellhas announced that the newly established Chair for Excellence in the Teaching of Science would be named the Diane Goldstein 1760 Chair for Excellence in the Teaching of Science in honor of Upper School Science Teacher Diane Goldstein 1760.

GA Robotics Team Takes Second Place

On Saturday, Feb 2, 2019, the GA VEX Robotics team came in second place at the VEX Firebird VRC Winter Competition, which featured 22 teams.

GA-PC DAY Roundup

Thank you GA alumni, students, parents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for coming out and supporting the Patriots on GA-PC Day!

Goldstein, Krouse Receive Honors at PAISAA Championships

Issy Goldstein '20 finished first overall at the 2018 Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association Girls Cross Country Championship. Head Coach Judy Krouse 1760 was named Girls Coach of the Year for the 2017 season.

Middle School Drama Department Presents...

The Middle School is proud to present Hoodie and ths phne 2.0: THE NEXT GENERATION on Friday, October 19 at 7pm and Saturday, October 20 at 2pm in the Honickman Auditorium.


Germantown Academy Unveils New Patriot Marks

Last March, Germantown Academy held a contest to create a new Patriot logo. The creative energy around the contest was palpable, and we received more than 150 entries from all parts of our community.

Summer Reading Day A Huge Success

To kick off the 2018-19 school year, the Upper School held its annual Summer Reading Day where students and teachers spent the entire day discussing the book their group read and participating in related activities.

GA Kicks Off 259th School Year

Germantown Academy, the oldest, non-sectarian, continuously run, independent day school in America, kicked off its 259th school year on September 12 with its annual Flag Raising ceremony.

Early Cum Laude Inductees Announced

On Friday, September 7, Germantown Academy Director of College Counseling Karen Mason announced the fall inductees of GA's Chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

GA China Trip 2018

Fifteen GA students, along with two teachers, traveled to China from June 12-June 23 where they had a chance to practice their Chinese language skills and learn more about the country.

Q and A with Mandy '09 and Gordon '11 Freas

The talented brother and sister duo of Gordon '11 and Mandy '09 Freas, who make up the team at Clementine Pictures, were named to Sony's list of the "Top 10 Emerging Filmmakers of 2018" and were also the grand prize winners of Sony PlayStation's "Emerging Filmmakers Program" in which they sold their concept for Hyperreal.

Alumni Spotlight: Danika Gottbrecht '13 Receives Fulbright Award

Germantown Academy alumna Danika Gottbrecht '13, who graduated from Guilford College this past spring, has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Germany from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Class of 2018 Graduates from Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy honored, celebrated and welcomed the remarkable Class of 2018 into the school's illustrious alumni body during commencement on Friday, June 8, 2018 in a beautiful ceremony held on Connor Quad.

Class of 2022 Remembered at Middle School Final Assembly

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Germantown Academy's Middle School held its Final Assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium, where faculty and staff honored a number of students for excellence in academics, character, and service.

Class of 2019 McNeil Patriot Scholars Announced

Danny Ritz '19, Kristine Wang '19, Priya Padhye '19, and Derek Walkush '19 were each awarded the McNeil Patriot Scholarship Award at the annual Prize Day ceremony in the Arts Center Auditorium on June 1, 2018.


2018 Prize Day

The Upper School student body gathered for one final assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium on Friday, June 1, 2018 for the annual Prize Day ceremony, a GA tradition to acknowledge the many accomplishments of dozens of deserving students.

Mackenzie Pluck '18 Honored by Triangle Club

On Thursday, May 10, senior student-athlete Mackenzie Pluck '18 was the recipient of a fifth-place award and a $500 scholarship prize at the Triangle Club of Montgomery County's 55th annual William F. Dannehower Banquet at Presidential Caterers in East Norriton for her outstanding accomplishments in athletics, academics, and community service.


College Bound!

GA's College Counseling Team presents the matriculations for the Class of 2018.


PAISAA CHAMPIONS!

For the first time in GA history, the Patriots' boys track and field team finished first overall at the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association Championship.


GA Music Teacher Honored

Hayley Varhol, GA's low brass specialist, has received the honor of being selected to conduct at the National Lesbian and Gay Band Association Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Inter-Ac League Champs!

Germantown Academy boys track and field team captured the 2018 Inter-Ac League title on Saturday!

Belfry Club Receives 11 Cappie Nominations

Germantown Academy's Belfry Club has received a whopping 11 nominations for its amazing production of Spring Awakening! Congratulations to Director K. Richardson, her amazing staff, and the entire cast and crew. See nominations below:

Marcia Wexler Announces Retirement

After 27 years, Upper School math teacher and extracurricular superstar Marcia Wexler plans to hang up her graphing calculator to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Art for Community Club Creates Kindness Rocks

The Middle School Art for Community Club has been hard at work with their own Kindness Rocks Project, painting river rocks with messages of kindness, hope, acceptance and inclusion as well as hilarious puns and witty humor.

Upper School Honors Modern Language Students

Germantown Academy hosted the 17th Annual Modern Language Honorary Society Dinner and Induction Ceremony on April 11. Eighteen students were inducted into their respective language's honor society by the faculty, who spoke almost entirely in the language of induction.

Beauty of Murals brought to GA's Middle School

Jane Golden, well-known director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, visited an art class and then gave a morning presentation for the entire Middle School as Germantown Academy's special guest this winter.

Faculty Spotlight: John Hyland

The Upper School English teacher recently had a lengthy article about Edward Kamau Brathwaite's poems published in the South Atlantic Review.

Alumni Spotlight: Brian Grimes '05

Brian Grimes '05 is making headlines these days for his positive impact on the city of Philadelphia through his start-up company, Bloyd Street Capital.

GA Honors Mu Alpha Theta Inductees

Germantown Academy is proud to recognize 12 seniors who were inducted in the GA chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the national mathematics honor society, during a special luncheon on Wednesday, March 8.

Tina Rodowicz Announces Retirement

Multi-tasker extraordinaire Tina Rodowicz will leave her noise-filled, kid-filled, light-filled Korman Family Pavilion behind when she retires to the lake this summer.

AP French Goes on a Field Trip

As part of the AP French Language and Culture curriculum, students traveled to the Barnes Foundation to see the artwork they have been studying up close.

Students Have Fun With Design Thinking

Germantown Academy hosted an all-school design day on February 20 in which students in each division went through the design thinking process to find solutions for different needs statements.

GA Sophomore Honored by Area College

Sophomore Luke Abraham '20 is quite the filmmaker and editor. His video effects reel was recently selected for the Montgomery County Community College High School Art Exhibition and Competition.

Anika Walker-Johnson Named Director of Equity and Inclusion

Germantown Academy Head of School Rich Schellhas has announced the appointment of Anika Walker-Johnson as the school's first Director of Equity and Inclusion. Walker-Johnson, who comes to GA from Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass., will begin her tenure in July 2018.

Alumni Spotlight: Larry Gregory '68

Larry Gregory '68, the first African-American graduate in GA's history, was the featured speaker at the 2018 Black History Month Celebration.

Connie Williams Announces Retirement

Connie Williams, fourth grade lead teacher, intuitively understands students, all students, perhaps especially the students who open cautiously, who seem, at first, to open not at all. "Maybe his little heart isn't getting the support it needs," Connie says and finds a way to tend that little heart with compassion and a healthy dose of laughter.

Sculpture Students Win 17 Awards

Germantown Academy's Upper School Visual Arts Department announced that a whopping 17 Scholastic Art Awards have been awarded to Upper School sculpture students.

Faculty Spotlight: Barry McCommon

Barry McCommon, a private music lesson instructor here at Germantown Academy, joined the "family business" at age nine when he started to play the trombone.


Alumni Spotlight: Emma Hearn '14

Germantown Academy alumna Emma Hearn '14 returned to campus on January 10 where she performed for both Middle and Upper School students. Hearn, a senior Musical Theatre major at Texas State University, who most recently played Cassie in Chorus Line, also talked about her journey here at GA, going from a Middle School thespian to a Belfry Club superstar.


Alumni Spotlight: Josh Fried '06

We recently caught up with Germantown Academy graduate Josh Fried '06, who was Zac Efron's stunt double in the hit film The Greatest Showman.

Independent in Thought

Germantown Academy's Middle School hosted the annual 8th Grade Science Research Open House and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 18.

Joy & Giving

Germantown Academy's three divisions, along with faculty and staff, came together on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 for the annual Community Service Organization Holiday Program, which took place in the Field House this year and also featured some new elements to the program, including special musical performances and an all-faculty sled race.


7th Graders Try to Beat the Clock in Lead Lab

'Lead Lab' is a required seventh grade course that meets once a rotation throughout the year. The foundation of this course is GA's set of seven fundamental leadership skills: Communicating and listening; Solving problems and thinking critically; Seeing and respecting others' perspectives; Taking initiative; Setting goals; Following through; and Learning from mistakes/overcoming adversity.

Collaborative In Action

Six Germantown Academy students and four faculty members traveled to Anaheim, California to participate in the 30th annual National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color and Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

Faculty Spotlight: Nicholas Wynia

Upper School Photography Teacher Nicholas Wynia has been all over the world documenting individuals, issues, and causes. His work is currently on display in the Arts Center Gallery.

Belfry Club Shines in A Man for All Seasons

The award-winning Belfry Club, the oldest continuously operated high-school drama club in the country, took on A Man for All Seasons back in November.An ambitious play to say the least, the Belfry Club was up to the task.

Learn Tai Chi in 2018

Germantown Academy is happy to announce we will be running Tai Chi classes on Saturday mornings in 2018 as part of our Chinese Programs!

Alumni Spotlight: Will Newton '07

Germantown Academy alum Will Newton '07 is changing the timeless barbershop industry with Shortcut, his red-hot app which he co-founded back in 2014.

Lauren Vanin Leads GA's Young Innovators

Lauren Vanin credits her leadership of the most recent Lower School Design Day to her professional development opportunity given by Stanford University's d.school.

Honoring Our Own on Veterans Day

Germantown Academy's Community Service Organization honored GA alumni who have served in the military on Veteran's Day and also honored current teacher Jeff Preston.

Confident In Expression

Middle School thespians took on William Shakespeare this fall and did a phenomenal job of performing his classic play A Midsummer Night's Dream on October 20 and 21 in the Honickman Auditorium.


Al Hagdorn Announces Retirement

For over twenty-three years, valued member of the GA maintenance team, Al Hagdorn has traveled the entire school, hanging the paintings and pictures that grace the walls of our administrative offices, classrooms in all three divisions, and especially the Child Care Center, home to our youngest Patriots. Need another gate strategically placed? Call Al. The gate will be straight. Find yourself sitting in an unexpectedly dimming classroom? Call Al. Lights will be lit.

Faculty Spotlight: Paul Moffitt

Technical Theatre Director and Production Manager Paul Moffitt's homemade boats are featured in a new exhibit entitled "Messabout" in the Arts Center Gallery.

Tyler Dolan '18 named a National Merit Semifinalist

Germantown Academy Head of Upper School Chris Nelson announced on Friday, September 15 that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) named Tyler Dolan '18 a National Semifinalist in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.


Early Cum Laude Inductees Announced

Germantown Academy Head of Upper School Chris Nelson announced the early inductees of GA's Chapter of the Cum Laude Society at Morning Meeting on Friday, September 15.

RED, BLACK, BLUE, & GOLD!

Several Germantown Academy Patriots played key roles in helping Team USA win the gold medal in Junior Girls Lacrosse at the 2017 Maccabiah Games.

Class of 2017 Graduates from Germantown Academy

Germantown Academy honored, celebrated and welcomed the remarkable Class of 2017 into the school's illustrious alumni body during commencement on Friday, June 9, 2017 in a beautiful ceremony held on Connor Quad.

Class of 2024 is Moving Across the Quad!

Germantown Academy celebrated the end of school for fourth and fifth Grade students at the annual final assembly in the Arts Center. Music, speeches, and awards highlighted the morning's event, along with a final farewell to the Class of 2024, who will be heading to Middle School in the fall.

Patriot In the Pros: Dan Lovitz '10

Patriots in the Pros is a new segment in which we check in on former student-athletes that played at Germantown Academy and then went on to play at the professional level. We see how playing at GA helped them in their careers, what they enjoyed most about playing at GA, and what life is like in the pros.

There were smiles all around as Germantown Academy's Lower School students, faculty, parents, and grandparents enjoyed a lovely morning for the 2017 Lower School Field Day.

After a spirited (and hot!) Middle School Greek Day competition, only 8 points separated teams Persia, Sparta, and Athens, but it was PERSIA who emerged victorious! Congratulations to all of the students, faculty, and staff who made this a spectacular day!

Germantown Academy’s faculty and staff celebrated the 25th “GA anniversary” of Lower School Spanish Teacher Marisa McAuliffe, Fifth Grade Teacher Graham Martin, Assistant to the Director of College Counseling Ginny Allenson, and Maintenance Supervisor Charlie Landgrebe 1760 during a special ceremony in the Honickman Auditorium.

At the Greater Philadelphia SeaPerch Challenge, the GA SeaRaptor Team was named the Overall Winner and qualified for the National SeaPerch Challenge in Atlanta.

On Saturday, April 29, Matt Rominger, who is GA's Assistant Director of Admission – Lower School, organized a Germantown Academy team of volunteers to help with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s 47th annual creek clean-up.

Congratulations to Brendan Carr '17 on being nominated for a Greater Philadelphia Area Cappie for the category Comic Actor in a Musical for his role as Dusty in The Burnt Part Boys

Science Researchers Win $808,000 in Scholarship Money

At the 2017 Delaware Valley Science Fair, 12 Germantown Academy Upper School students earned first, second, third place, or honorable mention awards, or special awards, including $875 in cash and $808,000 in scholarship money to local universities.

Germantown Academy graduates and current Wake Forest University Michael Hanamirian '13 and Kaela Griswold '15 danced in memory of Chris Nunes '14, Bobby Taggart '16, and Peter McVeigh 1760 at the 12th annual Wake 'N Shake, a dance marathon that benefits the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Both also had key leadership roles in planning the student-led event.

On April 1, the Academy Scholars, accompanied by the programs directors, Sue Negro and Mark Stephens, attended an inspiring TEDx presentation, Rise and Run, held at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Pennsylvania's campus.

Twenty-three Germantown Academy Middle School students visited The Haverford School to participate in the 2017 Middle School Diversity Conference, which brought together over 400 students from four different states.

Calder-Inspired Circus Sculptures

Kindergarten students used many objects in the Lower School art room to create their own circus after reading Sandy's Circus by Tayna Lee Stone.

Kindergarten students used many objects in the Lower School art room to create their own circus after reading Sandy's Circus by Tayna Lee Stone.

We are blessed that Ted Haynie's approach to family, faith, and work has quietly and steadfastly shaped the life of our school over the past thirty-five years.

Science Research: GA Seniors Win First Place Grade Award

At the Montgomery County Science Research Competition, science researchers from the Class of 2017 earned the most total points for 12th grade projects. Overall, of the 28 GA students that competed,18 earned first, second, or third place awards and qualified for the Delaware Valley Science Fair.

The award-winning Belfry Club took on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in its latest production.

Germantown Academy's fourth grade STEAM program was featured in the February edition of Suburban Life Magazine.

The Class of 2024 participated in an Inventions Convention created by Lower School science teacher Craig Newberger 1760 to help show their knowledge of simple machines.

Six Germantown Academy seniors have been named finalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Lower School Green Ambassadors

The Lower School Green Ambassadors club meets monthly. Their projects range from planting to harvesting, from composting to wintering over the garden.

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