GA is a PreK-12, coed, nonsectarian day school in Fort Washington, PA
Germantown Academy is excited to announce the creation of the Germantown Academy Sapling Center for Early Learning. Nestled on our 126-acre campus, this program is designed to serve infants through 3-year-olds. The Sapling Center will create a warm, nurturing, and engaging foundation for the development of young children. Our well-rounded curriculum will support the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of each child and will value a strong partnership with families.
The Sapling Center includes an Infant and Toddler Program for infants and 1-year olds, which will primarily serve GA employees and families. When space is available, we will extend that availability to other interested families. We are currently constructing a new four-classroom building to serve the Sapling Preschool Program for 2- and 3-year-olds, which will be adjacent to Germantown Academy’s Abramson Lower School. The Preschool Program building will feature a community room, lending library, and classrooms with direct access to its own outdoor play courtyard. The Sapling Center will use the Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) curriculum, supplemented by the Highscope Preschool Curriculum for the 3-year old program.
The Sapling Center will welcome its first classes in September 2026. Enrollment will take place in January 2026 using our priority group enrollment timelines. Please see the Enrollment and Tuition page for more information.
The new Germantown Academy Sapling Center for Early Learning is scheduled to open in September 2026. Nestled on our 126-acre campus and adjacent to the Abramson Lower School, the Preschool building is designed to serve 2 and 3 year olds. Construction is to be complete by early summer and will feature a community room, lending library, and classrooms with direct access to its own outdoor play courtyard.
GA’s curious early learners have loved peeking in on the progress as the new Sapling Center grows from the ground up.
Outdoor play is essential for young learners because it supports their physical health, cognitive growth, social skills, and emotional well-being. The new Sapling Center Preschool Playground will give children space to move, explore, and learn in a safe outdoor setting.
Students use the opportunity to explore Germantown Academy's 126 acres during the school day, which includes a six-acre nature preserve and the amazing Class of 1990 Dock where frogs, turtles, and minnows are sure to pop up.
Young students have the unique opportunity to participate in signature Germantown Academy experiences. In this scenario, students watched as mural artist Daniel Lipschutz '09 and one of his assistants, Hannah Greenfield '25, brought a permanent work of art to life on a wall in the new Health & Wellness Center. Over the course of several weeks, students observed the sketching, painting, and careful detailing that transformed a blank surface into a vibrant reflection of their school community. Seeing the mural take shape in real time sparked their curiosity and creativity.
A visit from Upper School students is truly special. The opportunity to make connections between our youngest and oldest students right on campus reminds us how powerful cross-age learning and shared experiences can be.
Students regularly visit the Lower School's A to Z Library and Learning Commons where the librarian reads now-favorite stories and encourages participation.
There is no shortage of space to run and play at Germantown Academy. The school's multiple indoor spaces, including four gymnasiums and two all-purpose rooms, allow for students to spend time indoors when inclement weather hinders outdoor recreation.
Germantown Academy's access to the Wissahickon Creek and the Green Ribbon Trail gives students a unique opportunity to explore beautiful trails and the natural habitat.
The Sapling Center will benefit from several Germantown Academy resources, including access to beautiful campus spaces, our professional security team, and our talented Sapling Center teachers. Students will enjoy campus outdoor spaces such as the creek, woods, and nature preserve, as well as specialist programs, such as science, art, music, and world languages. Our security team is on campus 24 hours a day, year-round, providing a reassuring presence for the GA community by actively monitoring the walking lanes and parking areas on the Sapling Center property, ensuring that families, students, and staff feel safe and supported at all times.
New facilities for Sapling Preschool with four preschool classrooms
Renovations and updates to Sapling Infant and Toddler Center facilities
Intentionally designed outdoor learning spaces with direct access from classrooms
Preschool Community Room for indoor play and programming
Expanded parking for Sapling Center families
You will be asked to create an account. To complete an interest form for a second child, you will need to click this link a second time. This creates an individual account for each child. After completing this form, our Sapling Center team will be in touch with next steps.
Questions? Send a note to gasaplingcenter@germantownacademy.org.
