2020-21
Germantown Academy
college profile
Caroline Colen ’20 Elon University
Alex Yan ’20 Purdue University
Garrett Comrie ’20 New England Conservatory of Music
college profile Rich Schellhas 1760 Head of School
Dr. Molly MacKean
Head of Upper School
Laura Martin
Director of Admission, Enrollment and Financial Aid 267-405-7284 laura.martin@germantownacademy.org
Karen A. Mason
Director of College Counseling 267-405-7268 karen.mason@germantownacademy.org
School Mission
Germantown Academy inspires students to be... Independent in Thought Confident in Expression Compassionate in Spirit Collaborative in Action Honorable in Deed
Enrollment
Upper School Enrollment Grades 9-12: 563 Total number of students PreK-12: 1,179 Class of 2021: 133 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Germantown Academy requires students to carry at least 5 credits in Grades 10-12 and 6 credits in Grade 9 (5.5 if the half credit is a performing arts course).
All courses are college preparatory; courses meet six out of seven days per rotation.
Minimum graduation requirements include 20.25 credits as delineated below plus 5 semesters of Physical Education: English: Science: History: Math: Language: Arts: Health: Electives:
4.25 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 1 Credit .5 Credits 2.5 Credits
Other non-academic graduation requirements include a Senior Project, two significant extracurricular activities per year, and 45 hours of service-related activity either on or off campus.
Curriculum Founded in 1759, Germantown Academy is a PreK through 12th grade nonsectarian co-educational independent day school located in Fort Washington, PA. 340 Morris Road Fort Washington, PA 19034-0287 www.germantownacademy.net/admission 267-405-7070
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college profile
Germantown Academy emphasizes 21st century skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, experiental learning, and leadership training. (H) Honors
(AP) Advanced Placement
COURSE OFFERINGS
ENGLISH Grade 9: English 9 Grade 10: English 10 Grades 11 and 12: Personal Essay Writing, Advanced English, Semester Seminar Choices including African Literature, Fiction Writing, Feminism, and Graphic Novels, among others.
SCIENCE Physics; Physics 1; Physics (H); Physics 1 (AP); Physics C (AP) Chemistry, Chemistry 1; Chemistry (H); Organic Chemistry (H); Chemistry (AP) Biology; Biology 1; Biology (H); Marine Biology Anatomy & Physiology Computer Science, Computer Science (AP) Engineering (H) Environmental Science, Environmental Science (AP) Independent Science Research Positive Psychology; Psychology (H) Robotics
HISTORY World History 1; World History 2; Advanced World History Modern America US History (Advanced) Economics (H) Electives (H) including Women in American History, Philosophies of Justice, America’s Civil War, From Africa to America, The World Since 9/11, among others. MATH Algebra 1; Algebra B; Algebra 2 (H); Algebra 3/Trigonometry Geometry (H) Pre-Calculus (H) Calculus Calculus AB (AP) Calculus BC (AP) Statistics (H, AP) Chess
CLASSICAL AND MODERN LANGUAGES Accelerated and Honors options also offered Latin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Chinese 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 French 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 French Language and Culture (AP) Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Spanish Literature and Culture (AP) Advanced Beginning German
ARTS Singing Patriots; Singing Patriots Select (H) String Orchestra; Honors Strings (H) Symphonic Band; Honors Band (H) Beginning Guitar; Advanced Guitar Advanced Music Theory (H) Fundamentals of Acting Advanced Acting (H) Audition and Performance (H) Improvisation Music Theatre Foundations of Technical Theatre Advanced Technical Theatre Production (H) Theatrical Design 2D Foundations 3D Foundations Digital Media Foundations Digital Songwriting and Audio Production (H and Regular) Photography Foundations Junior and Senior Honors courses in Sculpture and 3 Design, Painting and Drawing, Digital Media, and Photography HEALTH Physical Education Lessons in Wellness Lifesaving
professional ranks. At the same time, we encourage all of our students to take part in athletics to build skills, pursue fitness, experience the thrill of competition, and enjoy the unique satisfaction of being part of a GA team.
Team options in Upper School include baseball, basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, squash, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
Grading System
Germantown Academy includes all courses in which homework and outside work are required in its calculation of students’ weighted grade point averages.
A+ (4.33)
A (4.0)
A- (3.67)
C+ (2.33)
C (2.0)
C- (1.67)
B+ (3.33) D (1.0)
B (3.0)
D- (0.67)
Because of our selective admissions process and small size, Germantown Academy does not rank its students or select a Valedictorian. The Cum Laude Society recognizes up to ten percent of seniors for academic excellence at the beginning of their senior year based on GPA calculation, rigor of curriculum, and a faculty selection committee, and another ten percent of the class in the spring. CLASS RANK
Sasha Capers ’20 University of Pennsylvania
B- (2.67) F (0.0)
GRADE WEIGHTING
Athletics
Germantown Academy’s athletics program has a long and distinguished history of record-breaking performances, league championships, and nationally recognized teams in a wide range of sports. Studentathletes have gone on to play and coach at the college level and participate in the
76
%
All Honors and Advanced Placement courses receive 1 GPA point of weighting. High Honors distinction requires 4 major course grades in the A range and all grades of B or better while Honors distinction requires 3 major course grades of B+ or above and all grades of B or better. Honors and High Honors are calculated for the first semester and final grade (including exams).
of the Upper School faculty have graduate degrees
84
%
of Upper School students play at least one sport 2020-21
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The Importance of Fit
By Karen Mason, Director of College Counseling
At Germantown Academy, we believe that educating the “whole” student is the best preparation for college and for life. Each academic challenge, intellectual risk, new extracurricular undertaking, or commitment to lead stretches students and develops rich layers to their personalities. When students have made the most of their time at GA, they can then, in turn, present their “best selves” to colleges.
Finding the “right” college no longer becomes the culmination of the high school experience if it is part of the journey through high school itself. This experience should be just one dimension of that educational journey; it is not a final destination. The college search stretches students to reflect on themselves (to identify colleges that may be good matches and to write essays that capture their essence), to test their developing decision-making skills (to decide on where to visit, where to apply, and eventually where to attend), to navigate the research tools of the college search process, and, ultimately, to envision a new milieu where they will be able to continue to grow academically, socially, and personally.
Too often today, both students and parents focus only on the end — college as the destination. At GA, we challenge students to view the college search as an educational voyage inward that will eventually lead them to a campus community where they can continue that journey. Suddenly, the college search no longer becomes about “the name,” “the bumper sticker,” or the “sweatshirt,” but about a process that will lead students to a place that will nurture who they are and who they want to become.
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college profile
Standardized Testing, Class of 2020 SAT SCORES
118 Students
Middle 50% Evidence-Based Reading & Writing...........................600 – 710 Middle 50% Mathematics .............................................................590 – 730 ACT COMPOSITE SCORES
54 Students
Middle 50% .................................................................................23 – 32 72 Students
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCORES
94
%
of the Class of 2020 completed 266 AP exams (during 2018, 2019, and 2020) and scored a 3 or higher
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RECOGNITION
Commended Students..................................................................11 Finalists..........................................................................................6
GA College Counseling focuses on finding the right fit for each student. In tracking the educational paths of the 123 graduates of the Class of 2013 through the National Student Clearinghouse and the graduates, College Counseling has identified the college outcomes for 89% of the class.
85
%
4-year College Graduation Rate (Class of 2013) National Average: 42% (NCES, 2020)
89
%
100
%
graduated from college in 6 years
graduated from their college of original matriculation
Experiential Learning Opportunities Minimesters Minimesters are enrichment courses which provide students an opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary, innovative learning. These hands-on, student-directed electives are “assessment free” to allow risk-free learning with cutting-edge curriculum. Examples include Entrepreneurship, Archival Studies, and Programming.
Science Research Fox Chase Cancer Center and local research universities host GA students interested in conducting sophisticated science research. Working alongside professional researchers after school and/or throughout the summer prepares students for competitions and to present their work at an annual school symposium.
Academy Scholars Program Students with a passion for scholarship, creative writing, visual or performing arts, or research have the option of engaging in a multiyear independent project that results in a substantial piece of original work submitted and presented to the Academy Scholars Committee.
International Programs Partnerships with schools in London, Beijing, Shanghai, Seville, Krakow, and Freiburg im Breisgau provide students and faculty with reciprocal cultural and educational exchange opportunities. In addition, GA provides curricular guidance and college counseling to Capital Normal University High School in Beijing.
GAXP The GA Experience Program provides learning opportunities in the form of educational trips. Students have canoed and camped in Maine, completed a musical tour of NYC, and visited the mural art of Philadelphia and created their own mural in the Upper School. Each year, students in 9-11th grades apply to be selected for these free trips to foster the GA Mission.
The Preserve and Nature Curriculum Committed to environmental education and stewardship, GA restored six acres around the Wissahickon Creek to wetlands and meadow and designed LEED-certified buildings with a green roof, courtyard gardens, and an apiary. Hands-on learning opportunities abound for students and visitors alike.
A Unique High School Culmination Project
The Senior Project, a 30-hour per week commitment during the month of May, is a requirement for graduation. Senior projects require students to independently design and live out their own multi-week experience based on an interest, passion, or curiosity and to share that experience with the GA community through an in-depth, compelling presentation. Students acquire a non-campus sponsor that is approved by faculty Senior Project Committee. Successful Senior Projects have taken place with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), finance companies in New York City hosted by GA alumni, national fashion chains, campaigns for political candidates, and food services.
2020-21
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Matriculations for Classes of 2016 – 2020
The 655 members of the Classes of 2016-2020 elected to attend 180 different colleges and universities. American University (3) Amherst College (2) Arcadia University (3) Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College Arizona State University (6) Auburn University Babson College Barnard College Bates College (2) Bentley University Bloomsburg University (3) Boston College (10) Boston University (3) Brown University (2) Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University (22) Cabrini University California University of Pennsylvania Catholic University Chapman University Clemson University (4) Coastal Carolina University Colby College (2) Colgate University (5) College of Charleston (2) College of the Holy Cross Columbia University (2) Connecticut College (2) Cornell University Dartmouth College (3) Davidson College DePauw University (2) Dickinson College (8) Drew University Drexel University (31) Duke University (7) Duquesne University Elon University (17) Emerson College Emory University (2) Fairfield University (2) Florida A&M University Fordham University (7) 6
college profile
Franklin and Marshall College (8) George Mason University George Washington University (15) Georgetown University (11) Georgia Tech (2) Gettysburg College (10) Goucher College Gwynedd Mercy University Hamilton College Hampshire College Harvard University (8) Haverford College (2) Hobart William Smith Colleges (6) Howard University (2) Indiana University (2) Ithaca College (4) James Madison University Johns Hopkins University King's College London La Salle University (4) Lafayette College (5) Lebanon Valley College Lehigh University (16) Lincoln University Loyola University Maryland (5) Lycoming College Marist College (2) Massachusetts College of Art and Design Mercer University Miami University-Oxford Michigan State University Middlebury College Monmouth University Montgomery County Community College Muhlenberg College (8) New York University (12) Northeastern University (9) Norwich University of the Arts Occidental College Pace University-New York (2) Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College Penn State University (46)
Pratt Institute Princeton University (2) Providence College Purdue University (6) Queen's University Randolph-Macon College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Roanoke College (2) Rochester Institute of Technology Saint Francis University (2) Saint Joseph's University (3) Salisbury University (3) Salve Regina University Sewanee-The University of the South Skidmore College Southern Methodist University (2) Spelman College St. Lawrence University St. John's University Stanford University (2) Stetson University (2) Stevens Institute of Technology Swarthmore College Syracuse University (11) Temple University (12) Texas A & M University Texas Christian University (2) The College of New Jersey The Juilliard School The New England Conservatory of Music The New School The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of Edinburgh The University of Tennessee (2) The University of Texas (2) The University of the Arts (2) Towson University (3) Trinity College (2) Tufts University (12) Tulane University (6) Union College
United States Military Academy (2) University of California-San Diego University of California-Berkeley (2) University of California-Los Angeles University of California-Santa Cruz University of Chicago (6) University of Cincinnati University of Colorado (2) University of Delaware (9) University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia (2) University of Maryland (2) University of Massachusetts University of Miami (3) University of Michigan (9) University of New Hampshire University of Pennsylvania (30)
Villanova University (10) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (6) Wagner College Wake Forest University (5) Washington and Lee University (2) Washington College (3) Washington University in St. Louis Waynesburg University Wesleyan University (2) West Chester University (5) Westminster College Widener University William and Mary (2) Williams College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University Yale University
University of Pittsburgh-Bradford University of Pittsburgh (15) University of Rhode Island (3) University of Richmond (6) University of Rochester (2) University of South Carolina (7) University of Southern California (4) University of St Andrews University of Tampa University of the Sciences University of Utah University of Vermont (4) University of Virginia University of Washington (2) University of Wisconsin-Madison (2) Ursinus College (7) Vanderbilt University (3) Vassar College (2)
NORTHEAST
8
%
6
%
PA
MIDWEST
WEST
100
%
of GA students who want to attend a 4-year college have received admission
43 % 21
TO MARYLAND
20 SOUTH
%
%
2
%
International or Gap Year
Germantown Academy is accredited by The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. GA holds memberships in NAIS, the College Board, ACCIS, NACAC, and PACAC, and complies with the NACAC “Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.� 2020-21
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GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
340 Morris Road Fort Washington, PA 19034-0287 www.germantownacademy.net/admission 267-405-7070
Emma Atkinson ’20 Virginia Tech University
Matthew Sandifer ’20 Johns Hopkins University
Tiffany Zhong ’20 Columbia University