Program Highlights and Notes
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Overload/Sixth Major
Directed Independent Study
Taking five major classes in a given school year fulfills our challenging standard requirement for major coursework. Taking more than five major courses is considered an “overload”; students considering a sixth course should keep in mind the additional work involved. Please note that the “overload” course cannot be a required course, and it is possible that an overload course cannot be scheduled. Any student who wishes to take six majors must receive approval from the Upper School Director.
A “DIS” is an independent major or minor course requested by a student that involves a teacher-student study partnership. Global Online Academy
A small consortium of independent schools that offers online course opportunities to GFS juniors and seniors. Sophomores may register with the approval of the Upper School Division Director. January Term
A month-long opportunity to explore new courses of study. Classes are innovative, hands-on offerings composed of mixedgrade groups of 9th, 10th and 12th graders. Courses are taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Junior Project
The required independent project all juniors undertake off-campus in the month of January of their junior year. Junior-Senior Seminars
Major elective courses offered each school year in innovative subjects that are often interdisciplinary in nature. These courses change year to year. REGISTRATION NOTES
Double Language in Ninth Grade
There are three options for students wishing to take two languages to advanced levels: Dropping Science in 9th grade and fulfilling the Science requirement in subsequent years. Adding a second language by carrying six majors as an academic overload (with permission from the Upper School Director—please see above). Requesting exemption from Comparative Cultures with permission from the Upper School Division Director or Department Head and fulfilling the History requirement in subsequent years. Junior-Senior Seminars
Please indicate alternate choices when selecting a Junior-Senior Seminar.
Minor Classes
History Electives
Please rank your minor course selections as instructed at the time of course signup.
Juniors and seniors electing semesterlong courses must make selections for both semesters and rank their preferences.
Athletics and Physical Education
For all three seasons, please select a sport or rank your PE elective choices during course sign up.
G E R M A N TOW N F R I E N DS.O R G
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