statement of philosophy

January Term enables our community to live the mission and values of our school and to explore new passions, interests, and interdisciplinary ways of learning about the world and ourselves. The January Term provides teachers and students a space for experimentation, investigation, and reflection.

At Germantown Friends School, we ground our educational practices in the Quaker notions of continuing revelation 1 and that there is that of God in everyone. In order to better live these ideals, the Upper School has modified its schedule to make room for teacher and student exploration. January Term enables both teachers and students to share and find their passions outside of our regularly-offered curriculum.

Our yearlong classes will run from September through Decem ber and then from February through June. In January, stu dents will sign up to take 5-6 elective courses.

1 Ultimately, continuing revelation acknowledges that our understanding is always incomplete and this calls us to a life of ongoing discovery and discernment and the courage to be changed and act on our evolving understanding of ourselves and the world around us. http://www.abingtonfriends.net/Media_Library/cont_rev.pdf