January Term enables our community to live the mission and core values of our school by exploring new passions, interests, and interdisciplinary ways of learning about the world and ourselves. Through a modified schedule and course offerings outside of the regular curriculum, January Term provides teachers and students a space for experimentation, investigation, and reflection.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND SCHEDULE
January Term consists of an alternating A-Day, B-Day schedule The day includes three 90-minute periods, homeroom, community time, and lunch. On their assigned A or B day, classes will meet for a single period (90 minutes), a double period (three hours), or all day. School arrival and dismissal times are consistent with other terms of the year.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The Adventurer's Guide
Discover, play, and learn about TTRPGs
Theo Wilson ‘28, Jasper Ling ‘28, Randy Mower & Eric Aurelien
Roll the dice and embark on a quest. Just pick the class and we'll do the rest. Join us as we delve into the magical world of tabletop roleplaying games. You will create characters and set out on wondrous adventures, exploring fantastical, apocalyptic, and strange new worlds You will learn about the history of tabletop roleplaying games and how they have grown to what they are today This course will test your strength, mana, and constitution, so don your armor, sharpen your pencil, and venture onward, but remember it's dangerous to go alone, take this! NAT 20!
African American Excellence
Lifting up the voices of excellence, past & present
Jeremy Turner '26, Aaron Preetam & André Lee '89
This course celebrates the continuous excellence of the African American community, both locally and nationally, across history and into the present day Students will explore contributions in fields such as art, literature, science, politics, business, athletics, and social justice, highlighting stories of innovation, resilience, and leadership that have shaped American society. A central component of the course will be the planning and facilitation of African American History Month programming in conjunction with other organizations in the school community. Through collaborative research and creative expression, students will take an active role in honoring and amplifying African American history and culture This mini-course blends historical inquiry with hands-on practice, empowering students to both learn about and contribute to the ongoing legacy of African American excellence
All Things Trivia
Design, practice and celebrate Trivia - and play!
Seth Kessler '28, Simon Rodgers '28, Chris Coyle & Nichole Rustin
Trivia is a great way to have fun while learning new things! In this course, we will work together in a supportive environment to expand our knowledge Students will play a variety of trivia and quiz games, expand their knowledge across different topics, develop their own trivia questions and games, and learn study strategies to apply to both trivia and regular classes. Students will not only develop their trivia prowess, but learn about question formatting and audience engagement. We will also consider how to make trivia accessible, varied, and fun for all! All are welcome join us!
Another World is Possible
Readings and ideas for a brighter future
Sam Thacker & Geo O'Donnell
Despair and doom scrolling can make one feel like all hope is lost, but there are many people imagining and working towards a better world A world that is sustainable and allows for the flourishing of all life In this course, we will learn about these people, read about their work and theories, and explore places in our neighborhood where it is being put into practice.
Anthropology
Explore what makes us human!
Madeline James
Are spirits real? Why do we give gifts? How do we construct and maintain social norms and relationships? And, how do people make meaning out of the world around them? In this class, we will seek to make the familiar strange by interrogating our ways of being in and perceiving the world We will observe social spaces, learn about ethnography, conduct interviews, and investigate a social or cultural phenomenon of your choosing From food to sports to illness, anthropologists study it all!
Bacteriology
Investigate bacteria through hands-on experiments
Vandita Sinha
Bacteria are everywhere on us, in us, and all around us What are these tiny organisms really doing, and how do they shape our world? In this hands-on J-Term course, we'll explore into the microscopic domain to uncover the hidden lives of bacteria. We'll investigate bacterial structure, collect bacterial samples from our surroundings and learn to identify them through gram staining. We'll test antibiotic resistance, perform bacterial transformation, and even make our own yogurt to see beneficial bacteria in action. By the end of the course, students will understand how these unseen organisms sustain ecosystems, influence health, and drive biotechnology
Bad Bunny 101
Dive into Bad Bunny’s global takeover
Rachel Bradburd & Chloe White-Johnson '26
Do you love el conejo malo? Confused by him? Curious to know more? Join us to learn more about Benito! In this course, we will discuss Bad Bunny as a musician and cultural phenomenon We will apply a critical lens to his contributions to popular music and his role and responsibility as a social icon We will also explore the history of Puerto Rico and his responsibility (or not) to be a political figure for the island as well as his global impact We will examine his lyrics and music videos and prepare for his upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Biology of the Senses
Test your senses; learn how you work
Mark Levenstien
This course will investigate how sensory input is received from the environment and how this information is processed and organized by the brain It will involve both classroom lectures and lab activities to support these concepts Videos related to class discussions will also be assigned There will be one weekly assignment to be done outside of class.
Blockbusters and Busts: The Miracle of Making Movies
Examine the miracle of making movies
Dan Taboada
Every movie is a miracle. From the first spark of an idea to the final cut on the screen, the journey of making a film is filled with risk, creativity, conflict, and collaboration This course explores the wonder of filmmaking by pairing five iconic films with their behind-the-scenes stories Each movie, whether a box-office triumph or a notorious flop, reveals the unpredictable alchemy of Hollywood where talent, chance, and sheer determination collide We will spend one session watching a film in full, and the following session diving into the “Making Of”: examining production challenges, creative breakthroughs, budget battles, directorial choices, technological innovations, and the accidents (both happy and disastrous) that shaped the final product Along the way, we'll consider what these stories tell us about art, commerce, and the human drive to create.
Bob Dylan on Film
Discover Dylan's music, life, and impact
Joe McGeary & Andy Snover
How does a musician end up winning a Nobel Prize and influencing a cultural movement? Bob Dylan is a singer, songwriter, and poet whose genius perhaps resides in his belief that " an artist has to be in a constant state of becoming" and that " once you figure that out, you'll sort of be alright " In this course, we will explore Dylan’s music and poetry through the media of film, music, and memoir Dylan’s performances before the camera will be our particular focus as we consider filmed concerts, documentaries, and dramatic films We will trace the arc of Dylan's life and work from his youth as an unwilling "voice of a generation" to his current status (sixty years later and counting) as a Nobel laureate, elder statesman, and chronicler of American music We'll listen to Dylan's songs, contemplating them as both poetry and cultural history, while also reading (together in class) selections from his memoir, Chronicles. Along the way, we will make creative and analytical projects inspired by and in response to Dylan’s work.
Double Block Course
Bookmaking
Make a book and fill its pages
Lilli Greene & Caryn Miller
Explore creativity and self-expression through bookmaking and storytelling! In this course, we will learn different book-making techniques and then fill one of our books with a story This story can be expressed in any way you choose, with words, as a comic, through pictures, collage, or any combination of these mediums
Botanical Watercolor and Nature Drawing
Observe nature, create illustrations, and discover the history of natural drawing
Caroline Santa & John Ceccatti
Science and art are intertwined in numerous ways, one of which is their connection to observation. Botanical illustrations can be used as a tool for scientific research, and they can be appreciated as standalone works of art. In this class, we will observe a variety of plants, animals, and other natural objects, and practice illustrating them with ink and watercolor This class can be approached from both a scientific and/or an artistic lens You're encouraged to be creative with your painting process or as pragmatic as you’d like to be We will be discussing basic color, composition, and watercolor techniques All experience levels are welcome (or no experience!)
Brainwashed: America's Obsession with Cults
Study cults and how they work
Jamie Tomczuk
What is a cult and what makes these groups so powerful? This course will seek to answer these questions and analyze how and why cults have risen in prominence at different points in US history. We will take a deep dive into 2-3 specific cults in the United States using documentaries and text as our primary sources. We will analyze how/why they grew in membership by considering contextual, socio-psychological, and individual factors. Students will craft their own definition of a cult and continue to add to, edit, and refine that definition as the course progresses
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Discover the world of Dracula
Joe McGeary
In this class we will dive into Bram Stoker’s Dracula a masterpiece of Gothic horror shaped by the fears and fascinations of its era We will explore how Stoker’s novel reflects Victorian anxieties about the modern world, and also how it draws from Irish roots Born in Dublin during the Great Famine, Stoker grew up surrounded by Celtic folklore: tales of changelings, vengeful spirits, and a thin veil between the living and the dead These stories left a lasting mark on his imagination and helped shape his imagining of the “undead” and the supernatural. We’ll also examine some folk tales Stoker might have known and experiment with creative writing inspired by these myths and ~9~
legends Together, we’ll discover why Dracula endures and continues to spellbind us in our own time Some reading is required, most of it together in class
Bridge: The Greatest Card Game in the History of the World
Learn to play the fun, sophisticated & challenging game
Matt Zipin & Ted Oxholm
There are card games and then there’s Bridge, the perfect blend of luck and skill It’s sophisticated but fun, serious but social, individual but played in teams. It is full of strategy but accessible to players who are just beginning. Your grandparents or even parents might play, so this would be a fun way to connect with them. It’s a great way to spend a weekend night (trust me on this one). We will learn how to play, play a bunch, and maybe even figure out how to have a tournament. Come join us!
Bringing in Lunar New Year
Make and create for GFS’ auspicious LNY tradition
Ivy Zhao & Rebekah So
In this enhanced course, you will learn how to organize school-wide events for special occasions, such as celebrations and assemblies You will also explore the traditions of Lunar New Year with opportunities to collaborate across school divisions, departments, and external organizations, taking initiative to create a meaningful impact As part of this course, we will produce our first Lunar New Year micro-movie within the GFS community We invite talented individuals interested in filmmaking or directing to join our team The entire process will be celebrated with two mini field trips, traditional brush painting workshop, and a New Year feast. We’re also seeking enthusiastic students and faculty to join us in forming GFS’ first-ever Lion Dance team and dive into this vibrant tradition!
Bucks and Budgets
Financial literacy for the 21st century
Matt Daniel & Aaron Preetam
In this course, students will be introduced to the core concepts of personal finance that they will most likely encounter in their adult lives Students will learn through active participation and group activities to: build household budgets, read credit card statements, calculate mortgage payments, understand different investment asset classes such as stocks and bonds, and many other useful financial topics A successful outcome is for students to develop an interest in further pursuing financial literacy so that they are well-prepared for financial independence
Celebration & Community Organizing
Build, Lead, Celebrate: J-Term Party Lab
Geo O'Donnell
Why do humans celebrate? How do we build community? With J-Term as our laboratory, we will explore building community through celebration, pop-up classes, and community art projects We will also learn about the rich history of communal joy and celebration that has been a part of human civilization since the beginning Whether you ’ re interested in leadership, community organizing, event planning, or J-Term this is the course for you!
Chamber Music
Perform chamber music
George Atanasiu
For students looking to explore music in a small group setting, this ensemble experience will be open to strings and piano, and provide opportunities for students to delve deeply into music in an intimate chamber setting
Performance opportunities will be explored as part of the experience
Coding Games: A Beginner's Guide
Learn to program text-based games
Mohammad Islam '26 & Avery Nortonsmith
Do you want to learn the basics of programming? Do you enjoy text-based games like Wordle, trivia, Scrabble, and choose-your-own-adventure stories? If so, this is the course for you! You'll learn the basics of programming in Python, build text-based games, and create your own independent projects Beginners are welcome!
Community Teaching Fellows
Tutor in local public school
Anne Ross
Enjoy working with elementary school children? Want to get to know one of our neighboring schools? Join this course to student-teach at Anna L. Lingelbach school in Germantown! GFS students will be placed with classroom teachers to support reading and math instruction or contribute to good play on the playground. Students will learn from the work of classroom teachers, mentor young students, and contribute to the educational and socio-emotional learning goals of the school We will travel to Lingelbach each day, using the transition time to consider the inequality of resources in the United States’ education system and reflect on our experiences
Have you ever wanted to compete in a reality TV show? Do you have a strategic mind? Well, we ' ve got you covered!
In this filmed 9-day course, you will have to outwit, outplay, and outlast your competitors in a season of a brand-new reality TV show Together, we will compete in challenges inspired by shows like Jeopardy and Project Runway, and explore the strategy behind series like Survivor and Big Brother. So racers, start your engines, expect the unexpected, and get ready for a season full of alliances, betrayals, and the thrill of victory!
Crafting
Make fabulous, usable artwork
Kayla Ashcroft & Kate Jones
Let's make crafts! Weave pot holders, embroider a pillow, macramé a plant holder, create a stained glass picture
This is an active class that is about using your hands and exercising your creativity There are many techniques and mediums to explore
The Current Supreme Court Term
Argue the current cases!
Ted Oxholm & Michael Rosenthal
This challenging course examines cases currently pending before the U S Supreme Court Students will gain an understanding of the court’s jurisdiction and procedures and will select several of the currently pending cases for in-depth examinations. This will involve reading the legal briefs, the oral argument transcripts, and the critical precedential cases. Students will be expected to master the complex law involved in their case largely through their own investigation; the law will not be taught to them. The culmination will be mock Supreme Court arguments in which all students will serve both as counsel (in their own case) and justices (in the other cases). All who are prepared to read complex and lengthy texts, enjoy precise logical thinking, and are academic self-starters are welcome
Double Block Course
Decoding AI
Explore the world of AI from algorithms to the real world
Aisha Bryant & Avery Nortonsmith
Transform from AI user to AI creator in this hands-on course, where you'll build real applications that solve problems you believe will positively impact your community Using Google Colab's free computing power, you'll run professional-grade AI models, master the art of prompt engineering with Flint K12, and design custom AI tutors
tailored to your learning style No prior coding experience required Explore the ethics of AI, think critically about bias and responsibility, and create a capstone project showcasing a way in which AI can positively impact you and your community By the end of this term, you'll have built tools you can actively use and share, and understand the AI technology shaping our world
Elevator Pitch and more...
Pitch promising solutions to real world problems
Priya Tewari-Grover '26 & Aaron Preetam
Students in this class will use design thinking to solve a persistent or recurring problem and be able to convey the solution to an investor in 30-60 seconds. Students will learn how to identify and monetize pain points and how to examine and evaluate business plans. Through practicing the art of the elevator pitch, students will learn to present their ideas concisely and respond to questions from potential investors
ELITE VINE PATROL!
Active ecology and environmental stewardship in Philadelphia
Sam Thacker & Jared Wood
In partnership with the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford (TTF) Watershed and other local ecological organizations, students will learn about and participate in conservation and stewardship efforts ranging from invasive plant identification and removal and park cleanup to tree blight research and treatment and ecological restoration Students will study general and local ecology and write about their experience in the field This is a hands-on class in which students will actively participate in local conservation efforts. It will largely take place in the field and students should dress for January weather and come prepared to work.
Engineering Design Challenges
Design, build, compete, debrief, next challenge
Bob Lynam & Tracey Spinka
In this class, we will learn by building There will be a variety of design challenges, and, for each challenge, you will be given some background for context as well as parameters that include design specs (maximum or minimum dimensions, weight restrictions, etc ), permitted materials, and how the product of the challenge will be tested and evaluated You will work in small groups to design and build your projects, then we will gather as a class to test them and indulge in light-hearted competition We will also do a “post mortem” debrief on the projects to see what lessons we can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of our various designs Accept the challenge! Double Block Course
Equestrian Studies
Learn about horses and horseback riding
Elena Quant
This is an introductory course on all things horse-related We'll start in the classroom by watching videos and learning about horses and horse care Students will have an opportunity to interview professionals in equine fields via zoom and hopefully visit a vet clinic for an in-person tour
We are partnering with a local stable for hands-on lessons with the horses. We will practice grooming and tacking, and everything that goes into horse care, including mucking! There may be an opportunity for a small service project while at the stables We hope to have a few introductory riding lessons to learn how to mount/dismount, walk, stop, and basic directions in the ring If you have never worked with horses, this is your chance to get up close and personal with these majestic animals!
Double Block Course
The Experiment Experience
Perform experiments for fun in the chem lab!
Pavan Mangalmurti '28 & Bob Lynam
During each class, we will conduct experiments or compete in activities relating to scientific concepts. When conducting experiments, we will break down the scientific concepts behind how and why these experiments work For some experiments, students will use what they learn to participate in competitions relating to the scientific phenomena of the experiment Students will conduct the experiments themselves and work in teams during competitions Experiments will include, but not be limited to, things such as conducting electricity with saltwater, extracting DNA, measuring the energy content of various foods and fuels, making a rocket powered by chemical fuel, making a chemical indicator from scratch and using it to measure pH, and designing and constructing a water filtration system
Exploring and Documenting Waterways from GFS to the Atlantic Ocean
Just off the road adventure hides
Mark Croxford & Michael Koehler
By van and by foot, this class explores waterways from Philadelphia to the Delaware Bay and on to the Atlantic Ocean We will learn about the structure of the waterways themselves as well as the attendant towns, ecosystems, culture, and history While returning to absolute gems we aspire to find new ones this includes the tidal marshes in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, the wetlands of South Jersey bordering the Delaware Bay, the lakes and creeks adjacent to the Delaware River, and often includes suggestions from students We may venture to a Quaker
settlement on the Rancocas Creek, a meetinghouse on the Cohansey River, or eat seafood at a diner on the edge of an expansive back bay!
All Day Course
Exploring the Eras: Taylor's Version
Exploring the life of a showgirl
Danielle Saranchak
Are you a lifelong Swiftie? Did the Eras Tour spark your interest in Taylor Swift? Do you like singing her songs and want to learn more? This course will take a deep dive into Taylor Swift’s musical career and societal impact
Throughout the course, we will apply a critical lens as we learn about her background and rise to fame, analyze song lyrics and "easter eggs " , and examine her impact on both the music industry and the world all within the context of the twelve eras of Taylor’s music career This course will involve a variety of learning activities including individual and group projects, discussions, watching videos, and being creative in a variety of ways
Extra! Extra!
Let's make a newspaper
Elise Meslow & Sona Wink
Do you have a nose for news? A gift for gossip? A penchant for publishing? You're in luck: in this course, we will create an entire newspaper from scratch. Students will learn to pitch articles, hunt for stories, conduct interviews, write news, and lay out a newspaper We will write news briefs, Q&As, features, reviews, advice columns, and satire; the artistically inclined will snap photos, compose cartoons, and draft illustrations No prior experience required Double Block Course
Fashion and Activism
The visual language of social justice movements
Beth Quinn & Charla Okewole
Fashion is often about self-expression, yes, but it can be about so much more it is a powerful form of communication that can evoke solidarity, division, peace, and protest, all without ever saying a word. While fashion trends come and go, the act of using dress as a form of communication is evidenced throughout history By analyzing both historical references and present-day Social Justice movements in the United States, we will discover what a powerful form of communication fashion really is This course will contextualize why specific clothing was used to communicate messages during key social justice movements throughout our history so that we can better understand how to use what we wear for movements in the future
From the Floor Up
Learn to break!
Alexander Guevarez
Recognized as an Olympic sport in 2024, breakdancing is the world’s first and most widely performed hip-hop dance in the past half-century This course will focus on its history and practice, exploring breaking and breaking-adjacent (capoeira, martial arts) forms as we learn the fundamentals of toprocking, footwork, freezes, spins, and a selection of power moves. Topics include the ABCs of breaking; the relationship between breaking’s aesthetic developments and other expressive forms (MCing, DJing, graffiti) within early hip-hop; crew formation; the rise of the “B-girl.” We will also view breaking as a global phenomenon across a range of media and venue, from the 1984 film classic Beat Street to the 1998 video game Bust a Groove, from the Silverback Open Championships to the Red Bull BC One The course will conclude with a dance battle between members of the class that attests to the skill, spirit, and originality of the artform
Greek Mythology: Game of Thrones Edition
Explore the power struggles of the Olympians
Julie Marren
Do you love stories of Greek Gods? The complex webs of shifting alliances? Their struggles for power and influence? In this class, we'll explore all of this, with the American Classical League's yearly exam on Greek mythology as our guide. This year, the theme is Game of Thrones Edition, so "winter is coming" to Mount Olympus! We'll do research, engage in storytelling, and create projects to share. Students will have a chance to learn deeply about a particular set of characters and then teach those stories to their classmates. Some key themes that our course will explore include: Issues of divine succession or divine legitimacy, the gods’ control over their territories and spheres of influence, attempts by the gods to manipulate or sabotage one another, and alliances and rivalries among the gods Students will have the opportunity to take the Medusa Mythology Exam contest in February
Hand Built Ceramic Vessels
Learn ceramic hand-building methods to create vessels
Megan Culp & Caroline Santa
Students will learn methods of coil and slab construction to design and create a variety of vessels, including cups, vases, bowls, and boxes, using traditional hand-building techniques The course emphasizes the relationship between form and function, encouraging students to consider how design choices impact both the aesthetic of the object and its practical use, while also exploring surface decoration techniques and proper finishing methods.
Human Nature, the State of Nature, and the Good Society
Explore modern moral & political philosophy
Sona Wink & Sam Thacker
Are human beings essentially selfish or selfless? How would we behave if societal rules suddenly vanished? Why do governments exist, and how ought they function? In this course, we will explore how three political philosophers Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau answer those questions; in doing so, students will probe their own beliefs about justice and human nature. We will engage in discussion, debate, and writing (creative and analytical) in order to flesh out the central argument of each text. Students will create a final project that places course texts in dialogue with one another. Potential projects include, but are not limited to: comic strip, monologue, short film, rock ballad, epic poem, interpretive dance (Note: All readings will be completed in class; this course has no homework )
The Inner Jukebox
Write personal essays and poetry inspired by music
Alex Levin & Adam Hotek
Our course is an opportunity to write personal essays, analytical essays, short stories, and poetry inspired by your favorite musicians and recordings Toni Morrison, Jack Kerouac, Langston Hughes, Haruki Murakami, Zadie Smith, and Nick Hornby have all drawn inspiration from their favorite music to fuel their writing What is the music that soothes and supports you? We will listen to some music together, and you will be invited to write while listening to music. Our course will culminate in a short zine of our collected writings and a playlist. This course is designed to elevate your voice and your love of music, no matter the genre.
Into the Dark Woods: German Fairytales and Folklore
Read and make art in response to German Fairytales
Charley Levin '26 & Alex Levin
This course delves into the dark, imaginative world of German fairy tales and folklore Students will read classic stories like Snow White, Cinderella, and Rumpelstiltskin, as well as lesser-known (and sometimes pleasingly gruesome) stories like Struwwelpeter and The Dreadful Story of Harriet and the Matches In addition to reading and revelling in these tales, we will also illustrate fairytales and try to write some of our own in the style of the classic stories We will read some of our stories to a lower school class and invite them to act in scenes from our tales Dare you venture into the dark woods?
Kids At Play
Exploring the Work of Children
Rob Goldberg & Maryanne Rawlings
How is play the “work” of children? How have psychologists and other researchers studied children, and what have they discovered? How does the world of children’s media and popular culture represent and impact children and their lives? How has play changed over the decades and centuries? These are some of our questions we will explore in this course as we (re)discover the power and wonder of children’s play together. Using the community and campus as resources and laboratories, students in this interdisciplinary course will explore the many worlds of children’s play in our society from teething age to teen-age. We will encounter theories of play, study the basics of child development, and trace the evolution of toys and playgrounds We will ramble in spaces around the city designed with kids in mind And we will spend time with Early Childhood classrooms on campus to join the youngest children at GFS in their everyday lives and learning Expect to do some short readings out of class and take at least one field trip off campus to an amazing (yet to be announced) site of play
Double Block Course
Ladies in the Band: Exploring Gender and Jazz
Develop plans for an imagined jazz festival
Nichole Rustin & Robin Friedman
Is there a history of women in jazz? If so, what is it?! This course will delve into the historical experiences of jazz women through oral histories, music, films, and more We will also examine the contemporary jazz scene to understand challenges that female and nonbinary performers continue to face and how they are changing the jazz scene Our collaborative project will be the development of plans for a multi-day jazz festival that addresses questions raised throughout the course
Laser Lab
Laser-cut designs on wood and acrylic
Sarah Zwerling & Avery Nortonsmith
Create jewelry, photo etchings, decorative objects, and three dimensional structures with wood and acrylic. Use hand-drawn images and software to produce intricate designs, cut shapes, and etch photographic and drawn images with a laser cutter. Learn to plan and assemble 3D objects out of 2D components. Come ready to sketch on paper, research designs for inspiration, and experiment with new technologies for imagemaking!
Lather Lab: The Chemistry of Soapmaking
Turn oils into bubbles using chemistry!
María Alvarez & Vandita Sinha
In this hands-on chemistry class, you'll explore how everyday ingredients transform into soap, lotion, and bath bombs through real chemical reactions We'll experiment with oils, fats, and lye to understand how saponification works, and why molecular structure matters in texture, scent, and cleansing power No previous chemistry knowledge is necessary, but all students must be prepared to be safe and professional in a chemistry lab setting. Come ready to mix, measure, and make things that smell incredible and teach you real chemistry.
Magic Camp
Learn and perform tricks of all kinds
Matt Zipin & Andy Snover
“Pick a card, any card” We've all heard this line, and we are familiar with the delight that follows Wouldn't it be fun to be the magician instead of the audience? Come join us in this class and learn a bunch of tricks that you can use to amaze and impress your family and friends We will have magicians perform for us to set the proverbial stage, and then we will dive in and learn our own tricks We will practice both the tricks and the patter and misdirection of a stage magician Our course will culminate with presentations of our new skills across the campus Next stop: Vegas!
Make A Wooden Bowl
Turn rough lumber into functional and decorative objects
Rachel Fuld, Andrew Westerhaus & John Ceccatti
In this class, you learn how to create a wooden bowl using the lathe, a machine in which work is rotated about a horizontal axis and shaped by you; no experience necessary. Because you will have time to make several bowls, one completed bowl will be donated to the Empty Bowl Dinner at Arcadia University. The bowls are incredibly well-received and are usually the first to be taken. The Empty Bowl Dinner raises money to alleviate food insecurity and homelessness To make your bowl, you will learn how to set up and adjust the lathe for each step of the turning process: shaping with the scraper, sanding the exterior with four different grits of sandpaper, hollowing out the interior with the scraper, sanding again, and finally finishing with either shellac or oil Expect to move around and get dusty
Make Up Your Own Language
Explore linguistics through constructed languages
Leo Cook '26 & Kayla Ashcroft
Are you fascinated by languages? Their irregularities and inefficiencies? Have you ever wondered what a perfect language would be like? In this class, students will work collaboratively to create their own alphabet and language. We'll learn about concepts in linguistics (syntax, phonetics, morphology, etc.) as general features of language and in ~19~
specific examples of languages around the world Students will use their created language in conversation and writing stories and poems within the classroom
Making an Album
Write and record original music
Caldwell Kirk '28 & Sam Sullivan
This January, Making an Album students will work together as a collective with the goal of writing, recording, producing, and releasing an EP (~3-4 original songs of material). Whether a student is classically trained, an ensemble member, a songwriter, etc... they should be excited and willing to try out a potentially embarrassing and new songwriting experience if they are interested in the course. We will participate in musical warm ups, songwriting activities, and eventually recording sessions. We hope students will leave the class with a robust skillset in terms of (especially musical) collaboration, and a wider range of music making abilities
Math Trails
Design and participate in Math Trails
Elena Quant & Danielle Saranchak
A Math Trail is an adventure out of the classroom to find and do math in the world around you! In this course, we will go off campus and write our own trail for three different locations Students will look for ways that concepts they’ve learned in math class show up in real life examples Back on campus, we'll write problems and compile them into one document Then we'll return to the locations to do the trail together!
Double Block Course
Me + Mine
Explore your ancestry and create a family story artifact
Andrew Malkasian & Caroline Santa
In his 2020 song Me + Mine, BJ Barham tells the story of his family’s enduring struggle with rural poverty He laments their hardships but places their experiences within a broader historical and political context to draw out a larger meaning The song is both deeply personal and representative of countless other family histories Therefore, in this class, we'll do the same with your own story. Using research methods that rely on census records, government documents, newspapers, and, of course, family lore, we will seek to contextualize your family’s history within a broader political and historical context. In the end, you will create a final product that reflects your story, whether in the form of a song, a painting, a documentary, or a traditional family tree. The hope is that by the end of the class, you'll leave with a meaningful portrait and a stronger sense of “ me and mine”
Double Block Course
The Mindful Art of Zentangle
Learn & practice Zentangle for mindfulness
Devra Ramsey
Zentangle is a form of mindful meditation through deliberate and systematic creation It is a wonderful and purposeful way to find a calm centering The course will be a time to explore and practice different patterns (tangles), and you will emerge with beautiful evidence of your detailed and focused time with pen, pencil, and paper
Mojo Dojo Casa House: Exploring Masculinity
Examine the patriarchy, imagine what's next Randy Mower, Maggie Sawyer & Eric Aurelien
The class is open to all gender identities! Are you "Kenough"? Portrayals of masculinity are everywhere. In this class we will explore gender via texts, videos, podcasts, and social media to dissect contemporary masculinity. During class students will work introspectively and have time to journal as well as work in small groups that will lead to full class discussions The goal of the class is for students to have more depth and breadth in what masculinity means in the modern world, and how they can be better equipped to navigate it
Net Games
Learn badminton, pickleball, volleyball, and table tennis.
Tom Myran & Tracey Spinka
Net Games is all about having fun while learning and playing some of the most exciting net sports! You’ll get to try out badminton, pickleball, table tennis, and volleyball while improving your skills and learning new strategies Whether you ' re a beginner or already experienced, this class is a chance to challenge yourself, play with friends, and enjoy fast-paced games together.
Never Be Board
Design and play board games
Jess Zeldes & Jillian Ma
Have you ever wondered what it takes to design and create your own board game? In this course, we will dive into the rich theory of game design, exploring what makes games fun, interesting, and memorable We will play iconic board games and ask what makes them stand out Then, we will use these insights to invent games of our own We'll go through a design process, brainstorming, prototyping and playtesting our games You'll learn how to use tools to manufacture pieces, design artwork, and develop a cohesive theme for your game At the end, we'll have a professionally printed board game to add to a growing GFS game library Double Block Course
Orbital Chemistry Crash Course
Sketch, sculpt, and model orbitals to understand chemistry!
Vinnie Rigoglioso
This class will teach you about the fundamentals of Organic Chemistry You will learn about molecular orbitals, stereoelectronic factors, and chemical reactivity over the course of a month! We will work with our peers to draw molecules, create 3D models of chemicals, and evaluate reaction mechanisms Organic chemistry is a beautiful topic and one of the core branches of chemistry. It is also a required course for a variety of STEAM college majors, and is vastly different from any other course you will ever take come take it at GFS as an introduction!
Parageography: The Craft of World Building
Design your own fictional world
Greta Ham & María Alvarez
Parageography explores the complexities of world building, including physical geography and environments, legal and political systems, religion, economies, biology and social identities of inhabitants (gender, class, etc ), technology level, history and its impacts Students will begin to create their own worlds, which may serve as the foundation for future writing, game design, or other creative endeavors Some light reading will be assigned as homework
Philosophers R Us
Explore philosophy through film, poetry, and aphorisms
Adam Hotek, Caleb Metelits '18 & Lucas Friedman-Spring '23
“Philosophizing with a hammer,” “A waiter at a restaurant who acts in ‘bad faith,’” “the culture industry,” “dialectic” “being in the world,” “the leap of faith,” “double consciousness,” The Cyborg Manifesto, “Plato’s Allegory of the Cave,” “Hyperreality,” “I think therefore I am. ” These concepts are a small sampling of what could be called a philosopher’s “tool chest.” In this class, we will reach into this chest and explore how these and other philosophic tools connect to our daily lives “Philosopher’s R Us” will examine how philosophy relates to forms of power that shape our lives, our interpersonal relationships, and our destinies and fates This examination will be facilitated by reading samples of philosophic works and aphorisms (and writing aphorisms), and by looking at the philosophic dimensions of poetry and film If you want to find out the meaning of your life, take this class
Picture Books: Explore & Adore
Read and revisit picture books
Behnaz Varamini & Devra Ramsey
We will look at picture books by author, subject, or theme with the goal of students developing an appreciation of this literary genre and the people who make the books come to be. Picture books often provide a learning opportunity for children: about the basics of numbers and language, about themselves and other people, and often ~22~
incorporate food Students will keep a journal of their experiences and thoughts throughout the course This class is for the young at heart, those who wish to read picture books, and students who are eager to create
Play, Pause, Proceed: Developing Mindset Through Team Sport
Learning leadership and life skills through team sport
Sam McIlvain
Using various ball-related games, with restrictions imposed to place specific demands on the players, the athletes will encounter challenges and then discover and discuss possible solutions for different or more successful outcomes. Each class will focus on one key concept (e.g. communication, adaptability, persistence, confidence, courage, goal-setting) and will follow a whole-part-whole methodology (restricted game with minimal instruction; journal writing/discussion about they experienced; return to restricted game(s), then progressing to free play). The athletes will be assessed on their participation, effort, and analytical and creative problem solving
Portraiture: Who Is Looking, Who Is Seen
Complete a portrait a day
Jared Wood & Lilli Greene
In this course, we will look at portraits ranging from Ethiopian icon paintings to the contemporary work of Al Baseer Holly Each day, you’ll complete a considered “portrait prompt,” with room to design your own prompts and approaches as the class develops Together, we'll investigate how the method of making, identity, and market all contribute to the meaning of a completed piece, how the way something is made, who makes it, and who it’s made for shape what it becomes. Our portraits will be drawings, collages, and paintings, emphasizing process and reflection. Through daily practice and discussion, we'll consider what it means to look at another person, to represent them, and to be represented ourselves. The goal is to expand both how we see and how we are seen through the act of making.
Double Block Course
Positive Psychology
Discover the science of well-being & resiliency
Rachel Hodas & Caroline Fosnot
In this course, we will explore Positive Psychology strategies that support our well-being and resiliency. We'll start by learning different theories and research about these topics and then try out different self-care practices that are based on science. In addition to reading some articles and listening to podcasts or videos, students will be asked to try these strategies on their own as homework By the end of the course, students will have a good understanding of what strategies work best for them and have a plan for making them part of their daily routine
Publication Design: Cookbooks, Lookbooks, Anthologies, and More!
Design and produce your own publication
Sarah Kappel
Do you have a collection of recipes, stories, poems, fashion inspiration, or photography and artwork to share? Try it in book format! In this hands-on course, you'll become both the designer and editor of your own printed publication Whether it’s a cookbook of family recipes, a lookbook of fashion inspiration, an anthology of short stories or poems, a mini art magazine, a music culture zine, or a coffee table book showcasing original photography, you'll learn how to plan layouts, choose fonts and colors, and use Adobe InDesign to bring your vision to life. By the end of the course, you’ll have a finished publication and the skills to keep creating more!
Punner's World: Constructing Crossword Puzzles
Construct a series of thematic crosswords
Nichole Rustin & Jared Lazorko
Students who love word puzzles and wordplay will research and construct a series of crossword puzzles that are thematic and increasingly difficult We will explore the history of crosswords, including looking at gender, race, and region
Reading Moby Dick
Read that thing that everyone says you should
Sam Sullivan & Robin Friedman
There are some works of art that don't lend themselves to a regular, middle-of-the-road, high-school context Some works that are so sprawling, strange, and disorienting that they dominate you. They refuse to confine themselves to your daily patterns. You board them as if they were a boat, and you yield all agency and authority to their sway. J-Term gives us the chance to embark on this mind-altering literary journey. The primary objective of our course is to read Moby Dick in its entirety no minor feat. But Melville’s novel lends itself to a variety of interpretive responses Scientists and ecologists will find themselves enrapt in his descriptions of the natural world Artists and filmmakers will no doubt find their fancies transfixed by his imagery Of course, many a writer, too, has been held captive by his influence Every student in the course will design their own artifact of engagement with the novel be it a science poster board on ambergris, a poem that recycles Melville’s language, a song, an artwork, etc Double Block Course
Rockestra
Learn, practice, and perform music
Sam McIlvain & Shawn Hennessey
Do you play guitar, keys, bass, percussion or drums? Or sax, trumpet, trombone, clarinet? Or violin, viola, cello? Or sing? Or all of the above? Have you ever wanted to be in a band that has thrown them all together? This ambitious class will do just that Think Philly Soul The Beatles Al Green Aimee Mann Chicago Earth, Wind and Fire Electric Light Orchestra. Silk Sonic. And more! Once we have established the direction from the members of the class (are we a tribute band? a cover band? Do we play hits from different genres from a specific year?), we will set down to learn the tunes and study the recordings, writing our own parts or copying note for note, as we decide. We will then perform a concert of the material we learn Who is up for a Friday night dance party at school?
Rube Goldberg and the Study of Simple Machines
Create a ridiculously over complicated machine
Mark Levenstien
American cartoonist Rube Goldberg was an accomplished artist, but he is most known for the creative and complex machine designs featured in his cartoon strips In this class, we will start small and work our way to constructing a large (and hopefully working) Rube Goldberg machine By first learning about simple machines and how they work through hands-on activities and demonstrations, we will use the six simple machines to create a masterpiece!
SAVE THE CAT! Screenwriting for Hollywood
Learn the basics of screenwriting for Hollywood
Caryn Miller
Do you love movies? Are you fascinated by character arcs and how a story all comes together on the big screen? Have you ever wanted to try writing a film script yourself? In this course we will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and how to outline a film script from the foundational method created by Blake Snyder (still utilized by most of Hollywood) Come learn about how movies are written and walk away with a complete first-act outline for your own movie!
The Science of Cooking
Exploring the scientific principles that guide the culinary arts
Caroline Fosnot, Tracey Spinka & Kayla Ashcroft
Explore fundamental culinary concepts, practical advice, and step-by-step techniques to bring food science out of the lab and into your kitchen Find the answers to your cookery questions and get more out of recipes with intriguing units covering food types, salts, sourdough starter chemistry, acids/vinegars, and spices This exploration is for anyone interested in the culinary arts, whether you ' re a hobby cook at the beginning of your learning, seeking to cook more intuitively, or you love science and learning about its everyday applications. This is a great course for ~25~
anybody interested in food and the science behind the flavors The scientific exploration will also arm the learner with the science behind two of our most senses: taste and smell
Science Research
Conduct your own research for a month!
Vinnie Rigoglioso & Caroline Fosnot
Science Research is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in conducting scientific research within a laboratory setting. Students will develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills through a guided research project. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and effective communication of research findings.
Double Block Course
Sewcialism for Beginners
Sew your own fabulous pajama pants!
Kate Garrity & Tobi Zemsky
Want to learn how to sew and make your own clothes? Longing to spend time in community with other makers? In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of clothing construction and will create a simple pair of pajama pants with pockets.
Show, Not Tell: A Fiction Workshop
Workshopping your current fiction project
Greta Ham
This course is aimed at writers who have a current fiction project (e g short stories, novel, play or movie script) and would like not only some dedicated time to work on it, but the opportunity to hone their craft in general and workshop their project with peers Class time will be divided between short writing exercises to help you improve description and exposition (how to show, not tell), reading each other’s work and workshopping together (honing feedback skills), and free writing time to work on your own project Come prepared to share in a supportive atmosphere Some light reading will be assigned as homework
Sleeping and Moving
Exercise and sleep are good for you
Matt Sheehan & Ross Weyandt
In Sleeping and Moving, students will learn about the benefits of sleeping and moving. On the other hand, we will also discuss some potential pitfalls that can arise if sleep and physical activity are neglected. While completing a sleep log throughout the course, students will get to take a deeper look at their own sleeping habits and routines.
The underlying goal of the class is for students to learn about the importance of sleep while also being introduced to new methods and options to improve their sleep quality In return, their lives, as they know them, will never be the same!
Sneakerheads
Design your own shoe
Alexander Guevarez
Deadstock. Hypebeast. Quickstrike. All sneakerheads know the lingo, and will camp and queue for the latest pair of Air Jordans or Nike Dunks. Why stop at nothing to get your hands on the Holy Grail of kicks? How did they become prized as wearable art? What is the origin of Sole? This course will delve into the cultural influence of sneaker-making and sneaker-collecting from LA to New York and around the world. Along the way, we will visit with an array of sneaker innovators (Tinker Hatfield, Vashtie Kola), savvy authenticators (Ramitheicon), titan resellers (Flight Club, Stadium Goods), celebrity enthusiasts (Fat Joe, Eric Koston), and obsessive fans Students will finish the course by customizing their own pair of shoes via Nike by You
The Social Entrepreneurship Challenge: Do Good, Make Change
Design businesses that change the world
Eva Porter & Dan Taboada
What if your idea could change the world? In this course on social entrepreneurship, you'll learn how to turn passions into purpose-driven businesses that tackle real problems and explore how successful social ventures combine profit with impact. Through brainstorming, research, hands-on prototyping, and design thinking, you and your team will develop your own social enterprise idea. The course includes visits to local businesses that are social enterprises and culminates in a final pitch where you'll present your concept and prototype. Along the way, you’ll meet social entrepreneurs and gain skills in creativity, storytelling, problem-solving, and collaboration all while imagining how you can make a difference
Double Block Course
Sound Works
Build noisy art!
Sarah Zwerling & Andrew Westerhaus
Join us to invent unique sound gadgets that produce their own music and noise. You'll design and construct these objects, moving from simple to complex, with lots of hands-on building and teamwork. The sounds we create will be anything from atmospheric noise to actual musical tones The sound gadgets we make may rely on natural elements like gravity, wind, water, electricity or just require a little human power We will build them from recycled materials, including broken instruments, scrap metal, wood, wire, string, hobby motors, and magnets No studio experience is needed Students will learn how to use the necessary tools to build, including hand tools, band
saw, drill press, and techniques for soldering and fabrication We encourage students to bring a sense of curiosity and playfulness to their work
Sports Statistics and Analysis
Analyze & explore your sport through numbers
Jack Grodin '26, Josiah Yeomans '26, Rob Goodman & Matt Sheehan
Students will learn a brief history about how data analytics and its impact on the sports industry Students will explore different analysis methods, learn how to capture data, find meaning in it, and use it to improve and predict future performance.
Stitch Happens Sustainably!
Go green in the costume shop
Beth Quinn
Ready to save the planet and slay the stage? In this course, you'll address the environmental challenges facing costume shops across the globe and learn methods for designing and creating eco-friendly costumes, textiles, and more! Learn how to turn thrifted treasures, recycled fabrics, and found objects into show-stopping looks all while reducing waste and thinking green Through a combination of research, sketching, sewing, weaving, and so much more, you'll discover how to create production pieces that are kind to both the Earth and the audience’s eyes
Whether you ' re into theater, fashion, or just love a good DIY, this class is your backstage pass to sustainable style No experience needed just creativity and a passion for change!
Passion Project
Design your own J-Term learning
Kasey Henderson
Whether you ’ re looking to feed your passion, follow your curiosity, or discover something brand new, completing a Passion Project ( independently or in a group) is a great way to be in the driver’s seat of your education. You will receive encouragement, structure, and feedback from a faculty guide, but you will be responsible for communicating your goals, evaluating your own progress, and assessing your results at the conclusion of the course Projects must be designed to fit into the timeframe of a single J-Term block (8 or 9 90-minutes periods) If you are interested in completing an independent or group project, email your project proposal to Kasey Henderson for approval
Approved proposals will demonstrate depth in at least one of these design elements: Multidisciplinary Content; Experiential Learning; Global, Local, and/or Human Context; Complexity & Challenge; and Products or Artifacts of Learning
Surf(science)ing
Waves, boards, storms, engineers, and aloha!
Mark Croxford & Michael Koehler
Without science getting barreled would be impossible (for most of us)! Starting with the history of the boards that have been effectively used for hundreds of years, we'll investigate the how and who of board design, how storms and bathymetry affect wave structure, the science of riding and performing on a wave, how advances in materials led to innovation, the engineers and board shapers that creatively challenged the status quo, and how wave forecasting modernized the pursuit of waves such that the hour of a swell's arrival can be predicted. We will also prepare ourselves to be surfers with daily exercises and practices.
This Episode of J-term is Called Bluey
Explore the hit children's show Bluey and how it is changing the world of play
AJ Tvarok
Children's television has a big impact on culture Bluey is one of the most popular children's shows in recent history
Let's watch and explore the world of Bluey together, dissecting the meaning of each episode How is this show changing the world? Exactly why is this show so popular?
To Infinity and Beyond!
Building mathematical mega art
Jess Zeldes, Kate Jones & Amelia Swedloff '26
Do you ever dream that you are an ant wandering aimlessly along the surface of a donut? Ponder how to fold space? Imagine what exists beyond the finite? Then this course is for you! Over 8 days, we will explore fascinating mathematical marvels, from the practical: How do you cut a bagel into interlocking rings? To the fantastical: Can you make a tetrahedron fly? This year, the course will be centered around 2-4 megaprojects giant mathematical art pieces that we will display around campus. Expect lots of hands-on activities partnered with big questions and fascinating snacks
Uke Jam!
Play ukulele, jam with friends
Anne Hess, Hayley Varhol & Miku Shiota
A Jam Session is a gathering of players who love to create music together This is a class for folks who want to play ukulele and enjoy jam sessions Join us as we explore the power and fun of communal musicking! We will learn to play and sing a wide variety of songs, including modern, classic, and even original pieces We may also improvise! Several mini-performances (coffeehouse style) and sing-alongs are planned throughout the session This class is designed for individuals with at least some experience playing the ukulele or another stringed instrument. If you know a handful of chords and are willing to learn, you are ready to jam. Ukuleles are provided. ~29~
Waking Ghosts
Explore archives to resurrect the lives of Philadelphians past
Andrew Malkasian & Casey Hedstrom
The documentarian Ken Burns has described the study of history as the simple act of “waking ghosts” In this course, we are taking that idea very seriously Students will be investigating the lives of figures long since deceased whose stories are now lying dormant in area archives With the possibility of visiting any number of area archives, students will use newspapers, census records, estate documents, family papers, and genealogical records, along with a myriad of other materials, to not only identify a person, but also tell their story by writing a narrative nonfiction essay or mini biography. To prepare for their own research, students will read examples of popular narrative nonfiction, discuss strategies and techniques with historians and scholars, and work to identify the structures of a good story all in the pursuit of waking ghosts
Double Block Course
Wind in the Willows Rehearsal & Construction
Build props, make puppets, and rehearse!
Geo O'Donnell
Students currently cast in Wind in the Willows will use this time to continue rehearsing the play. Students currently working on the crew will work on prop and puppet fabrication. All together, students will rehearse the puppetry moments in the show If you are not currently in the 9th grade musical class but want to join to help with puppetry or assist with rehearsals you can!
Witches
Brutalized victims or relentless rebels?
Jamie Tomczuk & Ted Oxholm
This course will examine the ways that the image of the witch (and witchcraft) has been used throughout history as a mechanism for oppression, as well as the ways that women have sought to reclaim this term as a tool for empowerment We will examine case studies of historic witch hunts in Europe and North America, considering the political and social causes and effects of these events. We will also explore the image of the witch in art, film, pop culture, and politics, including in recent movements of political protest.
World Cup 26 Prologue
The good, the bad, and the ugly of international football
Gabriel Baah '26, Jared Lazorko & Madeline James
This course is all about football! Unlike American football, European football is the most popular sport globally with about 4 billion fans worldwide Together, we will learn the game and about key moments/players, discuss and
analyze the history of FIFA, and explore the pros and cons of World Cup 2026 Through self-directed research and small group presentations, students will collaborate and debate the many complexities of the world's most-watched sports event, the World Cup
The World of Production
Carpentry, prop making, and theatre magic!
AJ Tvarok
In this class, you'll discover how production works behind the scenes. You'll build, paint, and create some theatrical magic, all while supporting shows at GFS. Discover the magic of theater, use power tools, and paint wood to look like wood. No prior experience is required just a willingness to collaborate, ask questions, and try!
Yoga (Everything but the Down Dog)
It's Yoga, but not what you think
Jake Miller
What comes to mind when you think of “ yoga”? A room full of rubber mats? Expensive workout clothes? Folks sitting around silently "finding their Zen"? Well, this is only one very small part of the picture! Yoga is actually one of six primary schools of Indian philosophy with far-reaching impact What we often think of as yoga in the exercise realm is but one small piece of a VERY large and complex framework This course invites students to consider some of the many aspects of this rich and ancient tradition including ethics, metaphysics, philosophy, and language We will lightly touch on Sanskrit and Vedic philosophy, as well as engage meditation and breath practices It is all the yoga...but without the Down Dog!
You Are More Powerful Than You Think: Art & Social Change
Study art about injustice, create your own responsive piece
Robin Friedman & Megan Culp
An artist’s place is to provoke, to voice, and to enlighten. Today, more than ever, we need to stop, look, and listen, to directly confront social (and political) inequality But art can do more than confront issues: it can be a critical catalyst for change From Picasso’s Guernica and the Mexican muralists to Shepherd Ferry and Cuban artist Tania Brugera, from Ai Wei Wei to printmakers and social-practice artists, people have been making art to confront social problems and incite change The heart of this class will be two-fold First we will expose students to a wide range of artists whose work confronts social and political injustice as an introduction to teaching about social change , and secondly, students will engage in an art-making project that is a direct response to a social issue that concerns them Some of our central questions that will frame our class will be: How does art/culture set the stage for social change? How can we conceive of the artist’s role in social change movements in a more expansive way? What is the role of the imagination in social change movements? What is cultural organizing, and when and how has it been most effective? You may attend a rally or vote, but you also read books, listen to music, engage with visual art, turn on the
radio and create your identity through culture Artists are central, not peripheral, to social change To have the movements that make the wave, you need cultural workers
Zombies: Monsters, Myths, Mutations, and More
Explore zombies in culture and science
Aaliya Panyadahundi '28 & Casey Hedstrom
Do you think you could survive a zombie apocalypse? In this class, we will take on the undead by exploring the zombie through multiple lenses, including literature, popular culture, and science. We will trace the evolution of the zombie from myth and folklore to modern-day pop culture horror, reading Zora Neale Hurston’s anthropological studies of Haitian voodoo and watching films like Night of the Living Dead and World War Z. Science will inspire our quest, too, as we explore possible explanations for zombification, from contagion to neuroscience. Finally, we will come together to design zombie-proof structures and debate how we might outsurvive an invasion of the living dead
Zumba with a Hip Hop Twist
Fusion of fun and fitness
Karina Banks
This high-energy fitness class blends the dynamic Latin-inspired moves with hip hop dance to create a fun, calorie-burning fitness experience Students will be guided through a series of easy-to-follow, full-body routines while listening to current hip hop and R&B This class is designed for all fitness levels A total workout that combines cardio, muscle conditioning, and balance. No dance experience is required just a willingness to have a good time. Come ready to dance, and leave feeling energized and empowered!
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Designed to support exploration and interdisciplinary ways of learning about the world and ourselves, January Term supports a suite of cultural and language immersion travel courses for students in grades 9-12 Participation in each of the following courses is often competitive and determined by advanced application and committee decisions Each program carries a separate fee, and financial assistance is available to qualified applicants Students enrolled in winter sports are advised that participation in January Term travel may impact playing time and/or the ability to use the winter season to fulfill Athletic requirements
China: Immersive Chinese Language and Culture
In partnership with China Folk House leaders and Young Envoys Scholarship partners, students will engage in immersive experiential travel study in Beijing, Yunnan, Shanghai, and Shangri-La Activities will include visits to significant sites, field study of vernacular architecture and local temples in historic Jianchuan, and craft apprenticeships with local craft masters and fieldwork projects This trip is open to all Upper School students, regardless of Mandarin proficiency.
Tlaxcala, Mexico: Mexico Exchange
Students travel to Tlaxcala, a provincial capital and a safe and prosperous city of 90,000, about 75 miles east of Mexico City GFS students will visit long-standing partner school Escuela Secundaria Técnica No 1 "Xicohtencatl Axayacatzin" and stay with host families for one month during January term while they immerse themselves in the life of the Técnica and with their hermanos. Participant families serve as homestay families in Philadelphia when Mexican students from the same school visit GFS during the month of April. Next year we will celebrate 40 years of partnership with the Técnica. We are looking forward to a series of celebrations in Tlaxcala and Philadelphia to celebrate with current and past program participants. Open to 9th graders enrolled in Spanish.
France: Intensive French Language and Culture Discovery
A three-week intensive French language course at the Institut de Touraine and homestay experience with local French families. The Institute offers courses for every level of French student from absolute beginner to advanced; all students studying French are eligible for the experience. Daily cultural activities and excursions including a three-day visit to Paris to begin the trip will enrich the experience
Costa Rica: Science and Community
Students will spend nine days in the rain forest of Alajuela Province designing and executing original experiments under the supervision of University faculty and also engage in community activities with high school students from our partner school, Liceo Rural Valle Verde. Then the trip will shift to two sea turtle research sites on the pristine Pacific coast, where students will be immersed in ongoing community-based university research collecting data on several species
Winchester, UK: Winchester College Exchange
Germantown Friends School and Winchester College established an international travel exchange for students and faculty in 2013. Four GFS juniors or seniors will travel to Winchester College in England to attend classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and experience life on a boarding school campus. We hope that the students who travel for 3 weeks in January will host a visiting student in April
From mangroves to manatees and algae to alligators, this course will explore the unique and diverse natural history of the Florida Everglades. Following a week of study and preparation on campus, students will immerse themselves in the wilderness of the Everglades National Park on a canoeing-based, 11-day wilderness expedition During the trip, students will develop outdoor skills and conduct independent research projects steeped in the surrounding ecosystem Upon return to campus, students will finalize their projects and develop impactful ways of sharing their experiential learning
MAJOR INDEPENDENT PROJECTS
While the success of January Term centers upon innovative learning through vertically mixed grade 9-12 classes, in certain rare circumstances students in grades 10 or 12 may seek to embrace January Term’s philosophy through thoughtfully crafted independent projects Individuals interested in pursuing such independent project work should seek guidance from their grade dean or the January Term Director prior to the course interest deadline
Minor Independent Projects, lasting one block internal to the school day, may be proposed as described in the Passion Project Course Description above
SCHEDULE OF ALL CLASSES
Course Requests: Students choose their top 2-3 choices in each period Students are enrolled in their top choice unless that course is overenrolled; overenrolled courses are enrolled by lottery.
A-Day
Period 1
Anthropology
Bacteriology
Biology of the Senses
Brainwashed: America's Obsession with Cults
Bucks and Budgets
Build, Lead, Celebrate
Compete in a Reality TV Show
The Current Supreme Court Term (double)
Fashion and Activism
Human Nature, the State of Nature, the Good Society
Kids At Play (double)
Laser Lab
Make A Wooden Bowl
Make Up Your Own Language
Orbital Chemistry Crash Course
Punner's World: Constructing Crossword Puzzles
Reading Moby Dick (double)
Sewcialism for Beginners
Show, Not Tell: A Fiction Workshop
Sneakerheads
Sports Statistics and Analysis
Surf(science)ing
This Episode of J-term is Called Bluey
B-Day
Period 4
African American Excellence
Another World is Possible
Anthropology
Bacteriology
Biology of the Senses
Blockbusters and Busts
Bookmaking
Brainwashed: America's Obsession with Cults
Chamber Music
The Current Supreme Court Term (double)
The Experiment Experience
Exploring and Documenting Waterways (all day)
Into the Dark Woods: German Fairytales and Folklore
