GWHS At A Glance

Mission & Approach to Learning: The mission of the George Washington High School is to provide all students with learning opportunities that match their abilities and desired outcomes through the International Baccalaureate Program, AP coursework, Dual-Enrollment, internships, apprenticeship programs, hands-on learning activities and industry recognized certifications with 21st century skills. The George Washington staff is committed to preparing, ensuring, and empowering all students of diverse backgrounds to achieve their full intellectual and social potential in order to become lifelong learners and productive members of society.

Points of Pride:

• Students come from 67 countries • 28 languages spoken • Championship sports teams (City Champions in Soccer, Boys Volleyball, Wrestling) • International Baccalaureate Program • Extensive elective choices and levels • Aspen Challenge Winners 2017 • Dual Enrollment Program (10% of students participate) • Highly successful DECA program • Designated Mayor’s Office Community School • 12 AP courses offered (24% of student participate)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a comprehensive two-year curriculum which promotes student autonomy, independent research, and a rich, postmodern educational environment. In the ninth and tenth grade students will have a full roster of advanced and honors classes so that they will be adequately prepared for the expectations of the Diploma Program years.

To earn an IB diploma, students must take a challenging liberal arts course of studies and pass examinations in six academic subjects: • IB Language A: Literature – HL1 and HL2 • IB Mathematics – SL and SL2 • IB Chemistry – SL • IB Physics – SL and SL2 • IB History – HL1 and HL2 • IB Psychology – HL1 and HL2 • IB Language B: Spanish – SL and SL2 • IB Language B: Russian – SL and SL2 In addition, students are required to take the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course that investigates the nature of knowledge in various disciplines; participate in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) to achieve eight learning outcomes, undertake original research, and write an Extended Essay of 4,000 words.

Students successfully completing the program earn a George Washington High School diploma in addition to the internationally recognized IB diploma. Students who complete this program are more likely to move on to prestigious universities and colleges.

Courses & Program Highlights:

Advanced Placement Program: 

GWHS offers the following AP courses: • AP Biology • AP Calculus AB • AP Chemistry • AP Computer Science Principles • AP English Language and Composition • AP English Literature and Composition • AP Physics • AP Psychology • AP Studio Art Drawing • AP U.S. Government and Politics • AP U.S. History • AP World History

Dual-Enrollment Program: Dual enrollment with Community College of Philadelphia (Center City and Northeast Campus) offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience the rigors of college courses while still in high school.
The school may cover up to two (2) courses per semester of tuition fee. Also, students have the flexibility of choosing the courses based on their interest.

Career & Technical Education Program: Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at GWHS are designed to prepare students for careers of the future. Our CTE pathways provide hands-on, relevant training and highly-employable skills, specifically for STEAM careers.

• Accounting & Financial Services
• Culinary Arts
• Sports Marketing and Mgmt.

Ninth Grade Academy:

The GWHS Ninth Grade Academy is designed to provide incoming freshmen with a smooth transition this most pivotal year in high school. The goal is to provide students with a defined perspective of their futures and their roles in the world including their compassion, integrity, confidence and critical thinking skills that will help them be successful in and out of high school. This program is not just for the 9th grade year, but the next four years ahead. The GWHS has a College and Career Coordinator that will be working with students to ensure success in the areas of attendance, behavior and credit attainment. In addition, Coordinators will provide exposure to college and career through various enrichment activities, college trips and college and career-related events!

Extracurricular Activities:

• Bible Club • Chess • Choir • Culinary Arts • Dance • DECA • Fashion Show • GSA • Literary Magazine (The Lantern) • Math Club • MSA • Multicultural Show • Musicals/Drama • National Honor Society • Newspaper • Peer Group Connection • PhitPhilly • Robotics • RunPhilly • Silkscreening Club • SOCA • Student Government • Web Design • WHYY Media Club • Yearbook • Youth Court

Sports Teams:

PIAA: • Badminton—Boys’ & Girls’ • Baseball—Boys’ Varsity • Basketball—Boys’ & Girls’ Varsity • Bowling—Boys’ & Girls’ • Cross Country—Boys’ & Girls’ • Field Hockey—Girls’ Varsity • Football—Citywide Varsity • Lacrosse—Boys’ & Girls’ • Soccer—Boys’ & Girls’ Varsity • Softball—Girls’ Varsity • Tennis—Boys’ & Girls’ • Track & Field—Coed We also offer Cheerleading and Weight Training

Partnerships:

• AccessMatters • A.M.O.B. (All Mentees On Board) • ChildhoodsLost • College Possible • Community College of Philadelphia • CORA • Eat.Right.Philly • Free Library of Philadelphia – Bustleton Branch • F.S. Investments • JEVS Human Services • JFCS • Kleinlife • Lutheran Settlement House • Mayor’s Office of Education • MuralArts Philadelphia • Orleans Technical Institute • Office of Adult Education • Office of State Representative Kevin Boyle • Office of State Representative Martina White • Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle • Office of Councilman Alan Domb • PHAN (PA Health Access Network) • Philadelphia Department of Streets • Planned Parenthood • Proclamation Community Church • Proclamation Community Church • 7th Police District Advisory • UESF (Utilities Emergency Support Fund) • Temple University • The Wharton School