Girard College
About
Our Founding Girard College was formed by an unprecedented act of philanthropy shown by French immigrant and merchant, Stephen Girard. At the time of his death in 1831, Stephen Girard was the ri...
More about usAbout
Our Founding
Girard College was formed by an unprecedented act of philanthropy shown by French immigrant and merchant, Stephen Girard.
At the time of his death in 1831, Stephen Girard was the richest man in America and his endowment for Girard College was, up to that point, the largest private charitable donation in American history.
In his will, Girard directed the city of Philadelphia to use his money to build a boarding school for poor, orphaned or fatherless boys so that they might be prepared for the trades and professions of their era. Girard College opened its doors in 1848.
Born more than 250 years ago, Girard could not have imagined the ways in which our country and its citizens would change over time. Sometimes that change has been tumultuous. Yet the heart of Girard’s intention remains a guiding principle for our community: to provide educational opportunity for under-served youth.
Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.
Our Core Values
Expectations for Girard students are based on our core values:
Respect. Responsibility. Integrity. Courage. Compassion.
Each of these values is supported by a set of belief statements that guide our interactions every day.
Read Less2101 South College Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19121 Philadelphia, PA 19121 United States