Academic Strengths

• 30 faculty members hold advanced degrees
• Academic program offers a range of Advanced Placement courses including: Art History and Studio Art, Calculus AB and BC, English Literature, U.S. History, Languages, and Sciences.
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, an innovative, semester-long research and mentoring program at Johns Hopkins University for Juniors and Seniors.
• French, Latin, and Spanish courses through Advanced Placement level; 40% of Latin students also take French or Spanish
• Mandarin Chinese will reach AP level by 2017.
  
• 95% of Upper School students take four years of Mathematics; 30% of Seniors take AP Calculus (AB or BC) each year
• 94% take four years of Science, including Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science
• Core and Advanced Placement courses in History; electives offered in Ethics, World Religions, Economics, and Peace Studies
• All Freshmen take an innovative, interdisciplinary Music and Design course
• Rich and varied Arts program: Drawing, Painting, 3-D Studio, Jewelry Making, Theater Arts, Dance, Music. Advanced Placement in both Art History and Studio Art
• Computer electives include: Robotics, Documentary Film Making and Graphic Novel Design
  
• Decision Making and Transitions courses help students make healthy, well-informed choices in personal lives and college selection process
• Multi-grade advisory program connects each student to a faculty adviser who guides her in the creation of a four-year academic plan, selection of courses, and choice of co-curricular activities
• Expert College Counselors help Juniors and Seniors in all aspects of college search and application process
  

Programmatic Highlights

• Upper School academic schedule provides frequent class meetings of optimal length for deep learning; additional community time for advisory, class meetings, clubs and extra help
• Comprehensive technology program with two computer labs in Upper School, wireless data projectors in every classroom, online learning, and laptop in the hands of every student
• Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers support in organization and study skills; academic assistance to students with learning needs
• Extensive interscholastic athletics, co-curricular (clubs), physical education and arts programs give each girl options to find her passion, develop her interests, and express herself
• Interscholastic athletics program includes Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Softball, Lacrosse, Equitation, Polo, and Indoor Track
  
• Rich arts program includes visual arts courses in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, design and art history; performing arts courses in dance, theater arts, musical theater, chorus and chamber choir
• Student-led Service League involves all Upper School students in service experiences in Baltimore and beyond
• Two full-time College Counselors teach Decision Making and Transition courses to Eleventh and Twelfth graders, guiding students through college search and application process
• Full-time Upper School Counselor teaches Decision Making to Ninth graders and supports all Upper School students in wellness and social-emotional growth
• Big Sister-Little Sister, Ring Sister, and  spirit team competitions for the GFS school colors (Light Blue/Dark Blue) foster supportive relationships between students in different grade levels
• Extensive clubs, Service League, Peer Educator, and student government offerings provide every girl with a variety of leadership opportunities
• Elsie Foster Jenkins’53 Fellowship Program gives students opportunities for independent, international service learning experiences
• GFS Alumnae Association connects students with recent graduates in college and Garrison Forest women in a variety of professions