Your path begins
at Garrison Forest School
Welcome to Garrison Forest School
Our motto, Esse Quam Videri—or “To Be Rather Than To Seem”—has inspired our community since our founding in 1910.
Today, it continues to be the foundation of the Core Values
that guide how we teach, learn and connect.
that guide how we teach, learn and connect.
Authentic
Be Authentic
At the core of the GFS experience is discovering who you are and taking pride in your unique personality, spirit and character.
Brave
Be Brave
Whether on the field, on the stage or in the classroom, find your voice and the confidence to use it.
Compassionate
Be Compassionate
Showing empathy and kindness for those around you is at the heart of every Garrison Girl.
Curious
Be Curious
Ask questions and get excited about new ideas, places and people as you create, innovate and build.
Spirited
Be Spirited
Connect, collaborate and celebrate: these are the tenets of entering into the spirited community at Garrison Forest!
At a Glance
40
Middle and Upper School teams
in 16 interscholastic sports in addition to riding, polo and dancing
20,000+
research hours
in Johns Hopkins labs through the GFS Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program
20
miles walked
by each Lower School class over course of the year during Physical Education Power Walks around campus
Grads
GFS Alumnae Currently attend
Brown, Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Penn, Swarthmore, UVA and Vanderbilt, among other top colleges and universities
GLOBAL
Riding
Nationally ranked
riders and teams, plus collegiate-level equestrian facilities and one of only two secondary schools in the U.S. to offer polo
Signature Programs
Lead, create, contribute, explore and express yourself: GFS is designed to help you find your unique path to success. Our all-girls’ education for K-12th Grade keeps girls at the forefront of everything we do, challenging and enriching our students in positive and productive ways. Our priority is guiding and supporting you as you discover your authentic self and use your voice with confidence and power.
As part of a schoolwide focus on wellness, public health and STEM, our Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) partnership with Johns Hopkins University provides you with real-world, relevant research experience in the labs at Johns Hopkins. Work alongside JHU professors and grad student mentors to dive deeper into real issues and discover new interests. Since 2005, WISE students have contributed more than 20,000 research hours at Hopkins, making new discoveries and gaining skills, confidence and knowledge.
Our national and international boarding program for students in grades 8-12 is fully integrated into our overall educational experience, one that keeps girls and their specific developmental needs at the forefront of everything we do. An immersive experience that prioritizes character development, global competency and wellness, residential life at GFS is a caring and tight-knit community where your development as a student and a global citizen is top priority.
From our youngest learners through advanced courses in our Upper School, the STEM program at GFS prepares girls to pursue different fields and areas of interest with confidence and curiosity. Designed with girls at the forefront, our STEM programs are integrated and intentional, building a strong foundation that nurtures an inquisitive mind. Throughout, aspects of STEAM are incorporated at all levels to encourage creative learning across disciplines, with hands-on experiences, practical applications and built in.
From beginners to veteran riders and polo players, the nationally renowned riding programs at GFS cater to students of all skill and interest levels, with top-notch facilities. Polo at GFS is truly unique, as we are the only girls’ school in the US to offer the sport. Beginning in the 6th Grade, riders can apply to join the Equestrian Institute, a program designed for top competitive riders. Our expert faculty guide our equestrians to reach their greatest potential while learning self-confidence.
What’s your passion? Whatever it is, The James Center provides the spark to give it purpose. By bringing together Garrison Forest’s many hands-on learning opportunities, The James Center intersects service, financial literacy, STEAM and leadership development to help you discover how you want to change the world. With partnerships across Baltimore and around the globe, the nationally recognized James Center gives purpose—and endless possibilities—to your passions.
News & Events
![Leadership Recognition Celebration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695744333/garrison/xb11cdl1ecfkggwavn4m/GFS-Leadership-2023_SR106521.jpg","width":2200}])
On Friday night, we gathered to honor the accomplishments of several members of the GFS community during the Leadership Recognition Celebration.
![Forest Day 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695148776/garrison/jt8dxllndypoaxhjv85z/IMG_3478.jpg","width":2200}])
Today marked our first-ever Forest Day! Forest Day is an all-school, day-long event designed to celebrate our campus, learn more about environmental stewardship and come together in caring for our campus and the world around us.
![Sorting Day 2022]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693598996/garrison/el7db1weujxr70ioutzx/IMG_1427-21.jpg","width":2048}])
We closed out the first week of school with spirit and fun tradition: All-School Light Blue/Dark Blue Sorting Day! Click to see pics from the event.
![First Day of School 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693330184/garrison/robprfopomypwwrph2tm/IMG_1303-211.jpg","width":2048}])
We are so excited to welcome back our Grizzlies this week and kick off the year with spirit and joy!
![Director of Polo Jenny Schwartz '11 Honored with USPA Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689781235/garrison/cb8dunkorjdwjl9t9roy/Jenny-Schwartz_Vertical.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689781235/garrison/cb8dunkorjdwjl9t9roy/Jenny-Schwartz_Vertical.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689781235/garrison/cb8dunkorjdwjl9t9roy/Jenny-Schwartz_Vertical.jpg","width":525}])
Recognizing those who have dedicated their time and efforts to growing the game while inspiring youth polo athletes, the USPA proudly adds Schwartz to a select list of individuals who have made a profound impact on the sport.
![Getting to Know Incoming School President Catherine S. ’24]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1689170550/garrison/sgzbql2cxu7o6afgyp5k/IMG_6606-11.jpg","width":2200}])
Get to know incoming School President Catherine S. ’24 as she answers questions like what leadership means to her and her favorite dorm room snack!
![From left: Jenny Schwartz '11, Gabby Chiasera '22 and Cailin Phebus '18 hoist the Feldman Cup into the air]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686752585/garrison/vu7lp6nnkyaakvijawy0/4B8D75BB-D6D0-4191-AE8C-699F71A71CBD11-2.jpg","width":1967}])
GFS Alumnae, Director of Polo Jenny Schwartz '11, Gabby Chiasera '22 and Assistant Director of Polo Cailin Phebus '18, took home the Feldman Cup at Seneca Polo Club on Sunday, June 11. Read more here!
![Art Teacher Natalie Drutz adds rocks to the perimeter of a dye garden.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1686597188/garrison/hgbzxa9bsfpnof1wks7j/IMG_0797.jpg","width":2200}])
Now in its second year, the GFS Dye Garden is a vibrant representation of how science and art work hand in hand. Read more here!
all day
Manor House Porch
Lower School
-
Virtual - Registration Required
Meet Our Community
Rayah H. ‘24
I’m proud to go to Garrison Forest because the teachers and students are amazing. I also have classes with friends from all over the world.
Molly W. ‘24
At Garrison you can form amazing relationships with teachers and students, which allows you to feel comfortable in who you are and to blossom.
Erika S. '24
The learning environment is great—the teachers really want you to succeed and make the environment welcoming.
