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.
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.
The Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving emphasizes a holistic approach to helping each student become the best version of themselves. Serving students in grade PreK-12, the Boyce Center focused on academic support, growth and enrichment and wellness and well-being.
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.
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.
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.
News & Events
![Women of Impact: Ava P. '26 Featured on WBAL TV]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750186608/garrison/wx9ju6oevfzlvhqcvrat/image44.png","width":1920}])
Ava P. '26 was recently featured on WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore for her published book, "One in a Millieon," a children's story about the bond she shares with her younger sister Millie. Read more here!
![Recognizing Excellence and Service Across the GFS Community]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749650241/garrison/ewpgtd0yrokcbel6lmxn/DSC_7264-212.jpg","width":2048}])
GFS closed the year with faculty and staff honors, including a special tribute to Head of School Chris Hughes. Read more here!
![Senior Story]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749237486/garrison/edv8bwx1qnmh365xwaad/_DSC0014.jpg","width":2048}])
Commencement Central: Join us in congratulating the Class of 2025!
![Celebrating 2025 Student Award Honorees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749664537/garrison/kbpfwvplv28ud6odftfs/_DSC96933.jpg","width":2048}])
Last week, we honored students from Lower, Middle and Upper School with year-end awards celebrating character, leadership, growth and community spirit.
![Senior College Sweatshirt photo 2024]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748971969/garrison/qz6qijmnodsjkgo8zjtq/DSC_1323-21.jpg","width":2048}])
See the impressive places our Class of 2025 graduates will be headed next year!
![ACE 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746824827/garrison/a7f5zyuzmsrihj4d31pv/ACE2025-2.jpg","width":2048}])
The GFS team was awarded “Best Sense of Community in Site Design” and Jadyn L. '25 received a national honor at this year's Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Presentation and Awards Ceremony.
![Cum Laude 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1746367096/garrison/jswalmsaiwz5xkvdfklv/DSC_7857.jpg","width":2200}])
Congratulations to the 2025 Cum Laude Inductees!
![Reunion Weekend 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745954149/garrison/f6or2tncafdn7cgn83lg/Hickok_042525_01722.jpg","width":2200}])
We were so honored to welcome back our alumnae for Reunion Weekend 2025! Read more here.
all day
Lamplight Equestrian Center
all day
Lamplight Equestrian Center
all day
Lamplight Equestrian Center
all day
Lamplight Equestrian Center
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.