All-girls K-12 day | Boarding 8-12

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.

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

Athletics

20,000+

research hours

in Johns Hopkins labs through the GFS Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program

WISE at GFS

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

students hail from

across the US and around the world

Boarding at GFS

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

Riding and Polo

Signature Programs

All Girls at GFS — All-Girls’ Environment
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.

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WISE at GFS — WISE Partnership with Johns Hopkins
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.

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Boarding at GFS — Boarding Program
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.

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STEM at GFS — Integrated STEM
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.

Riding and Polo at GFS — Riding and Polo
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.

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The James Center at GFS — The James Center
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.

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News & Events

RSS Feeds Subscribe to Alerts

Aug 14 2022

USEF Pony Finals Horse Show

all day

Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY

Aug 20 2022

IEA Horse Show @ GFS! Subscribe to Alerts

all day

GFS Equestrian Center

Aug 30 2022

Forest Festival Subscribe to Alerts

3:30 PM

Marshall-Offutt Entrance

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.

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