Lower School
Girls in Kindergarten through 5th Grade build confidence and critical thinking skills while learning about friendship, kindness, and respect.
As they move through the Lower School, students participate in a strong, interdisciplinary academic program, bringing in aspects of music, art, and more to deepen their understanding of the topics they are exploring. They build research, collaboration and public speaking skills, preparing them for middle school and beyond. A financial literacy program, which includes a real on-campus branch of M&T Bank that is run by 4th Graders, teaches students about money mindfulness, saving and investing, while a school-wide digital discovery curriculum helps students learn to create content and build technological savvy while becoming good digital citizens.
Lower School Highlights
- Dedicated Teachers: From homeroom teachers who build strong relationships with each girl to special area teachers who integrate aspects of art, music, physical education and digital discoveries, our teachers are the heart of the Lower School experience. They get to know each girl and family, working in partnership to ensure the best possible experience.
- Community: Skipping through the hallways, holding hands, sharing a laugh: these are all daily sights in our Lower School. It’s a joyful place that celebrates each girl’s individual personality and contributions.
- Campus as Learning Lab: Students get outside nearly every day, from nature walks around the 110-acre campus to recess to working in our outdoor classroom, and our campus becomes a part of the curriculum. With two barns, a pond and pier, on-campus chickens, an outdoor amphitheater, and more, there are many places and spaces to explore!
- Care of the Whole Child: A robust social-emotional curriculum provides age-appropriate insights as students grow, tackling topics like friendships, kindness, mental health, inclusion, and more. A dedicated Lower School Counselor leads individual and small group sessions and partners with parents to ensure all students have a safe space to explore their feelings and work through challenges.
Lower School Traditions & Signature Experiences
Spirit Sorting
Light Blue or Dark Blue? Head through the Spirit Tunnel that will set you on your spirit path!
5th Grade Closing
The Lower School experience culminates in a closing that reflects on their time, looks toward their next step, and celebrates one another.
Riding, Polo, Dance
Each 4th and 5th Grader tries out riding, polo, and dance as part of their physical education rotation.
Meet Your Lower School Administrative Team
COURTENAY SHURE '97
Lower School Academic Resource Coordinator
(410) 559-3273 | courtenayshure@gfs.org
Shondra CowLinG
Lower School Counselor / Director of Counseling
(410) 559-3290 | shondracowling@gfs.org