Upper School
In the Upper School, students find unmatched preparation for life beyond the Forest, with a challenging academic program and endless opportunities to engage, lead, create, and innovate.
From 9th through 12th Grade, Upper Schoolers deepen their scholarly pursuits and find their voices through a challenging, engaging educational experience that will make them life-long learners, lovers of the arts and athletics, and leaders in their communities. Students here truly discover their passions with our extensive co-curricular, arts, and athletics programs that nurture cooperation, collaboration, and creativity. From learning to leading, performing to competing, Upper Schoolers find support and encouragement from their peers as well as the team of dedicated educators who are committed to their success. With an emphasis on community and spirit, students form lasting friendships and become a part of the broader Garrison Forest alumnae network as they leave campus.
Upper School Highlights: Academic Opportunities
The focus of the Upper School experience is on providing rich and meaningful academic experiences for all students. Schedules and programs are built around the goal of ensuring students can excel and pursue opportunities that will deepen their learning. Hands-on experiences, personalized connections, and opportunities to present their work to peers make the academic program excellent preparation for college and beyond. Learn more about:
Opportunities designed to help students explore, engage, and contribute.
Women In Science and Engineering (WISE)
Our signature partnership with Johns Hopkins University, now in its 20th year.
An immersive learning program with Global Citizenship, STEM, Visual Art and Design, or a self-designed Independent Inquiry paths
EXTERNAL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A searchable list of external enrichment programs curated by the school
- Leadership: As the leaders of the school, Upper Schoolers find many opportunities to build communication, collaboration, planning, and organizational skills through leadership opportunities. A robust student government offers students in each grade the chance to lead their peers, while Spirit Captains lead the school in Spirit activities, and Residential Life students can step up to play important roles in our boarding program. Our extensive list of clubs, performing arts, and athletics teams offer additional opportunities for students to hold leadership positions.
- Student Success Network: A team of dedicated educators and administrators help each student path her individual path to success. This includes their teachers and advisors, of course, but also our Academic Resource team, counselors, program and club advisors, coaches, and our College Counseling department. Well before the college search process formally begins, our College Counseling team gets to know every student and provides helpful sessions for both students and parents.
- Advisory: Advisory groups meet every day and have extended time together at least once a week. It’s a chance for students to connect with peers they may not otherwise and to build a strong connection with a faculty member. Advisory activities often complement schoolwide initiatives or programs or offer an opportunity for reflection and sharing.
Upper School Traditions & Signature Experiences
Community Service
The student-led Service League coordinates service experiences in Baltimore and beyond, while the Jenkins Fellowship Program gives students opportunities for independent service learning.
Independent Senior Project
For two weeks at the end of 12th Grade, Seniors complete internships designed to introduce them to a field of interest.
Ring!
An enduring tradition that unites generations of Garrison Girls, Ring is a much-loved annual event for Juniors and Seniors
Grizzly Gathering
A weekly student-led Grizzly Gathering brings together the entire Upper School for announcements, celebrations, performances, and presentations.
Meet Your Upper School Administrative Team
ANDREA PERRY
Dean of Special Programs, Director of the James Center
(410) 559-3125 | andreaperry@gfs.org
CHRISTY COLE
Director of the Upper School Academic Resource Center
(410) 559-3124 | christycole@gfs.org