Welcome to GDS
Where joyful learning leads to meaningful impact in a changing world.
At GDS, our dynamic education experience is powered by joyful, engaged students and guided by talented teachers who identify and unleash each child's unique gifts, while instilling the value of working for the good of others.
At GDS, we cultivate a warm, diverse, inclusive community, where we nurture and support students to become comfortable with who they are. Confident in their own voice. Courageous in their pursuit of excellence. Committed to leaving the world better than they found it.
Our Divisions
79%
of faculty with advanced degrees
15
Years Average length of tenure at GDS
#1
U.S. Ranking of High School student sense of belonging according to Stanford's Challenge Success survey
94%
of alumni would recommend GDS to others
5000+
GDS alumni and growing
- Learn Joyfully.
- Live Purposefully.
![Fatmata Koroma]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1733452789/gdsorg/clqsqiwetnoy3pzbs27w/Koroma_Fatmata_69240021.jpg","width":2200}])
![Creating New Connections to People and Places From Home]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1733445734/gdsorg/nxf04otlg1k45tvgecbz/3rd_Immigration_2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1733445734/gdsorg/nxf04otlg1k45tvgecbz/3rd_Immigration_2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1733445734/gdsorg/nxf04otlg1k45tvgecbz/3rd_Immigration_2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1733445734/gdsorg/nxf04otlg1k45tvgecbz/3rd_Immigration_2024.jpg","width":1000}])
![Nancy Visiting with her granddogs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732042832/gdsorg/mzrfbtwzwsv3pn1bchoc/Nancy_Sierra-2024-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732042832/gdsorg/mzrfbtwzwsv3pn1bchoc/Nancy_Sierra-2024-1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732042832/gdsorg/mzrfbtwzwsv3pn1bchoc/Nancy_Sierra-2024-1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732042832/gdsorg/mzrfbtwzwsv3pn1bchoc/Nancy_Sierra-2024-1.png","width":1000}])
![Meet Chris Coogen!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732042027/gdsorg/hihjlzeevwvqacnx2krk/Coogen_Chris_7415572.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732042027/gdsorg/hihjlzeevwvqacnx2krk/Coogen_Chris_7415572.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732042027/gdsorg/hihjlzeevwvqacnx2krk/Coogen_Chris_7415572.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732042027/gdsorg/hihjlzeevwvqacnx2krk/Coogen_Chris_7415572.jpg","width":1000}])
![Works of Art that Honor a Day of Celebration of Life’s Continuity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731954836/gdsorg/lquhrll9ahxjl9968rg2/Dia_de_los_muertos_thumb_2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731954836/gdsorg/lquhrll9ahxjl9968rg2/Dia_de_los_muertos_thumb_2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731954836/gdsorg/lquhrll9ahxjl9968rg2/Dia_de_los_muertos_thumb_2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731954836/gdsorg/lquhrll9ahxjl9968rg2/Dia_de_los_muertos_thumb_2024.jpg","width":1000}])
![Getting into the Spirits of Things]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731951048/gdsorg/qkehfkovloi3ur0qkyyt/Halloween_parade_2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731951048/gdsorg/qkehfkovloi3ur0qkyyt/Halloween_parade_2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731951048/gdsorg/qkehfkovloi3ur0qkyyt/Halloween_parade_2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731951048/gdsorg/qkehfkovloi3ur0qkyyt/Halloween_parade_2024.jpg","width":1000}])
![November Accolades]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732145722/gdsorg/jfjnicgdlc2zh22265ua/NovemberAccolades_2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732145722/gdsorg/jfjnicgdlc2zh22265ua/NovemberAccolades_2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732145722/gdsorg/jfjnicgdlc2zh22265ua/NovemberAccolades_2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732145722/gdsorg/jfjnicgdlc2zh22265ua/NovemberAccolades_2024.jpg","width":1000}])
![An Art Excursion that Leaves an Impression]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731942027/gdsorg/phxxbphcbhpgsv64re2d/ImpressionistPainting.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731942027/gdsorg/phxxbphcbhpgsv64re2d/ImpressionistPainting.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731942027/gdsorg/phxxbphcbhpgsv64re2d/ImpressionistPainting.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731942027/gdsorg/phxxbphcbhpgsv64re2d/ImpressionistPainting.jpg","width":1000}])
![October 2024 Accolades]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730297469/gdsorg/fpoue9twlzfghayzpomy/Oct2024_accolades.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730297469/gdsorg/fpoue9twlzfghayzpomy/Oct2024_accolades.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1730297469/gdsorg/fpoue9twlzfghayzpomy/Oct2024_accolades.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730297469/gdsorg/fpoue9twlzfghayzpomy/Oct2024_accolades.jpg","width":1200}])
Alumni Changing the World
Innovators and communicators, advocates and thinkers—GDS alumni are leaders in a wide variety of fields and sectors. We’re proud of our GDS alumni. Get to know some of these remarkable individuals.
Tenley Peterson
What do I love about GDS? Its commitment to social justice, the unparalleled academics, and the incredible people that make up the community.Alum '09
Tenley Peterson
Your dedication in making sure students engage in the GDS mission is much appreciated! #ChangeMakers #FutureSocialJusticeLeadersParent of Alum '19
Tenley Peterson
Thank you for making this year such a joyful, inspiring, and enriching experience for our daughter. You have inspired and supported her, encouraged and celebrated her, and have been such a warm, and accessible teacher and friend to us.Parent of Class of '21
Tenley Peterson
GDS has and continues to be a special place for me.Alum '96
Tenley Peterson
The seeds GDS sows have empowered our kids to be change agents, and we can't thank you enough.Parent of Alums '11, '13 & '15