High School

On the cusp of adulthood, our high schoolers hone their gifts, commit themselves to inquiry and reflection, and prepare for a life of purpose.

That’s why we cultivate an environment of active engagement and purposeful exploration, so our students are prepared to thrive in the classroom, in college, and beyond. Students can shape their program and explore multiple opportunities for academic challenge in a curriculum that features advanced courses in nearly all disciplines. Combine that with our dynamic social landscape offering more than 90 student-run clubs and activities—it's no wonder GDS kids are multi-dimensional achievers and community members, self-starters and collaborators, athletes and artists, destined to excel as individuals and as agents of change.

500

students in High School,
9-12th grade

158

courses offered

12,983

collective hours HS students spent per year serving our communities

14

annual student performances

Signature Programs

9th Grade Seminar

Explore High School Curriculum

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) UL

Advanced Ceramics & Sculpture

Advanced Coding for Artificial Intelligence

Fall or Spring

Advanced Coding for Video Games

Fall

Advanced Digital Photography

Advanced Drawing & Painting

Advanced French Language and Culture

Advanced Latin Literature

Advanced Programming for Robotics

Fall
Not offered in 2025-26

Advanced Topics in Chinese Studies I

Advanced Topics in Chinese Studies II (UL)

Advanced Topics of the Spanish-Speaking World

African History

Student Life

GDS emphasizes a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and a healthy appreciation of their world and its opportunities. Get a feel for what a typical day is like for a GDS High School student with the example schedule shared below. (The HS operates on a block schedule; each day four “odd” or “even” classes meet.)

8:00-8:45 a.m.

Morning Flex Period

This is a time for students to meet with teachers during office hours, complete schoolwork, and connect with friends. School doesn’t officially start until 8:45 a.m.

Explore More

Traditions

Building community and a sense of belonging is at the heart of our GDS traditions. From our all-school celebrations to High School specialties, these traditions foster a shared identity that follows our Hoppers through to adulthood, creating fond memories, enhancing the learning experience, and building a holistic school culture.

LEARN MORE
about our all school traditions

Clubs & Activities

Debate
Model UN
Harvard Model Congress
Hopper Tank
Student Publications: Grasslands (Literary Magazine) & Augur Bit (Newspaper)
Sustainability Club
Buddy Program (through CEEL)
Fata Morgana (Dance company)
DECA
Affinity Groups - See the full list with descriptions on our DEI Page (link)
- Black Student Union
- CROWNS (Black, non-male)
- Gradient (LGBTQ+)
- Jewish Student Coalition

Health and Wellness

At GDS, we believe student health and wellness are the keys to unlocking potential—both in the classroom and beyond.

That’s why we go beyond the basics, building meaningful connections, weaving wellness into learning, and creating daily moments of balance and joy. From energizing activities to mindful breaks, everything we do is designed for students to thrive and build healthy habits for life.

Curriculum

In High School, various classes support students in understanding their growing minds and changing lives. Some examples include:

Health Education - Our combined health/P.E. classes for 9th and 10th graders teaches students to embrace physical activity, to think critically, to cooperate across difference, and to solve problems rationally.
Neuroscience - In this popular science elective, students gain a deep understanding of how their own brains work, how sometimes they don’t, and what we can do both on an individual and a collective level to help those who need support.
Youth Participatory Action Research - GDS supports a cohort of students each year who participate and design social science research studies to address an issue that they identify in their community. Two previous topics students have studied were 1) the politics of space and 2) socioeconomic status and sports.

Building Connections

GDS knows that when students feel seen and known, their academic success follows—as does the strength of our community. That’s why we invest time and energy into ensuring students are nurtured. Here’s a few of the ways:

Advisory - Weekly check-ins are where students develop connections with students and their advisor. The advisor serves as the primary point of contact for the student and family on all matters.
Cell-Phone Free - The GDS HS is phone-free during school hours, supporting an environment where face-to-face interactions are the norm. We believe this fosters stronger peer relationships, deepens teacher-student connections, and better supports student mental health—even as we also help students build healthier relationships with technology in an increasingly digitized world.
Surveys - Biannual surveys ask students to share how they feel about school, friendships, adult connections and more. We couple these data with faculty surveys to ensure all of our students have multiple connections to trusted adults.

Establishing Balance

GDS is committed to helping students understand the importance of finding balance. Here are some ways the High School helps student manage their time, reduce stress, and find a healthy equilibrium between schoolwork and mental health:

Academic Support - High School learning specialists support students in various ways, from individual assistance to group study skill workshops. Learn more about Academic support. (link to overall health and wellness page.)
Mental Health Teach-in Day - During this annual event underscoring the importance of mental health and wellness, students and faculty have an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, interactive workshops, and activities centered around well-being.
Days of Joy - Have you ever heard of Juice Box Day? How about Rubber Ducky Day? At the GDS HS, we understand the importance of intentionally creating moments of joy for our community. On these two days established by our Student Council, students