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.

By the Numbers

500

Students in High School

8:1

Student to Teacher Ratio

123

Courses Offered at the High School

1:1

9th graders all receive their own graphing calculator

60%

team sports participation each season

Signature Programs

Our Community
Community counts at the High School. First Friday celebrations in September and Community Day in May are bookends of the year, highlighting our genuine love of spending time together.
CONSENT SUMMIT
The student-directed Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent brings together students, teachers, and parents from around the country for conversations about change and support for survivors. Learn More »
Minimester
Minimester is a multi-day dive into topics designed to be immersive, experiential learning experiences without the confines of traditional schooling. Learn More »
Social Justice
Every February, our students participate in—and often lead—activities to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. during our MLK Social Justice Teach-in Days. Learn More »
STEAM

Our STEAM Conference brings students and faculty from regional schools together to discuss and participate in STEAM education, focusing on promoting engagement of underrepresented groups. Learn More »

Health & Wellness

Health Fair is a combination event that features fitness competitions and showcases health and wellness research projects from the 10th grade Physical Education program.

Student Identity & Voice

During the annual High School Identity Art Show, student artwork tells powerful, personal narratives. Learn More »

POLICY & ADVOCACY INSTITUTE

For four weeks during June and July, students learn about pressing social justice issues, such as veteran homelessness and affordable housing. Learn More »

Student-led Clubs & Activities

  • Nationally renowned Debate Team
  • The Augur Bit: Award-winning student-run newspaper
  • Fata Morgana: Student choreographed and performed dance troop
  • The Hop Shop: Student-created school store, which supports a different nonprofit monthly

Academic Highlights

  • GDS completed a three-year phasing out of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Faculty developed new curriculum in collaboration with the GDS Curriculum Review Committee to establish standards for Upper Level (UL) courses. UL courses represent the most challenging level of coursework offered at GDS, where students examine the material at the highest levels with sustained intellectual independence.

  • The Ninth Grade Seminar - Diversity and Equity: The Intersections of Identity focuses on identity and points of connections within groups. 
  • All seniors participate in a Senior Quest, or investigation, in which they apply their curiosity, talents, interests, skills, and knowledge to a question, task, creation, or issue of relevance to the student in particular as well as to a significant constituency outside of the GDS community. 
  • Each student benefits from a small group advisory, where they develop connections with students and their advisor. The advisor serves as the primary point of contact for the student and family on all matters.
  • The High School Innovation and Technology program offers electives catering to a wide range of abilities and experiences. These engaging, hands-on, challenge-based programs are designed to be meaningful, relevant, and truly fun. In GDS’s Maker Spaces and Innovation laboratories, students self-direct, using both contemporary and traditional fabrication tools with the guidance of a High School Maker in Residence and computer science teachers. 
  • Our three full-time college counselors work with each GDS student to support them throughout the college process.
Student smiling while reading a book.

Important Dates

The Latest on Instagram

Meet the High School Office

Yom Fox

High School Principal
School: 202-274-3285

Khalid Bashir

Assistant Principal for Academics, High School English Teacher, High School Women's Basketball Varsity Assistant Coach
School: 202-274-3263

Quinn Killy

Assistant Principal for School Life, High School Science Teacher, High School Men's Soccer Varsity Head Coach
School: 202-274-3186

Julie Stein

Class of 1999
Tenth Grade Dean; High School History Teacher
School: 202-274-3250

Greg Wong

Eleventh Grade Dean, Associate Director of College Counseling
School: 202-274-3184

Anna Howe

Twelfth Grade Dean; High School English Teacher
School: 202-274-3241

Anike Oliver

Ninth Grade Dean, High School Mathematics Teacher
School: 202-274-1698

David Sarpal

High School Office Manager
School: 202-274-3278

Mackenzie Territo

High School Office Manager
School: 202-274-3293