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Student laughing with classmates.
  • High
  • School
On the cusp of adulthood, our high schoolers hone their gifts, commit themselves to others, and prepare to enter the great conversations of life.
 

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 75 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
  • Award-winning student-run newspaper, The Augur Bit
  • Student choreographed and performed dance troop, Fata Morgana
  • Student-created school store, which supports a different nonprofit monthly, The Hop Shop

Academic Highlights

  • Advanced study is offered across all disciplines, including the opportunity for independent study. GDS encourages all students to pursue their individual passions while exploring our diverse curriculum.
  • GDS is phasing out AP classes. We have committed to ending classes with the AP designation by 2022, in order to engage students in curriculum focused on authentic learning, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary explorations.
  • 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

Katie Gibson

High School Principal
School: 202-274-3285

Khalid Bashir

Assistant Principal for Academics, High School English Teacher
School: 202-274-3263

Quinn Killy

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

Abe Pachikara

Ninth Grade Dean; High School History Teacher
School: 202-274-3256

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

Kelly Morris

High School Office Manager
School: 202-274-3278

Derek Brunn

Program Associate for Curriculum & Instruction, HS Men's Lacrosse Varsity Assistant Coach
School: 202-274-3187