Our School Day Begins/Morning Meeting

In each LS homeroom, students start their day connecting with each other, reviewing the schedule for the day, and grounding themselves before learning.

Science

Dedicated science spaces are available in all LS grades, where young scientists complete labs, explore the world around them, and ask and answer scientific questions creatively, collaboratively, and independently. 

P.E.

At GDS, we believe students need multiple opportunities throughout the day to move their bodies—and in the LS, daily P.E. class helps students focus on athletic skill building and team building.

Math

All students are mathematicians at GDS, where we emphasize building reasoning abilities and understanding math facts in order to apply them, not just rote memorization. 

Arts (Visual and Performing)*

Students in all LS grades participate in weekly music and dance classes. By first grade, students also access our sun-filled visual arts studios, where students explore their creativity. In fourth grade, students can join band, chorus, or dance enrichment classes.

Lunch & Recess

A nutritious meal is served every day in our café, where students have access to a salad bar, hot meal (including vegetarian options), pasta bar, and more. Check out the menu

Our world-class playground provides multiple opportunities for creative outdoor play. Take a slide! 

Language Arts

In LS language arts, students become fluent readers and writers, as well as effective communicators and listeners across multiple human perspectives, equipping them with the skills to think critically and work collaboratively. 

Social Studies

Students in LS develop a meaningful understanding of  the world, view history through multiple lenses, and develop their strength of character and empathy to reflect upon and advocate for social justice in the world.

Pack-Up and Closing Circle

In each LS homeroom, students end their day reconnecting with each other and getting ready to head home.

Dismissal

PK-2 is dismissed at 3:00 p.m., while grades 3-4 is dismissed at 3:30

Our School Day Begins/Advisory

MS students begin their day in their advisories, made intimate with an average of 11 members. Most GDS MS students report that they have an adult to connect with at school, and advisory is a place focused on building that strong adult-student partnership. 

Science

MS scientists experience lab work, applying the scientific method and the engineering design process, while studying Earth science, coding and robotics, engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics across their four years of middle school.

History

MS historians think analytically, evaluate sources, and engage in research to study the past, make connections to the present day, and understand how they can be agents of change.

Languages

GDS MS students have a choice of taking Chinese,  French, or Spanish, developing language proficiency and learning about world cultures.

Lunch, Recess, Clubs

A nutritious meal is served every day in our café, where students have access to a salad bar, hot meal (including vegetarian options), pasta bar, and more. Check out the menu

MS students need to move their bodies, too: our world-class playground provides multiple opportunities to play and hang out with friends.
Take a slide! 

This is also the time of day when clubs meet. See the list of student-led offerings below.

English

MS students head to high school with a solid literary base, strong writing skills, and the ability to discuss a wide range of ideas in order to effect change in the world.

Math

MS mathematicians think critically,  justify their reasoning, and build conceptual understanding. They work in collaborative spaces where persistence, multiple perspectives, and learning from setbacks and success are nurtured.

Arts

As students grow in the Arts program, they first rotate through a required core curriculum (in 5th-6th grade: studio arts, theater, and music) and an elective enrichment curriculum (band, chorus, and dance) to an all enrichment curriculum in 7th-8th grade with studio arts, theater, and innovation as additional options.

Athletics/P.E.

MS P.E. and athletics provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become physically active over a lifetime. 

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.

1st Period - Science 

GDS HS science classes are driven by the belief that science literacy requires both an understanding of the fundamental concepts that underpin all of nature and the investigative skills necessary for their discovery. 

2nd Period - History

HS historians explore diverse historical, economic, and political developments, making connections, discerning patterns, and perceiving the contingencies of the past.

Advisory/Assembly/Community Time/Monday Meeting/Class Meetings

HS students begin Wednesday in advisory, with an average of 8 members. Most GDS HS students report that they have an adult to connect with at school, and advisory is a place focused on building that strong partnership.

3rd Period - Languages

Students have access to courses from introductory to upper level, across four language programs: Chinese, French, Spanish, and Latin. 

4th Period - Performing/Studio Arts/Computer Science & Innovation or Electives

With a wealth of electives on offer, students can pursue excellence in dozens of performing and studio arts classes, along with intro through advanced courses in coding, engineering, robotics and more.

Lunch/Open Campus

GDS HS students enjoy the privilege of Open Campus, which allows students to depart campus during their free periods and lunch. Lunch is not provided for HS students; in addition to visiting food trucks, many students bring their own lunch and eat in the Forum or outdoors.

5th/6th Periods - Math

HS mathematicians develop a high level of skill and deep understanding of mathematics principles while building their enthusiasm and confidence through a wide range of flexible course opportunities. The GDS HS math curriculum is one of the most advanced among area independent schools.

7th/8th Periods - English

Our English HS students interact with works of literature to discover their most inventive thinking and hone their powers of written and spoken communication in order to participate in the most crucial conversations about the world and our place in it.

Afternoon Flex Period

During this additional time in the day, teachers remain available to meet with students, and students may start on homework before athletics or after-school extracurriculars begin.