80 Years and Counting!

Commemorating 80 years together as a school begins in August 2025, when GDS kicks off a year-long celebration filled with activities and events designed to honor our rich history, embrace the vitality of our present, and imagine the promise of our future.

Some may wonder why we are celebrating 80 years, a milestone that is not generally considered traditional for institutions. To answer that, we take you back to March 2020, as GDS was gearing up for our 75th year, set to be celebrated during the 2020-21 school year. COVID had other plans for all of us. While we were disappointed to put aside our 75th plans, we are determined to make up for it next year.

As we approach the 80th anniversary, we are called to reflect on our School’s audacious beginnings. The seven families who founded GDS acted in response to the injustices of their time—the segregation of DC-area schools and the global horrors of World War II, which exposed the devastating consequences of failing to see one another’s humanity. Their mission was radical: to build a racially integrated, multicultural school that honors differences, fosters understanding, and cultivates a deep sense of community through shared experiences. Our founders' vision challenged the status quo and planted the seeds for a hopeful and more just future.

As we look ahead, we recognize that GDS students will inherit a world marked by complexity and uncertainty—from climate change and global unrest to growing inequality and threats to democracy. In the spirit of our founders, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, empathy, and engaged citizenship. The charge is as urgent and essential today as it was when our first twelve students gathered in a DC row house decades ago.

Our anniversary will shine a spotlight on the people, values, and milestones that have shaped the School—and those that will guide our path forward. A dedicated group of faculty, administrators, parents, and alumni is working diligently to craft a series of inspiring events and gatherings as well as multimedia displays and presentations geared toward bringing together our community and celebrating our School. From a distinguished speaker series to community-wide celebrations, each moment will offer an opportunity to gather in joy, reflect with gratitude, and reaffirm our shared vision for the next 80 years of GDS.

Here are just a few of the events that are on the books. Be sure to save the dates! And keep an eye on your mail and email for more information about these and other events, as well as all the ways you can participate.

August 23, 2025: Kickoff Picnic
A festive start on campus to the 2025-26 school year and the anniversary celebration.

October 18, 2025: Country Market Day
GDS’s annual fall festival serves as the perfect occasion for a fun “birthday moment” commemorating the School’s official opening on October 22, 1945. 

November 19, 2025: Benjamin Cooper Memorial Lecture
This signature event, part of a year-long speaker series, will feature a not-to-be-missed guest–though we’re keeping the speaker a surprise for now! 

May 2, 2026 - Culminating Celebration
BIG, community party!
 

View 80th Anniversary Events!