This article was provided by Garrison Forest School.
Tucked away in picturesque Greenspring Valley but conveniently located off of Reisterstown Road, Garrison Forest School (GFS) has been providing a high-quality educational experience for more than 110 years. GFS offers an all-girls program from grades K-12, with a co-ed preschool and a boarding program for grades 8-12.
As they search for the right-fit school for their child, many parents discover that GFS offers a supportive community, enriching academics and caring environment where their child can thrive. Here are just some of the reasons GFS might be right place for your family:
1. Space to Explore
Students find plenty of room to explore and learn on GFS’s 110-acre campus. Tree-lined walkways provide a scenic backdrop, while younger students have fun, tend a garden, play music or conduct scientific observations in the outdoor classroom. The campus pond can be a place for scientific research, sketching or just reflecting. At a time when the health of the community is of paramount importance, outdoor spaces offer safer options for classes, lunchtime or just connecting with friends.
2. Financial Literacy in the Lower School
Since 2015, the unique Financial Literacy curriculum in the Lower School has taught students the importance of becoming financially competent and confident. The program includes presentations by banking professionals, authors and financial experts; learning about the stock market and participating in the Stock Market Game, where teams of students are given $100,000 virtual dollars to invest in the stock market, then track their portfolios throughout the year; and even an on-campus branch of M&T Bank with fourth graders serving as tellers as they learn more about the banking industry.
3. Project Innovate in Middle School
Each year during Project Innovate, seventh graders choose their topics of interest and work in small groups to spend the week doing market research, meeting with faculty and staff, and preparing proposed budgets. Their new initiatives and innovative solutions are ultimately presented to a panel of faculty and staff judges in a “Shark Tank”-style culmination to Project Innovate. Beyond just an assignment, Project Innovate is a key component of the integrative and dynamic Middle School signature projects in each grade — in-depth investigations by nature, with an interdisciplinary approach that gives way to cross-curricular connections. These projects target specific 21st-century skills, create more fluidity within the curriculum and build a stronger foundation of authentic interdisciplinary learning.
4. The Gateway to Success in STEM, Global Citizenship and Design
In the fall 2021, the GFS Upper School introduced the Global Gateway Scholars Program, an opportunity for Upper School students with a special interest in Global Citizenship, STEM or Visual Art and Design to craft a distinct curricular and co-curricular path. Supported by a network of on- and off-campus mentors, each Gateway Scholar creates an immersive learning program designed to challenge them, enrich their experience, deepen their understanding and document their process of discovery. Within each track, the program combines required coursework designed to build fluency with a wide selection of co-curricular and experiential learning options. Students will work with advisors to create the combination of requirements that will be most interesting and meaningful for each student’s individual path. Finally, each track culminates in the creation of a portfolio meant to encapsulate their learning and experiences throughout the program and in certification in their chosen areas of focus.
5. Welcoming Global Community
The Residential Life program at GFS welcomes students from the United States and around the world to live on campus. The boarding experience is fully integrated into the school’s educational philosophy, with a strong program that prioritizes character development, global competency and wellness. Supported by a caring network of faculty who also live on campus, boarding students gain independence and confidence as they learn about and from one another. Weekly programming doesn’t end at shopping trips and fun outings (although those are offered as well!); as boarders, students participate in a residential curriculum that continues their personal growth and offers unique leadership opportunities. Living and leading in the residence halls is an unparalleled way to not only develop a sense of self but gain many of the soft skills needed in life.
6. Reaching New Heights with Riding and Polo
GFS provides a wide range of equestrian options, including a comprehensive riding program and an exciting polo program. The Garrison Forest Riding Program is designed to provide riders of all ages and levels a place to grow their skills and confidence. From Lower Schoolers learning the basics to our riding teams who compete at the highest levels nationally, our caring and skilled faculty are dedicated to providing a safe, fun, challenging and rewarding experience for every rider. In addition, GFS is the only girls’ school in the United States to offer polo. Since the late 1970s, when the polo program was founded, GFS teams have been playing against co-ed and all-male teams across the country. This fast-paced game puts skill, riding, strategy and teamwork to the test.
7. Fun Foundations in Co-Ed Preschool
In the Garrison Forest Preschool, the youngest learners develop a love of learning through hands-on activities and exploration of the campus. The Preschool program focuses on the cognitive, social, physical and emotional development of each child in a joyful environment. With flexible options for ages two through Pre-Kindergarten, the GFS preschool provides a strong beginning for every child to grow into a compassionate, confident learner and leader!
Learn more about the full Garrison Forest School experience at gfs.org. Or, plan a visit at gfs.org/visit.
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