Middle School Guide | Girls Preparatory School

MIDDLE SCHOOL W H ERE SH E WA N TS TO G O

our mission

Girls Preparatory School inspires each girl to lead a life of integrity and purpose by engaging her mind, cultivating her strengths, and nurturing her self-confidence and respect for others.

our founders

Tommie Payne Duffy | Grace Eliza McCallie | Eula Lea Jarnagin “Three Muses” by Eve Oldham-Harris '60

Designed for Her Students in Middle School at GPS experience a collaborative environment where learning is allencompassing. Just as important as her mastery of academic disciplines, a girl needs to acquire skills that will equip her for personal growth and success outside of school. Our approach addresses girls’ intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development.

Celebrating each girl Our vision celebrates each girl for the unique gifts she brings to our school, on campus and off, while we prioritize healthy connections and relationships, fostering a culture where she is known, she is heard, and she is empowered to use her voice.

This culture of acceptance and belonging nurtures her and lifts her up in mind, body, and spirit so that she can find her place and discover her potential with confidence and joy for dynamic engagement within a rapidly changing world.

"From our first visit at GPS, we felt welcomed. This has carried over into Emma's time at GPS with all of her teachers and coaches. We have watched our daughter excel and become a more confident and independent girl at a school she loves."

—BROOKE HALUSK A P’30

"GPS provides such strong support and experiences for girls. Being involved in athletics was a big part of my support system, but I was always amazed by the opportunities at GPS." —K AMRI CHESTER BUSBY ’08, P’28

“GPS brings out the best in our daughters and they have never been happier. Both have thrived in and out of the classroom thanks to the intentionality of their teachers, encouragement of their coaches, school leadership that knows each girl, and a community of girls who cheer each other on. Witnessing older girls mentor and encourage the younger students has demonstrated that GPS develops the type of girl who we want our daughters to be.

—BETSEY K ATES P’28, ’30

“Scott and I are so thankful for the relationships, experiences, and education our girls are receiving at GPS. We are seeing them grow and flourish in an all-girls environment that gives them the confidence they need to be themselves and to try new things.”

—AMANDA BOWEN P’29, ’30

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math At GPS, we have changed the narrative in STEM, particularly as it applies to girls.

Our students discover a passion for and go on to pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields at a rate higher than the national average for women. Of members of the GPS Classes of 2013-16 who have graduated college (since 2020), 36 percent obtained a degree in a STEM field, and 86 percent graduated in four years or fewer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AT A GLANCE

In addition to traditional math and science courses, GPS Middle School students dive deeper into the cornerstones of STEM through computer science and engineering classes and clubs that focus on building problem-solving skills.

STEM 6 | Introduces concepts such as

computational thinking, algorithm development, logic, and program design

STEM 7 | Incorporates computer science,

technology, and engineering principles to emphasize research, teamwork, digital organization, creativity, and problem-solving skills

STEM 8 | Takes a deeper dive into design thinking and prototype creation using virtual reality, video, animation, podcast production, 3D printing, drone programming, and robotics

Read about our STEM learning philosophy on our blog!

Library and Makerspace No limits to what she can do!

GPS students benefit from one of the best-equipped libraries and makerspace studios in the region. Here everything is hands-on—from the books and 3D printers to the robotics studios. Girls can explore and learn with anything they can imagine, thereby increasing their mastery and confidence with technology.

OUR LIBRARY AND MAKERSPACE INCLUDE:

+ Databases including EBSCO Discovery Service + An ever-expanding reading collection organized by genre + Ten virtual reality stations with software integration across curricula + 3D printing studio with large platform printers + Hologram fans + Driving simulators

+ Woodworking equipment includes a wood-turning lathe, band saw, scroll saws, hand-held belt sander, and desktop belt sander + Audio recording studios feature mixing boards and computer with audio recording/editing software + Video editing stations with software + Green screen studio + Large collection of GraviTrax track systems

+ Robotics and electronics studio with Makeblock robots, Spheros, Sphero Minis, remote control vehicles, coding drones, and 12 soldering stations, as well as a wide variety of electronic components + Makerspace includes a laser cutter, drill presses, cordless hand tools, grinding wheels, glass working band saws, a band saw, vacuum former, tile saws, and hot glue guns

Tiered Learning GPS Middle School offers a learner-centered program that lays the foundation for students’ academic and personal paths while developing the vital skills for their future success in Upper School and in life.

Academics Intellectual development is a process, therefore each grade in Middle School is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills attained during the previous grade. This approach allows each girl to gradually and appropriately take ownership of her learning journey.

6th

GRADE

Emphasis is placed on providing a positive and individualized onboarding for each girl so she can: + Achieve a sense of belonging and interpersonal connection through small-group learning + Gain her footing academically + Build a common foundation of skills competency + Embrace the value of a multidisciplinary approach

7th

GRADE

Girls build acuity in their academic skills through: + Increased emphasis on collaborative classroom experiences

8th

GRADE

Emphasis is on the application of acquired skills, student-driven educational experiences, and readiness for Upper School through:

+ Development of communication skills

+ Defining and articulating areas of strength and interest

+ Learning to ask questions, identify problems, and complete problemsolving exercises

+ Sharpening academic abilities + Honing study and organizational skills to support increased academic challenges

+ A gradual increase in academic challenges

+ Practicing time management with free study periods

+ Opportunities to take risks, try new experiences, and gain confidence

+ A focus on resilience versus perfection

Social-Emotional Curriculum The Middle School years are a time of many changes in the life of a girl. It is important that she be equipped to understand and process the emotional, physical, and social aspects of adolescence along with her academics.

6

Skills

7

Human Growth and Development

8th

Health and Wellness

th

GRADE

th

GRADE

GRADE

This course lays the foundation for the Health and Wellness Curriculum by introducing skills essential for being a successful GPS student. Topics include study skills, organization, self-awareness, boundaries with peers, personal hygiene, and how our brains and bodies work. Students will work on staying healthy, managing stress and anxiety, communicating effectively with peers and teachers, resolving conflict with others, using social media and technology appropriately, and maintaining self-esteem.

In this course, students learn how brains and bodies develop and about human reproduction.

Through discussion, students explore adolescent emotions, practice resolving conflict, and identify choices that nurture our bodies and brains through nutrition education and proper hygiene practices. Objectives include self-care, self-esteem, boundary setting, and finding balance. Emphasis is placed on self in the context of relationships.

Students spend the year learning about wellness strategies related to their overall physical, social, and emotional growth. The girls learn to make informed decisions based upon factual information while covering a variety of topics such as nutrition, social media use, and positive relationships that are important to young girls as they progress through their teenage years. This class gives girls the tools they need to make good, healthy decisions as they encounter new freedoms and experiences.

Fine & Performing Arts The Fine & Performing Arts Program at GPS provides inspiring spaces for a girl to express herself, develop new interests, take risks, uncover hidden talents, and foster deep connections.

In Middle School, GPS students are introduced to and encouraged to try the full gamut of arts offerings including visual, vocal, instrumental, theater, and more. Even when she steps outside her interests or comfort zone, participation in the arts will help her learn more about herself and maybe even find a new passion that she can home in on in the Upper School!

38

GPS ARTS AT A GLANCE

Fine Arts Courses

3

Instrumental Music Groups

3

3 Major Theater Productions Each Year

13

Coordinate Arts Activities with McCallie

Not every girl will become an artist, but each girl learns to be a creator. Scan the QR code to learn more about Fine & Performing Arts at GPS.

Dance Groups

2

Vocal Music Ensembles

Karen Kal K AREN K AL had some preconceived notions about GPS when she started as a sixth-grader, thinking it would be super serious.

She now admits she couldn’t have been more wrong. Students are always joking around and playing a lot. It’s way more fun than I expected.”

Karen chose to attend GPS because she liked how many different activities were offered, she loved the lunch, and many of her friends wanted to come here as well. She even loved the uniforms!

But, with any change comes uncertainty. “I was nervous to actually start school because I wondered, What if I’m the only one who plays an instrument here?” she admits. “But getting used to the school made it all easier, and it helped that all my classmates were new, too.”

Karen has found her place in the GPS Fine & Performing Arts Department with ease. She plays violin in the GPS | McCallie Honors Orchestra and also in the Chattanooga Youth Symphony. But that hasn’t gotten in her way when it comes to trying new activities—she was a member of the sixth-grade cheerleading team and has loved participating in the GPS House Team events. (She is Team Duffy through and through.)

A confident girl, Karen doesn’t let obstacles get in her way. In fact, she welcomes challenges and recognizes the possibilities ahead of her. She’s even considered what she wants to do when she grows up. “I want to be a pediatrician. Or an architect.

A pediatrician so I can take care of kids and make them feel better, and an architect because a friend of mine wants to be an interior designer, and we thought it would make sense to go into business together.” Entrepreneurs already!

Gracie Wilbourn GRACIE WILBOURN says coming to GPS was like entering a whole new world. “I was thinking it would be this strict school that had lots of rules you had to follow, but it was so different,” she says. “Everyone is so nice! The teachers are loving, kind, and sweet. It’s really fun to be here!”

Gracie plays softball—“I’m a pitcher, third baseman, and first baseman,” she notes—and she is excited to join the varsity team when she’s older. In addition to the competitive side of athletics, she enjoys the camaraderie that comes with playing on a team.

“I think my favorite part of softball last year was probably just hanging out with friends and spending quality time with them.”

Friends at GPS come naturally, though students can be a bit nervous about any differences they may face. “I’m a type 1 diabetic, and I thought people might judge me since my phone will alert if my sugar is high or low, but it's been really easy to make friends, and my friendships have just been growing.”

Gracie will likely be a multi-sport athlete during her time at GPS—she tried basketball for the first time in sixth grade and plans to play volleyball and soccer. “At GPS, there are so many opportunities,” she says. “Teachers can help you with anything you have questions about. I actually want to be a teacher at GPS when I grow up because I have enjoyed my English class so much. My teacher is so funny!”

Athletics The GPS Athletics mission teaches girls to be team players, understand the importance of mental toughness, accept challenges enthusiastically, and value strength, fitness, stamina, and good health. Ultimately, the GPS athletic environment is about aiming to be the very best on the field of competition, in the classroom, and in life.

GPS WAS THE FIRST SCHOOL IN CHATTANOOGA TO OFFER GIRLS:

1909 Basketball 1974 Golf

did you know?

GPS has adopted a no-cut policy for Middle School sports, which allows any girl who wants to try something new an opportunity to learn and grow!

84%

1994 Rowing 2005 Lacrosse

Middle School Sports

Varsity Sports

2022 Squash

of Middle School students participate in sports, compared to 36.8% of all girls in TN

20% Since 2003: 25 State Titles 45 Region Championships

On average 20% of GPS athletes commit to play sports in college, which is about three times the national average for both boys and girls.

We play to win, but not just on the field. Scan the QR code to learn more about Athletics at GPS.

Beyond the Classroom CLUBS

CLASS RETREATS

Girls participate in a club elective of their choice. The wide variety of club offerings allows our girls to explore additional interests and passions outside of their daily courses. Examples include Entrepreneurship Club, Kindness Club, Girls Who Code, Book Club, Art Club, and more!

Our Middle School retreats allow girls to build and strengthen their bonds with each other and their teachers the very first week of school. With activities designed to foster team building and connection, these adventures help create a cohesive class spirit, promote character development, and encourage girls to form friendships with classmates who will be their GPS sisters for life.

AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

While the school day will certainly be full, we recognize that Middle School girls have many different passions, skills, and abilities beyond our diverse curriculum. Therefore, we created a program to cultivate those interests through our After-School Enrichment Programs at no additional cost to families. Middle School girls are required to participate in an after-school activity of her choosing—from athletics to arts and more!

WINTERIM

COORDINATE PROGRAM

While we recognize and appreciate the all-girls environment at GPS and its proven benefits, it's also important to help our students grow in their ability to communicate well and establish healthy relationships with male peers. Our coordinate program with our brother school, McCallie, allows both our students and theirs to reap the benefits of a singlesex education while still having an abundant number of ways to have fun, work side-by-side, and make lasting friendships.

Each February, our Middle School girls participate in a highly anticipated week of learning and bonding outside the classroom. Winterim offers each girl the opportunity to engage in grade-level activities she might not otherwise be able to explore during the school year. Each experience is carefully curated by the Middle School faculty to encompass both experiential learning opportunities tied to the curriculum and time to have fun and build relationships with classmates.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

At GPS, every leadership position is held by a girl!

Even in Middle School, students learn to lead classroom discussions, small group projects, clubs, and organizations. Here, leadership of all kinds is cultivated and encouraged in our students.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the student experience at GPS.

Molly Ransom WHEN MOLLY RANSOM STARTED AT GPS, she was a little

bit nervous, since she knew only two other people, but her fears were quickly assuaged. “I felt like I had my place as soon as I came here because everyone was so welcoming and I could just fit in,” she says.

One of the main reasons Molly chose to attend GPS was to form friendships. Her elementary school class didn’t have many girls in it, so most of her friends were boys. “It was really just my best friend and me, and I wanted to make some girlfriends I could connect with,” she explains. “There are so many different types of girls at GPS that it was easy to make friends. We were all coming from different places, so we knew we were in the same boat and were all in this together.”

As an athlete—Molly already played basketball and swam when she started at GPS, and she picked up cheerleading once she got here—she assumed that’s where she would have the most fun, but she has actually enjoyed trying some other activities that were a bit more out of her comfort zone. “My favorite class so far has probably actually been theater,” she says. “I’ve never been one to like the arts really … they were just never my thing, but our teacher was so great and made me love it! It was an amazing experience.”

Another part of her day that she really enjoys?

Help Class time. “That’s when I get most of my homework done so I don’t have to do it when I get home,” she says. “It’s nice having time during the day to get it all done.

So Much More to Experience We recognize that selecting a school is a life-changing decision.

While there are many options for a private school education in our region, we believe that GPS is the best independent school for girls.

Inquire Complete the form at GPS.edu/Inquire to receive correspondence from GPS and stay up-to-date on upcoming events.

Tour

Visit

Step on campus and see for yourself why we are best for girls. Tours are led

by Admission Counselors and Student Ambassadors. Your daughter is welcome to attend. Visit GPS.edu/Tour.

Experience GPS and discover the breadth of our programs by attending one of our upcoming Admission events.

Visit GPS.edu/Events for event details and registration.

2 0 5 I S L A N D AV E N U E C H AT TA N O O G A , T E N N E S S E E 3 74 0 5 GPS.EDU ©NOV2023

Scan the QR code to learn more about the Upper School experience at GPS.