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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GMS philosophy?
We see GreenMount School as a diverse community where children are given the space and time to learn, and the encouragement to succeed. Students develop academic, behavioral, and personal skills that enable them to thrive in different environments. The curriculum is connected to or grounded in real-life experiences. It is creative, multi-cultural, community-based, and centered on experiential learning through thematic curricula.

Why was GMS created in the first place?
GMS grew out of a unique parent-initiated project in a Baltimore public elementary school. In 1989, the six founding mothers collaborated on a project which sought to introduce child-centered education into a traditional school program. After advocating for five years in the public school system, the founders embarked on a do-it-yourself course. The school philosophy evolved from their experience as parents, teachers, and education advocates.

Where are GMS families from?
Currently, ninety percent of our families reside in Baltimore City, however, we have accepted and continue to accept students from surrounding counties.

What is the basis of the instructional program?
The key to GMS lies not only in what we teach, but how we teach it. Our mission is to provide multicultural, cooperative, experiential, and creative education. We firmly believe that students learn just as much—if not more—from each other and from interacting directly with the world than they do in the way that you probably learned—behind a desk, in a row, with eyes on the teacher. We know that learning involves making connections and that those connections depend on what the individual brings to learning—prior knowledge and past experience. In this sense we incorporate the tenants of a constructivist curriculum, especially as it relates to building on three themes throughout the year. We are consistently mindful of learning styles and the multiple intelligences, fully realizing that we all learn differently. We strive to create a place where all are respected, honored and celebrated for their differences, therefore creating a school where we can all be comfortable with what we can bring to the learning table. And perhaps most importantly, we seek to have our students take responsibility for their own learning, allowing the space to make mistakes, but helping them to be powerful in the face of challenges. When you visit GMS you will see students who construct knowledge through discussion, debate, hypothesis, investigation and research.

Tuition
The median Maryland independent school tuition for K-8 schools is $18,000 per year. Currently (2011-2012), tuition at The GreenMount School is $8,550 per year.

Size
Full enrollment from grades K-8 is 94. For the 2011-2012 school year the teacher to student ratio is 1:12. When one considers additional part-time teachers, the ratio is even lower.

Enrichment programs
Cultural Studies, Explorations, Art, Music, Physical Education, Apprenticeship Program, International Exchange Program, Habits and Community Day

Three thematic units per year
All themes end with a culminating event that allows students to experience the process of production and presentation.

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences
It's not whether you are smart, but how you are smart. GMS makes an effort to incorporate as many multiple intelligences as possible across disciplines, age groups, and ability levels.

Family cooperative
This means that all custodial parents and guardians are required to take on a "co-op job" or pay additional fees to support the operation of the school. This allows us to keep our operating costs lower and still complete all of the necessary tasks in running the school. It also sends a message to our children: Parents care deeply about education—enough to commit time and energy to the school.

GMS participates in an international exchange program
We initiated this program in 1999. For the past six years, 8th grade students have participated in an exchange program with students from Barcelona, Spain, where our students lived with local families and attended a local school for a week or two. After our students returned from Spain, GMS families hosted the Catalan students who came to Baltimore and attended school with us. They also visited local sites—from DC to the Towson Mall—creating a true international exchange. Graduates frequently recall this experience as their most memorable educational experience at GMS.

Apprenticeship Program
This program provides the opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students to gain confidence and master interactive personal skills through real-life work experience. They spend one afternoon per week serving as apprentices in local businesses and organizations. From completing an employment application, to making a good impression at an interview, to assuming responsibility for their actions within the workplace, every step of the apprenticeship process is a learning experience for students and gives them a glimpse into their potential beyond home and school settings. They have baked confections at the Ace of Cakes, stocked shelves at Eddies grocery, cashiered at skate shops, assisted in batting cages, blown glass for glassmakers, and done research projects for the Audubon Society.

School hours
School begins at 8:15 am and ends at 3:15 pm, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, school begins at 8:15 am and ends at 12:00 noon.

Before-school care
At this time, there is no before-school care, however, students can be dropped off at school as early as 8 am.

After-school care
After-school care is provided by The Open Door. It is available from 3:30 PM to 6:15 PM, Monday through Thursday, and on Friday from 12:15 pm to 6:15 pm.

Does GMS accept students with learning differences?
While some minor learning differences can be addressed at GMS, the school does not offer a special education program or employ specially-trained teachers or support staff.

Is there a dress code at GMS?
Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. Students do not wear uniforms.