Our mission is to provide a creative education for grades 1 through 8 (K-8 starting Fall 08)—emphasizing multicultural, cooperative, and experiential learning and supported by strong family participation.

Below are the five hallmarks of the GMS learning environment. Together, they create an educational approach that is real-world, multidisciplinary, cross-cultural, service-oriented, character-building—and fun!

GMS students hone their skills in a range of disciplines to investigate four thematic topics a year. Recent themes have included “The Olympics,” “India,” “Immigration, Industry, and Idealism: The Gilded Age in the U.S.,” and “Give Me Shelter.” Each theme culminates in a school-wide event produced and presented by the students.

GMS students learn the value of being able to understand, appreciate, and get along with people from other cultures and backgrounds. While this can be a lifetime’s work, we move our students in this direction through cultural studies, character education, and community service. Eighth graders go on a week-long international trip, part of which they spend living with host families and attending local schools.

The Explorations program for grades 1 through 8 centers on ecological exploration and study. The program builds understanding and appreciation of the natural world through classroom time, hikes along a nearby creek, work in the school garden, environmental service projects, and overnight camping trips.

During the spring semester, seventh and eighth graders intern one afternoon a week at local businesses and service organizations. At the end of their assignments, the students reflect on what they have gained and how they have contributed.

At GMS, parents are a vital part of the team. Beyond involvement with their own child’s education, we ask each parent to contribute at least forty hours a year to some aspect of school operations.