GMS Milestones

1996
Kathleen Bennett writes prospectus for The Girls' Middle School

September, 1998
GMS opens with a pioneer class of sixth-grade girls.

June, 2001
First GMS class graduates

August, 2005
Deb Hof takes over as Head of GMS

History

The Girls' Middle School exists because of the vision of one woman: Kathleen Bennett. A feminist with a life-long commitment to progressive education, a belief in the economic empowerment of women, and an advocate for educational equity, Kathleen envisioned a school that would nurture and empower a diverse group of girls during their crucial adolescent years.

In 1996, after writing a well-documented prospectus and business plan, Kathleen set out to raise the needed funding and develop community support for her concept.

Due to the generosity and hard work of numerous donors, volunteers, founding parents and dedicated teachers, GMS opened in September 1998 with a sixth-grade class of 35 girls. Each successive year saw the addition of the next grade until the pioneer class graduated in 2001. Kathleen served as Head of School during that three-year period, working to make her dream the reality that it is today.

Between the fall of 2001 and the spring of 2005, GMS was led by Margaret Scott. She continued to bring Kathleen's vision to fruition.