Students arrive as sixth graders to The Girls’ Middle School from a diverse array of Bay Area elementary schools. GMS provides a safe, supportive environment for incoming students with great attention and care paid to successfully supporting their transition into the community. From the moment students are accepted to GMS, they are welcomed by teachers, staff, students, and current families. A new family picnic is hosted in the spring before sixth-graders matriculate at GMS, allowing entering students to meet each other and their teachers before they begin school.

Once sixth graders arrive at GMS, they are part of an in-depth orientation program that familiarizes them with life at school. During the first month of school, all sixth graders embark together on a multi-day camping trip, which creates an excellent opportunity to get to know classmates and teachers. There are many other whole-class field trips, experiences, and celebrations throughout the school year which further develop this sense of community. Sixth-graders also have the opportunity to connect with older students through advisory, electives, Intersession, athletics, and after-school programs. The sixth-grade teaching team works together to ensure that students are engaged and supported throughout the year. Teachers at all grade levels meet bi-weekly to discuss grade level events and student progress, and they communicate regularly with each other as well as with parents.