GMS at a Glance
The Girls’ Middle School, founded by Kathleen Bennett in 1998, is an all-girls school for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. GMS educates girls at a crucial time in life. We create an inclusive environment where academic growth is nourished. A GMS girl discovers her strengths and expresses her voice while respecting the contributions of others.
Enrollment
Approximately 190 students with an average class size of 16
Hours
The school day is 8:20 am – 3:20 pm.
Students may arrive as early as 7:45 am.
Wednesday is an early-release day 8:20 am – 2:40 pm.
After school activities are available until 5 pm.
Tuition for 2020-2021
The tuition for all students in the 2020-21 academic year is $37,300. Homework club and course textbooks are included. Additional costs for uniforms, hot lunch, and some afterschool activities are not included in the tuition amount.
Financial Assistance
GMS offers financial assistance for families who qualify. There are two options: Financial Aid and The Bennett Scholars Program.
Major School Dates
2019-2020 School Year
Sixth Grade Orientation: August 20 and 21, 2019
First day of classes for all students: August 22, 2019
Last day of classes for all students: June 2, 2020
Graduation: June 3, 2020
After School Options
- Athletics and Team Sports – softball, flag football, cross-country, swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, track, and golf
- Homework Club – a no-cost homework space from the end of school day to 5 pm, Monday through Friday
- After School Activities – musical theatre, yoga, public speaking, cooking, music, and more
Transportation
GMS partners with Zum transportation to offer a shuttle service from the Mountain View Castro Caltrain station in the morning and to the Palo Alto California Avenue Caltrain station in the afternoon. There is a fee for this service.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We value diversity at The Girls’ Middle School because every student’s educational experience is made better by acknowledging and actively seeking out diversity through all aspects of the school. Back in 1996, founder Kathleen Bennett wrote in her original prospectus, “GMS is committed to achieving a balance of staff and students from diverse backgrounds, as well as a range of income levels.” We take this commitment seriously, embracing the vital role we can play in furthering educational equity in our larger community. A diverse student body enriches learning experiences in every classroom throughout our school. We cherish the distinctive perspectives and life experiences each student brings. These perspectives open our collective eyes to the world beyond our walls and lay the foundation for each girl’s personal growth.
Academics
The Girls’ Middle School offers a balanced and comprehensive academic program. All girls take the following core courses each year: humanities, mathematics, Spanish, science, social and emotional learning, computer science, art, and physical education. In sixth grade, students take an additional course, Learning Lab, to support their transition to middle school. Seventh graders spend the year developing a business in entrepreneurial studies. In eighth grade, students take a capstone trip to Mexico that solidifies their Spanish-language skills and immerses them in another country’s culture.
