Signature Programming

True learning requires students to go beyond the confines of the classroom—to immerse themselves in experiences. At GPS, we offer signature programming you won’t find elsewhere.

Tucker River Fellows

Designed to prepare future leaders to understand and have an impact on the conservation of the Tennessee River, Tucker River Fellows is a multiyear cocurricular program founded by the Board of Trustees and named after former headmaster Randy Tucker. Fellows are selected prior to their freshman year and spend part of the summer and following academic year engaged in experiential learning about the many issues impacting their local watershed. They also learn about the historical, ecological, political, economic, and aesthetic significance of the Tennessee River. During the second year in the program, Fellows choose a focus and work with local experts while consulting scientific literature and policy to become more knowledgeable about their chosen topic in order to implement an independent project.

PARTNERSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITY (PIC)

The primary objective of Partnerships in the Community is to prepare GPS students to be the most engaged members and leaders of our current and their future communities. Each class elects two representatives who organize and identify community service opportunities. Members of PIC and their classmates have volunteered at numerous organizations around the city including Habitat for Humanity, Northside Neighborhood House, and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

Terpsichord

Terpsichord is one of the longest running modern dance programs of its kind in the U.S. Terpsichord dancers in grades 10 through 12 master technical performance skills while learning to choreograph. The fall and spring concerts are a long-standing tradition with many alumnae in attendance.

Winterim

Dog sledding in Minnesota, exploring the workings of state government, experiencing the arts in NYC, learning archery skills, or appreciating the natural world in day hikes, GPS students and faculty enjoy stepping into new and uncharted territories during a one-week Winterim program each February. Designed by faculty eager to reveal the connections and interdsciplinaries between academic subjects, Winterim offers experiential learning opportunities that help students explore curiosities, cultivate interests, and discover new possibilities. In fact, alumnae often report their Winterim experiences led them to pursue their passions in college.