Hero
Inspiring Young Women
Since 1906
No cars, no smartphones, no internet—women couldn’t even vote. A lot has changed in the last 120 years, and we’ve blazed a trail along the way.
![a black and white portrait of the three GPS founders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760641564/gpsedu/b6m0yfpprlxamdb5iwsr/GPS006.jpg","width":1952}])
1906
Three Founders
In 1906, three visionary educators—Tommie Payne Duffy, Eula Lea Jarnagin, and Grace McCallie—each invested $100 to found Girls Preparatory School, giving Chattanooga’s girls access to the rigorous academics once denied to them. GPS opened on September 12, 1906, laying the foundation for generations of empowered learners.
![a side perspective of two girls hugging with other girls in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760465114/gpsedu/zysi3qubrbkcealuvry0/cat-rat-smaller-6.jpg","width":2200}])
1907
Establishing the Sisterhood
The tradition of Cat-Rat begins with seniors welcoming new students. Girls learning to support one another is a tradition that continues today.
![a girl dribbles a basketball as another player defends]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760640863/gpsedu/jt4ebfjalu7sn7ac4dor/9F9A5383-min.jpg","width":2200}])
1909
Trailblazers in Women’s Athletics
GPS spearheads the city’s first girls’ basketball league.
![a group of girls in white uniforms with blue sashes wind the maypole]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760641153/gpsedu/chqog0dfkuxh9ff88jyj/GPS_May_Day_2024-1313-min.jpg","width":2200}])
1914
Celebrating Our Seniors
The first May Day celebration features a picnic with a Greek theme. Today’s spring tradition honors the seniors and their May Queen and Court with dances and a winding of the May Pole.
![three girls pose outside in different colored uniforms]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760641432/gpsedu/ulhxkksn1v7zjj0vgjgx/BK6A2229-min.jpg","width":2200}])
1924
An Icon Is Born
The regulation uniform is a linen dress with tucks, two pockets, and a large black bow. That beloved dress is now in cotton and in a rainbow of colors.
![four girls with blue hair or head pieces smile at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760548787/gpsedu/hbhxqk4fioeu6nh7hqur/9F9A28161-min.jpg","width":2200}])
1955
Modern Dance Company Takes the Stage
Following a year in which GPS offers modern dance classes, Terpsichord, the state’s first high school modern dance company, is begun by Peggy Evans Thomas, for whom today’s dance studios are named.
![four girls with blue hair or head pieces smile at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760639696/gpsedu/h58b6g72quexok0b7ymn/untitled-116-min.jpg","width":2200}])
1994
Girls on the River
GPS establishes rowing as a varsity sport, becoming the first school in the Chattanooga area to field a girls team. Over 20 girls have gone on to row at the college level.
![four girls with blue hair or head pieces smile at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1753102396/gpsedu/ueqjwrr2b2znjubj87oy/untitled-453.jpg","width":2200}])
1999
Introducing the Sixth Grade Class
GPS welcomes a sixth grade to the newly built Elizabeth Lupton Davenport Middle School.
![four girls with blue hair or head pieces smile at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760639907/gpsedu/wuzoukm7j2idbc4kgn1d/9F9A0250-min.jpg","width":2200}])
2006
Celebrating Our Centennial
Students, faculty, alumnae and friends commemorate the 100th anniversary of GPS with a walk from the campus to a celebration at Memorial Auditorium, passing the site of the original school. The walk is followed by a party to honor the contributions of the city’s only independent girls’ school.
![Head of School Megan Cover]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761922101/gpsedu/vw8xvm01zaezi95i4g3p/Untitleddesign-2025-10-31T104815569.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761922101/gpsedu/vw8xvm01zaezi95i4g3p/Untitleddesign-2025-10-31T104815569.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761922101/gpsedu/vw8xvm01zaezi95i4g3p/Untitleddesign-2025-10-31T104815569.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761922101/gpsedu/vw8xvm01zaezi95i4g3p/Untitleddesign-2025-10-31T104815569.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761922101/gpsedu/vw8xvm01zaezi95i4g3p/Untitleddesign-2025-10-31T104815569.png","width":1333}])
2021
Welcoming Our Tenth Head of School
Megan D. Cover assumes the headship of GPS.
![four girls with blue hair or head pieces smile at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1753102394/gpsedu/ib2djbkli3b59sefxfpc/GPS_Rowing_Chattanooga_TN_Emily_Lester_Photography-111.jpg","width":2200}])
2021
GPS | McCallie Rowing Center
Expanding athletic opportunities and fostering community connection with our brother school, The McCallie School, the GPS | McCallie Rowing Center is a hub for training and teamwork, right on the Tennessee River.
Our Mission
Girls Preparatory School inspires each girl to lead a life of integrity and purpose by engaging her mind, cultivating her strengths, and nurturing her self-confidence and respect for others.
Our Vision
To celebrate each girl for the unique gifts she brings to our school, on campus and off, prioritizing healthy connections and relationships, fostering a culture where she is known, she is heard, and she is empowered to use her voice. This culture of acceptance and belonging nurtures her and lifts her up in mind, body, and spirit so that she can find her place and discover her potential with confidence and joy for dynamic engagement within a rapidly changing world.
Our Values
![Relationships]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1753102382/gpsedu/w6hf8xukya6kv4es1lzg/untitled-1161.jpg","width":2200}])
![Individuality]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1754081748/gpsedu/x52bijmmy5y3idwym4vh/newsies-03.jpg","width":2200}])
![Curiosity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752876183/gpsedu/ph1iqlhuvc47vtpqzoum/BK6A3134.jpg","width":2200}])
![Respect]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1753102423/gpsedu/hhmbzzczhzq205yrjtxq/9F9A5947.jpg","width":2200}])
![Honor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755624421/gpsedu/t8wotbytv5jot43cgpac/Blog_FightingtheNewYearBlues.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755624421/gpsedu/t8wotbytv5jot43cgpac/Blog_FightingtheNewYearBlues.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755624421/gpsedu/t8wotbytv5jot43cgpac/Blog_FightingtheNewYearBlues.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755624421/gpsedu/t8wotbytv5jot43cgpac/Blog_FightingtheNewYearBlues.png","width":960}])
Experts at Educating Girls
As a recognized leader in all-girls education, GPS shapes the conversation around how best to empower and educate young women. Our blog showcases articles from our expert faculty and staff, featuring insights grounded in research, real-world experience, and proven strategies for this generation of young women.
Diversity Statement
GPS is a diverse community that values the dignity, individuality, and unique perspectives of each of its members. We are committed to creating opportunities to connect and learn across our differences.
Statement on Faith
Founded in 1906 on Christian principles, GPS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all faiths. We are committed to educating the whole girl—mind, body, and spirit.
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