Academics
The Center for Teaching and Learning
The GPS Center for Teaching and Learning is a welcoming, safe, and student-centered space designed to support teacher instruction, while helping girls recognize their potential in the learning process.
New for Fall 2026 | For Girls in Grades 6-8
The GPS Ignite Program
Fueling Growth in Literacy, Leadership, and Executive Functioning Skills
The GPS Ignite Program is a dedicated support program for middle school girls with diagnosed dyslexia, language-based learning differences, or executive functioning challenges. Through personalized, evidence-based instruction, students build skills in reading, writing, organization, and self-advocacy. The program helps each girl gain confidence, overcome learning obstacles, and grow into a strong, independent learner and leader.
What Ignite Offers:
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Customized daily schedule with time for 1:1 and small group instruction
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3–4 hours per week of research-based support using Orton-Gillingham and Structured Literacy methods
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Expert faculty, including a certified Dyslexia Specialist and Executive Function Coach
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A supportive, inclusive environment where each student is known, supported, and empowered
Who Should Apply:
Girls entering GPS Middle School who:
- Have a diagnosed language-based learning difference (such as dyslexia)
- Need support with reading, writing, planning, or organization
- Benefit from structured, direct instruction and executive function coaching
Program Tuition: $10,500/year (in addition to base tuition)
List of 6 items.
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+ Who does the GPS Ignite Program serve?
Students who are mission appropriate and are entering grades 6-8 who have a diagnosed language-based learning difference and/or executive function deficit. Examples of learning differences that the program can serve include:- Reading and Writing Disorders
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- ADD/ADHD
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+ How is the GPS Ignite Program different from the support offered through the Center for Teaching and Learning?
The GPS Ignite Program provides students with specialized instruction using an Orton Gillingham & Structured Literacy approach. Instruction is personalized to each individual student with a focus on explicit, systematic and multi-sensory teaching of foundational literacy and organizational skills.Students in the GPS Ignite Program will not take World Language classes in middle school. Instead, they will spend this time working with one of our highly trained learning specialists on goals identified by your family and our team. -
+ Once my daughter moves to the Upper School, how will she be supported?
Our goal is that by the end of her eighth grade year, each girl has improved her literacy/language and executive functioning skills, as well as self-advocacy skills, to be successful in our Upper School.
Students will continue to receive accommodations in the Upper School through our Center for Teaching and Learning that might include extended time on tests and read-aloud assessments. -
+ What is required for admission?
In addition to other admission requirements, a psychoeducational evaluation that has been completed within the last three years. If this is not available, our team will work with families to find a local evaluator or provide recommendations. Other documentation, such as an IEP, 504 Plan, or Learning Plan may also be requested. -
+ How do I apply?
Prospective families considering The GPS Ignite Program will follow the traditional admission process. During the application process, families will indicate they are interested in continuing the admission process for The GPS Ignite Program. During the Parent Conversation, families will be scheduled with their Admission Counselor and member of our Support Services team to learn more about the applicant. Click here to apply.If your daughter is currently enrolled at GPS and is interested in learning more about The GPS Ignite Program, please contact Katie Outlaw, Head of Middle School and Director of Student Support Services. -
+ How much does it cost?
$10,500, in addition to our tuition
Meet Our Learning Specialists
The GPS Learning Specialists are able and prepared to provide support for all GPS students, including those who have been diagnosed with learning differences. The Learning Specialists support both Middle and Upper School students and serve as a resource for faculty.
A Multi-tiered Approach
The Center for Teaching and Learning follows a multi-tiered approach to help girls achieve independence in their learning journeys. In Middle School, in conjunction with the social-emotional skills taught by the GPS Counseling Specialists, Learning Specialists teach executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and study strategies through various classroom and advisory activities. In addition, girls with learning profiles spend their study halls in the Center for Teaching and Learning so they can receive extra support. They can also take tests and quizzes in the Center for Teaching and Learning.
In Upper School, Learning Specialists serve as liaisons between students and teachers, facilitating conversations and working with students to become their own advocates. They also support students in the classroom, working with small groups to emphasize concepts, answer questions, and offer study strategies.
Understanding Learning Profiles
Defined as a complete picture of a student’s learning preferences, strengths, and challenges, a learning profile helps GPS Learning Specialists build an educational plan around a student who has been diagnosed with learning differences. Whether she needs help prioritizing projects, scheduling her day, or requires additional testing time, learning plans at GPS focus on student strengths as they work toward their own chosen goals.
The All-Girls Difference
At the Center for Teaching and Learning, each girl is welcome and encouraged to:
- Feel comfortable asking questions
- Advocate for themselves
- Take risks
- Talk through questions or concerns
- Study effectively
- Plan her schedule
- Manage her time
“We look at the whole girl. We review her information holistically and really try to meet her where she is and take into account her social-emotional wellbeing as well as her academic performance. Want to make sure she’s emotionally OK before moving forward.”
—Renee Romero, Learning Specialist
—Renee Romero, Learning Specialist
Parent Resources
Books
Guare Dawson Guare
Carol Dweck, PhD
Websites
Understanding Neurodiversity | Understood.org
A Guide to Executive Functioning | Harvard.edu
