Signature Programming

Riding horses at a dude ranch, exploring the workings of state government, traveling to NYC, learning archery skills, or appreciating the natural world in day hikes, GPS students and faculty enjoy stepping into new and unfamiliar territories during a one-week Winterim program each February designed by faculty eager to teach more than the required academic courses.

Tucker River Fellows is an endowed, multi-year cocurricular program started by the Board of Trustees and named after longtime former headmaster Randy Tucker. In year one of the program, Fellows engage in experiential learning about the many issues impacting their local watershed. In year two, Fellows focus on leadership skills and work with local experts as they collect, analyze, and publish data, and propose solutions for healthier watersheds in the Chattanooga area and beyond. River Girls is a Middle School club led by members of Tucker River Fellows. Read the Tucker River Fellows blog.

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 future communities. Each class elects two representatives who organize and identify community service opportunities. Members of PIC have volunteered at numerous organizations around the city including Habitat for Humanity, Northside Neighborhood House, and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

Chattanooga As Text (CAT) is a three-week-long summer intensive that connects 16 area high school girls with community leaders from across the Chattanooga area as they explore issues in our community and work in teams to develop solutions. The phased curriculum begins with the introduction of definitional concepts (placemaking, social entrepreneurship, design thinking, etc). The second week introduces the participants to the city and region more broadly through visits to organizations, relevant sites, businesses, etc. In the third week, students develop their pitches, culminating in presentations to community stakeholders where one group will be awarded $1,000 seed money to implement its idea within a year.  

The Fletcher Bright Fellowship for Inspiring Artistic and Community Engagement is awarded to a rising GPS senior with the goal of fostering growth as she develops a discerning sense of inquiry and explores an area of concentration that brings excitement and sensitivity of wonder. This monetary award allows the winning fellow to channel her passion for dance, music, theater, or any of the arts in a way that enriches the diverse communities in our region. Fellows can use funds for lessons, workshops, master classes, summer programs, supplies, travel, or to underwrite a final performance/exhibit.

Terpsichord is one of the longest-running modern dance companies of its kind in the country. Throughout her time in the program, each dancer is given the opportunity to lead and share her voice through original choreography developed during technique, improv, and composition classes. This experience of exploration, active communication, and technical proficiency allows girls to grow and bond while sharing highly developed and inspirational pieces in front of friends, family, and peers.