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About
Our Location Makes Us Special

Nestled at the corner of the James River and Forest Hill Park, GSES capitalizes on learning in the community.

Where Inspiration Meets Community

Our curriculum maximizes the use of our community and inspires our students to serve our neighbors and learn typical subjects in compelling and thought-provoking new ways.
Admissions
Call for a Tour
The best way to learn if GSES is the right place for your family is to visit. Please call the school at 804-231-1452 to arrange a personal tour.

Visits
Throughout the school year, GSES will provide opportunities for prospective families to visit for group tours and information sessions. Our open houses and visit days are the perfect opportunities for prospective students to get a taste of life in a GSES classroom.
Academics
Small Classes Allow for Big Experiences

Our small size provides big opportunities for learning. With a student to teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive the personalized attention to grow at their own pace and learn about subjects that matter to them in addition to the core academic subjects.

Innovative Learning
Our supportive environment allows students to take risks in their learning. Building a catapult that doesn't work teaches far more than a catapult that does. Feeling safe to try new things, while being carefully guided through challenging subjects, encourages our students to thrive.
Programs
We LOVE the Outdoors
Our outdoor education program takes advantage of our location near the James River and Forest Hill Park. Lessons often take students on adventures such as searching for local quarry stone in the neighborhood, measuring the velocity of student-built boats as they float down the James River, or collecting native pawpaws to use in cooking.
Community
Community Cleanup
Our families show up for GSES. Each August, our students and their families help clean the school grounds in preparation for the new school year. This is just one of the many ways we work together to create a united and close community.
Support
Supporting GSES
As GSES approaches its 50th year, families, alumni, and friends loyally provide support for the school's academic programs, as well as capital improvements to school facilities. Over the past few years, funds from generous donors have provided for library and Parish Hall renovations, as well as classroom enhancements and special programming.

In This Section

Arts

Every student is exposed to the arts, in various forms, throughout the school year. Our arts classes rotate each trimester, so students are able to learn new skills and try new ideas in a variety of settings.

Studio Art

is a visual class where students can experiment with different forms of creativity. Students manipulate different materials and media to broaden their ideas about what art can be. In addition to creating works of art, students learn how to speak critically and constructively about their own art and others'. Students are introduced to famous works of art and artists from different cultures and historical periods. They examine different methods and techniques used by the great artists and are encouraged to develop their own unique artistic style.

Performing Arts

use acting, storytelling, music, and play production as a platform for learning. This class focuses on public speaking, presentation awareness, collaborative leaning, and self-confidence. Since communication and collaboration are essential to learning, our performing arts program prepares students to lead confidently and work together in a group effectively.

Makerspace

incorporates a mix of digital, craft, and technology materials to create a multi-modal way for children to learn and create. This STEAM-based class allows children to experiment, invent, tinker, build, explore, and discover. This hands-on, problem-solving laboratory and workshop invites students to learn in new and different ways, preparing them for higher education and the jobs of the future.