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About
WHERE INSPIRATION MEETS COMMUNITY
Nestled at the corner of the James River and Forest Hill Park, GSES capitalizes on learning in the 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 learning opportunities. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention to grow at their own pace and learn about subjects that matter to them in addition to the core academic subjects. 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 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 53rd 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

Middle School

Grades 5-8

Middle School students meet daily for each core subject. These subjects include language arts (both grammar/writing and literature), math, science, history, and Spanish. Our core curriculum is enhanced by several enrichments, including technology, physical education, visual arts, and an inclusive chapel service.

Students arrive at their homerooms at school between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m., and first-period class starts at 8:30. The children have a 20-minute recess following second period. Their next break is after fourth period, where they have a forty-five-minute lunch and club period, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. Our eighth and last-period class ends at 3:00 p.m. From 3:00 to 3:05, the children “pack and plan,” getting ready for our 3:05 to 3:20 departure through car line. Some students take advantage of our Extended Day Program until 5:30. (Likewise, some arrive earlier than 8:00 for early morning care).

After-school activities include several sports offerings, including, soccer, mountain biking, and cooking classes. Students also may participate in the Eco Club or Pokemon Club.

As part of school life, students participate in community service. In the past opportunities have included volunteering at the 43rd Street Arts Festival, which raises funds for the homeless. Several children volunteer to help plan our family fun night during our spring Scholastic book fair. Being just a block away from Forest Hill Park affords countless opportunities as well, such as picking up trash, monitoring the bluebird boxes, etc. Finally, students often help with our little school garden.

Also unique to Middle School is participation in our Student Government Association (SGA), through which our spirit days, holiday fundraisers, and Middle School dance are run.