#GirlTalk

The Girls Preparatory School Blog

a look our unique culture and environment

Inside the Classroom: Middle School Math at GPS

By Courtney Alexander Meissner ’08, Math Department Chair and Instructional Coach


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Tags: The GPS Difference

Emily Boydston '06
By GPS Blog On September 1, 2023

Emily Boydston '06

Emily Boydston ’06 has a job you may not have heard of. In fact, the position is so unique, she is likely the only one in the...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

An Inside Look at the GPS Junior Retreat

By Emma Davenport '25


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Tags: The GPS Difference

Why We Offer Dance in Middle School

By Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Director of Terpsichord and Dance Instructor


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Nurturing Her Confidence and Respect for Others

By Dr. Ralph Covino, History Teacher


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Taylor Brock '12

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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Josie Love Roebuck '14

Who says you can’t be passionate about art AND athletics? Josie Love Roebuck ’14 played soccer throughout her time at GPS,...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Week in the Life of a Sophomore River Fellow

During a week of learning, planning, traveling, and water sampling, the sophomore River Fellows were tasked with writing about...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Summer Spent Outside
By GPS Blog On June 13, 2023

A Summer Spent Outside

The newest Tucker River Fellows explored the great outdoors for some hands-on learning.


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Look at Partnerships in the Community (PIC)
By Tiffany Simms '03 | History & Social Sciences Teacher, Partnerships in the Community (PIC) Advisor
Community service...

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A Look at Tucker River Fellows

A favorite signature program of some of our Upper School students, Tucker River Fellows is an endowed, multiyear cocurricular...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

What Is a Learner-Centered Culture?

To best cater to the needs of our students, we must understand how they learn.


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Helping Your Girl Develop Resilience

By Marci Waldorf, Upper School Counselor


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

From Seed to Harvest
By GPS Faculty On March 19, 2023

From Seed to Harvest

By Dr. Brandon Noel, Science Teacher and Dean of the Junior Class


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Tags: The GPS Difference

The Power of Positive Affirmations

By Lindsey King, Eighth-Grade English Teacher


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

How Makerspaces Encourage Creativity

By Will GlassGPS Director of Library, Media, and Makerspace


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Encouraging Self-Advocacy in Your Girl

At GPS, our mission and values provide an integral framework that supports every interaction with our students. We believe that...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

A Q&A with Harriette McKeldin Stokes, JD ’78 P’06, ’10

A graduate from the GPS Class of 1978, Harriette McKeldin Stokes received two degrees from the University of Florida: an...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dr. Tameika Turner-Noland ’92
After graduating from GPS in 1992, Dr. Tameika Turner-Noland attended Vanderbilt University, where she studied human and...
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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

VLOG: On the Job with Balloon Boss
On this episode of our On the Job interview series with alumnae, we met with Simone Busby '12 and Regan Jenkins '13, owners of...

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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dr. Chelsey Hunter Tate '97
Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Memphis, where she was a Magna Cum Laude...
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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

What Does Black History Month Mean to You?

This February, members of our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Forum focused on what Black history means to them,...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

What Is Winterim?
By GPS Blog On February 10, 2023

What Is Winterim?

This long-standing GPS tradition offers experiential learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom setting. 


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Charquette Nelson '08

After graduating from GPS in 2008, Charquette Forté Nelson attended Middle Tennessee State University, where she was a member of...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dr. Renita Eason ’98

Hailing from the GPS Class of 1998, Dr. Renita Eason completed her undergraduate education degree at the University of North...


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A Q&A with Ashley Moore Palmer ’99

Ashley Moore Palmer, GPS Class of 1999, received both her undergraduate and law degrees from Vanderbilt University and now lives...


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Encouraging Your Daughter’s Artistic Voice

By Meg Persinger Brock ’79 


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What to Look for in a College Counseling Department
When considering where to send your daughter for middle and high school, what should you look for in the school’s college...
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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Inside the Classroom: Humanities at GPS

By Katy Berotti, English Department Chair


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Tags: The GPS Difference

VLOG: On the Job with The Book & Cover
With cooler weather rolling in, there's no better time to cozy up with a good book! We stopped by The Book & Cover for our "On...

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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

6 Study Strategies for Semester Exams

By Renee Romero, Sarah Clardy, and Katie Outlaw


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

Inside the Classroom: World Languages at GPS

By Dr. Erin Montero Rangno, World Languages Department Chair 


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend the Terpsichord Thanksgiving Concert

by Rowan Espy '23 & Anya Parambath '23


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Tags: The GPS Difference

VLOG: On the Job with Laura Higbee '11

On this episode of our On the Job interview series with alumnae, we met with Laura Higbee '11, Associate Attorney at Husch...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action, Vlogs

Instilling a Healthy Sense of Competitiveness

This week our varsity soccer team will compete in the TSSAA semifinals against Hutchison in hopes of moving on to the eventual...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

VLOG: On the Job with McCay Mathis '14

On the first episode of our On the Job interview series with alumnae, we traveled to Lee University to chat with McCay Mathis '14...


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Tags: Vlogs

How a Strong Coordinate Program Benefits Single-Sex Schools

By Beth Gaffney ’79, Director of GPS | McCallie Coordinate Programs


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Inside the Classroom: History at GPS

By Dr. Andrea Becksvoort, History and Social Sciences Chair


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Tags: The GPS Difference

5 Questions You Might Not Think to Ask Your Admission Counselor

As you explore schools to find the best fit for your child’s next chapter, we know you will be reviewing a lot of information. It...


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

Changing the Narrative in STEM

At GPS, we have changed the narrative in STEM, particularly as it applies to girls. Our students discover a passion for and go on...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Bea Rutledge Lyons ’60

Beatrice “Bea” Lyons ’60 is a retired community college educator, an active community volunteer, a staunch advocate for deaf and...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

VLOG | Campus Connection | Episode 8 | Hannah Grace Kornberg

In this episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with junior Hannah Grace Kornberg about starting at GPS as a seventh-grader,...


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VLOG: Campus Connection | Episode 7 | Tori Ball

In this episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with ninth-grader Tori Ball about her first year at GPS, what it's like to be...


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Tags: Vlogs

How to Cultivate a Love of Reading with Your Daughter This Summer

We have only a few short weeks left this spring and then summer will be here before we know it! As you begin to think about your...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

VLOG | Campus Connection | Episode 6 | Madi Clower

In this episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with senior Madi Clower, who serves as president of BIPOC Forum this year. She...


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Tags: Vlogs

VLOG: Campus Connection | Episode 5 | Molly Ransom

In this episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with seventh-grader Molly Ransom about her favorite classes, what she loves...


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Tags: Vlogs

New Student Onboarding in the Upper School

While Upper School is a new chapter for all students, girls who are new to GPS have more ground to cover when it comes to getting...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Angela Bonds '15

After graduating from GPS in 2015, Angela Bonds attended Mercer University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology....


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Tayana Fernandez ’12

After graduating from GPS, Tayana Fernandez, Class of 2012, attended Auburn University, where she double-majored in biomedical...


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A Q&A with Dr. Porché Warren Adams '07

Hailing from the Class of 2007, Porché Warren Adams attended Furman University, where she studied biology before receiving her...


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A Q&A with Brandi Andrews Sheely '07

Brandi Andrews Sheely, Class of 2007, attended Oklahoma State University, where she majored in industrial engineering and...


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Achieving Success in a New Chapter: Freshman Seminar at GPS

It is important that every student at GPS receives the support she needs to thrive. As experts in the education of girls, we...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Tommi Paris '02
By GPS Blog On February 17, 2022

A Q&A with Tommi Paris '02

From the Class of 2002, Tommi Paris has cultivated quite a career for herself in the communications arena. She began her...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Kimberly Reid '13
By GPS Blog On February 15, 2022

A Q&A with Kimberly Reid '13

After graduating from GPS in 2013, Kimberly Reid attended the University of Memphis, where she studied biomedical engineering....


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Denise Rawlings O'Neil '06

Denise Rawlings O’Neil, a graduate of the Class of 2006, continued her education at MTSU, where she received her bachelor's...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dr. Chadarryl Silguero-Clay ’12

Dr. Chadarryl Silguero-Clay, a member of the Class of 2012, discovered where she wanted to take her career while she was still a...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

Social-Emotional Support at GPS
By GPS Blog On February 5, 2022

Social-Emotional Support at GPS

In addition to academics, another important aspect of educating the whole girl is ensuring her comfort in social situations and...


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A Q&A with India Green '13
By GPS Blog On February 3, 2022

A Q&A with India Green '13

India Green graduated from GPS in 2013 and went on to attend The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While in college, she...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

Academic Support at GPS
By GPS Blog On January 25, 2022

Academic Support at GPS

The GPS Learning Center


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Tags: The GPS Difference

VLOG: Campus Connection | Episode 4 | Caroline Carpenter

In our fourth episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with Caroline Carpenter, Class of 2026, about choosing an all-girls...


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Tags: Vlogs

VLOG: Campus Connection with Megan Cover | Episode 3 | Karen Kal

In our third episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with Karen Kal, a sixth-grade student, about her favorite GPS traditions,...


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VLOG: Campus Connection with Megan Cover | Episode 2 | Mary Kate Johnson '22

In our second episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with Mary Kate Johnson, President of Student Council, about her cheerful...


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How to Thrive as a Student with ADHD

By Ms. Katelyn Dix, English 12 and AP English Literature Teacher


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VLOG: Campus Connection with Megan Cover | Episode 1 | Olivia Burns

In our first episode of Campus Connection, Megan speaks with Olivia Burns, Chairwoman of the Senior Class, about traditions,...


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Tags: Vlogs

Top 6 Reasons You Should Attend an Admission Event

If you are beginning to look for a school for your daughter to attend next year, you know what an undertaking it is. You want to...


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

A Q&A with Priya Boyington '07

Attending Georgia Tech on the prestigious, four-year President’s Scholarship, Priya Boyington ’07 transitioned from an all-girls...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

The Benefits of Summer Camp for Your Girl

Summer camp is a rite of passage and an incredible way to keep children engaged during the lesser-scheduled summer months, but...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

A Q&A with Amy Perkins '02
By GPS Blog On April 6, 2021

A Q&A with Amy Perkins '02

Following her time at GPS, Amy Perkins ’02 attended Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated with a B.S. in psychology....


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

7 Books to Read If You’re Raising a Daughter

If you’re raising a girl, add these books to your reading list. Each delivers tips and insights into how girls are different and...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

A Q&A with Lisa Hendy '90
By GPS Blog On March 2, 2021

A Q&A with Lisa Hendy '90

Named the first female chief ranger at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in spring 2019, Lisa Hendy ’90 knows what it takes to...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

In the Classroom: AP English 11

From Katy Berotti, English Department Chair, AP Language & Composition and English 11 Teacher


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Tags: The GPS Difference

A Q&A with Jazelyn Hogg '13
By GPS Blog On February 26, 2021

A Q&A with Jazelyn Hogg '13

From a young age, it was clear Jazelyn Hogg ’13 was going to make a difference in the lives of others. She spent her time at GPS...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Jalesa Poindexter '13
By GPS Blog On February 24, 2021

A Q&A with Jalesa Poindexter '13

For Jalesa Poindexter ’13, her life story comes full circle. The summer before her senior year at GPS, she fell ill and was...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Nedra Campbell '90
By GPS Blog On February 22, 2021

A Q&A with Nedra Campbell '90

Nedra Campbell ’90 spends her days fighting for the rights of those who are not treated equitably. Following her time at GPS, she...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dr. Tia Guster '99
By GPS Blog On February 18, 2021

A Q&A with Dr. Tia Guster '99

During her time at GPS, Tia Guster ’99 took full advantage of the variety of offerings available to her. From dance, yearbook...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Dion Roland Flynn '91
By GPS Blog On February 16, 2021

A Q&A with Dion Roland Flynn '91

Following her tenure at GPS, Dion Roland Flynn ’91 attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she received her commission as an...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Kelvina Smith '09
By GPS Blog On February 11, 2021

A Q&A with Kelvina Smith '09

It’s been said, “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, that sums up the career of Kelvina Smith ’09,...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Ariana Whatley '20
By GPS Blog On February 9, 2021

A Q&A with Ariana Whatley '20

Known for her powerful bat and her ability to welcome new players to the team, Ariana Whatley ’20 was an integral part of the GPS...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Norquata Allen '10
By GPS Blog On February 4, 2021

A Q&A with Norquata Allen '10

Norquata Allen ’10 is a quintessential example of the importance of setting goals and seizing opportunities. While many kids...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Mabel Cobb '75
By GPS Blog On February 2, 2021

A Q&A with Mabel Cobb '75

Mabel Cobb ’75 carried both history and pressure on her shoulders as the first Black graduate of GPS. During her adolescent...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

4 Things You Didn't Know About How a Girl Learns

At GPS, everything is based on what is best for girls. From how they build curriculum to how they engage with students, GPS...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

A Q&A with Katherine Dann Ogden '02

Never one to back down from a challenge, Katherine Dann Ogden ’02 earned her bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from the U.S....


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Catherine Hitchings Plating '10

For Catherine Hitchings Plating ’10, a desire to help others and to solve problems led her—rather unexpectedly, she admits—to a...


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Anjali Enjeti '91
By GPS Blog On January 12, 2021

A Q&A with Anjali Enjeti '91

With not one but two new books set to publish in spring 2021, Anjali Enjeti ’91 knows who she is and what she has to say....


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Tags: GPS Alumnae in Action

A Q&A with Joy Allen-Altimare '95

Joy Allen-Altimare ’95 has spent the last two decades cultivating an impressive résumé. Today, as Chief Engagement and Brand...


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How to Raise a Confident Girl

“It’s risk—not perfection, not success, not racking up achievements—that actually helps to build confidence in girls. And it’s...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

6 Ways to Help Your Daughter Manage Perfectionism

Have you noticed your daughter suffers from high anxiety surrounding failure? Does she become easily frustrated when trying...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

Creating A Culture of Confidence

Millions, perhaps even billions of words have been written on how best to instill self-confidence in children. It’s a trait every...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

5 Ways GPS Encourages Girls to Stay in Sports

A girl’s participation in sports can enhance every aspect of her life: relationships, confidence, emotional well-being, even...


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Tags: The GPS Difference

How to Afford a Private School

Based on recent stats published by the National Association of Independent Schools, the average cost of tuition for day students...


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her

How Girls Learn
By GPS Blog On June 19, 2020

How Girls Learn

Do boys and girls really learn differently? What are the benefits of an all-girls education?

Here, we share the science behind...


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Tags: How to Support Your Girl

10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating Private Schools for Your Child

If you’re considering private school for your child, you’ll want to look closely at each of your options. The best way to get to...


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Tags: Selecting the Right School for Her