Academic Support at GPS

The GPS Learning Center

Each GPS girl receives an amazing education, but all students have unique learning styles. Here, we want to meet them where they are and support them in their transition.

The GPS Learning Center offers a girl-centered, engaging, and supportive learning environment that reinforces skills with small-group and individual instruction designed for the learning styles of each student. Learning Specialists facilitate communication between students, teachers, parents, and advisors to help each girl realize her highest academic potential.

This year, with Head of School Megan Cover's institutional goals in mind, the Learning Center underwent numerous changes to enhance academic support for all types of learners—both those with a diagnosed learning difference as well as those who seek out support on their own or are recommended by a teacher.

These enhancements included a larger, more inviting space; separate areas for Upper and Middle School students; a variety of seating options ranging from private cubicles to beanbags and couches; additional staffing; expanded quiet study/testing room; and collaborative work spaces.

“In the Learning Center, we emphasize the idea that, ‘You’re a girl, not a grade,’” says Learning Specialist Renee Romero. “The best part of our job is watching students grow. When they have success, which does not necessarily mean a perfect score on a test, it’s fun to see them recognize their progress.”

In addition to the physical changes that the Learning Center has undergone, a part-time interventionist has also been added. With increased staffing, the Learning Specialists can more easily push into classes and support girls in their classrooms alongside their teachers. The Learning Center has also started offering in-house evaluations for current GPS families.

According to Katie Outlaw, licensed school psychologist and Middle School Dean of Students, who directs the Learning Center, “The addition of offering educational evaluations for our families has been huge this year. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since starting at GPS five years ago. We have the capacity and staff now to complete all intellectual, academic, behavioral, and observational evaluations at school at no cost to our families. This gives us an accurate picture of a girl’s strengths and challenges and enables us to better identify the support and accommodations she needs to be successful at school.”