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 recognize that the social-emotional well-being of a girl as she enters Upper School is an integral part of her experience. Finding classes, getting to know new classmates, interacting with new teachers, and simply figuring out what is expected can be challenging.

To ensure a positive start to her new GPS chapter, well-designed yearlong Freshman Seminar programming equips each student with the proper tools to set her on the path to success from day one.

This work helps girls in their transition to the Upper School academically, socially, and emotionally. Areas of focus include time management, navigating relationships and boundary setting, understanding Upper School policies, and getting connected to GPS Upper School life.

Designed for Her

Kate Kerekes, Dean of the Freshman Class, leads the girls through a robust program that features: 

GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Advisors lead discussions on topics important to adolescent life including everything from summer recaps to what the qualities of a good friend are and why we don’t always see ourselves as others do. Girls are encouraged to think through everything from a new perspective.

BELONGING WORK

Ninth-graders meet monthly with DEI Student Support and Community Engagement Coordinator Lauren Swanson to participate in belonging discussions and exercises surrounding the concepts of identity, diversity, justice, and action standards.

MONTHLY JOURNALING

Students are asked to answer prompts in their journals that encourage them to set goals for themselves for the year, reflect on ninth grade as it progresses, and identify their strengths.

REGULAR SURVEYS

Students take surveys regularly throughout the year to assess their journeys. They answer questions about workload, friendship, confidence, and more. Should anyone report struggles of any sort, her dean, advisor, and teachers will work together to identify an action plan.

VIDEOS

Educational videos curated by the TED team are shown and discussed regularly throughout the year and cover a variety of topics that include stress, sleep routines, emotions, and self-perception.

At GPS, we know girls thrive when placed in an environment designed for them to succeed. Freshman Seminar teaches students that they can ask questions, make mistakes, learn, and grow as individuals, surrounded by faculty and staff who care for them holistically in all areas of their lives.