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The Girls' Middle School
The Girls' Middle School logo

The Girls' Middle School

Membership Status

Full Member

Mission Statement

The Girls’ Middle School educates girls at a crucial time in life. We create an inclusive environment where academic growth is nourished. A GMS girl discovers her strengths and expresses her voice while respecting the contributions of others.

The Girls' Middle School

Features and Highlights

  • To acknowledge and support adolescents in developing their emotional intelligence and skills, GMS teaches a Social and Emotional Learning course. For all three years, students take part in a weekly SEL course where they deepen their understanding of both themselves and others in a welcoming space.
  • GMS assesses student performance through narrative evaluations rather than traditional letter grades. This approach fosters a love of learning, reduces performance pressure, and promotes greater flexibility in the classroom. The evaluations are comprehensive, personal, and informative.
  • The Bennett Scholars Program supports high-achieving girls who attend under-resourced schools. In addition to tuition, we provide Bennett Scholars with wrap-around support. The program works to ensure that each girl knows that she can determine her own path to whatever future she desires.
  • Our Intersession program offers students another path to expand their learning beyond the classroom. Twice a year, classes are on hold for a week to encourage students to try new activities. Students create, experience, make, and engage.
  • In middle school, too many girls turn away from science, technology, and math. We do not let that happen at GMS. Our girls graduate believing they can be successful at anything, and that includes being scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

About The Girls' Middle School

Imagine a school where each day is alive with learning and the spirit of adventure. Since its founding in 1998, The Girls’ Middle School (GMS) has been committed to progressive education and innovative programming, meeting the needs of a wide range of middle school students who make up our vibrant, inclusive community. Our project-based curriculum encourages creative problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and independent thought. GMS educates girls* during a pivotal time in their lives. Girls develop self-knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills supported by a staff highly attuned to their changing emotional and social needs. GMS encourages girls to find their voices, take risks, and become self-reliant. Learn more about GMS: www.girlsms.org. *At GMS, “girls” refers to cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth.

School Profile

  • School Type
    Middle
  • Boarding/Day
    Day Only
  • Grade Levels
    Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8
  • Classroom
    In-Person
  • Gender
    All Girls
  • Enrollment
    198
  • Learning Styles
    Experiential Education Support Learning Differences
  • Religious Affiliation
    No Religious Affiliation
  • Affiliations
    NAIS; POCIS; Cal-ISBOA; CATDC; ISM; NAIS; NCGS; NBOA

Location Information

Contact Information

  • Mailing Address
    3400 West Bayshore Rd Palo Alto, CA 94303
  • Main
    (650) 968-8338
  • Fax
    (650) 968-4775