FAQ/Topics of Interest
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2011-2012 Applicants
What is my first step to apply?
What is GPS tuition for '10-'11?
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2010-2011 New Students
Ready your Sixth Grader for School
Pick Up and Drop Off Time and Place
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How does a student begin the admissions process?
The first step to GPS Admissions is to contact the Admissions office. For a step by step guide to the process, click here.
Is it too late to apply?
Girls Preparatory School accepts applications year round. GPS also accepts transfer students throughout the school year.
What is GPS?
GPS is one of the largest independent girls' day schools in the country with grades 6-12. GPS is located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tennessee. GPS was founded in 1906 and is not a boarding school.
Can the same teacher fill out the math and English recommendation forms?
Yes, the recommendation forms can be completed by the same teacher.
What is the timeline for the admissions process?
- Admissions Backpack: Backpacks will be mailed in September 2010.
- Financial Aid Application: 2011-2012 School Year Financial Aid Application will be accepted beginning November 2010.
- Admissions Exam: Register your daughter for the exam December 11, 2010 given at GPS by calling the office.
- Required Forms: Teacher Recommendation forms and Transcripts are due after the completion of the first semester of school (due after January 1, 2011).
- Quiet Period: Unless a portion of the complete application is missing, during the quiet period, GPS admissions will not contact applicants that have also applied to Baylor School. GPS may contact anyone that has not applied to Baylor School and all applicants may contact GPS- even during this quiet period. February 1-March 5, 2011
- Admissions Decisions Mailed: March 2011. Financial aid decision letters will also be included in this mailing.
- Contracts and Initial Deposit Due: March 2011
What is the 2010-2011 school year tuition?
$19,530
What is not included in the tuition?
GPS tuition does not include books, uniforms, bookstore and "Ben" charges, and late payment fees.
Does GPS offer multi-child discounts?
No, GPS does not offer multi-child discounts on tuition. However, should the family apply and qualify for financial aid, the amount of aid the family qualifies for may be affected by the number of children in the home.
Does GPS offer merit or athletic based scholarships?
No, GPS does not award scholarships.
Does GPS have any religious affiliation?
No, but we believe that it is important for us to foster spirituality and to encourage a close, personal relationship with a loving God. Approximately 80-85% of our girls are Christians, and by nature that is reflected in school life through organizations such as FCA, Young Life, and Christian Forum. But as a school we value and celebrate all faiths and would not presume to choose one for a student. Through the World Religions elective, chapel announcements, Lunchtime Learning speakers, and throughout the history curriculum, the school seeks to honor and learn from the diverse religious traditions represented by our families.
Now:
Attend the Bruiser Celebration in May for more details about uniforms, books, and summer reading. Go to the Used Uniform Sale in late May to purchase uniform items.
During the Summer:
Be on the lookout for many mailings and emails about purchasing books via the Virtual Bookstore, lists of classes, and an August orientation date.
Summer reading lists are posted on the GPS website. Books are chosen carefully so that there is a big selection; some of them are perfect beach books, others a little more challenging.
You should also start looking into having uniforms made, buying from Educational Outfitters, borrowing from friends, or buying from another used uniform sale in August before the start of school. Information on buying uniforms can be found in the Admissions office. Try and look for class colors as you purchase summer uniforms. You will always need a white uniform.
What are the class colors of the uniforms?
6th navy 7th light blue 8th lavender 9th green 10th pink 11th yellow 12th white
When are the different uniforms worn?
The summer, or traditional uniform, is worn starting the first day of school until Thanksgiving Break, and then after Spring Break through the end of school. The winter uniform is worn after Thanksgiving Break until Spring Break.
What does she wear on the first day?
The sixth grade wears the navy uniform on the first day of school. Any color is okay for all other grades. Make sure the bow is tied, the belt is buckled, and the summer flip-flops have been replaced with socks and school shoes!
Where do I purchase a belt and belt buckle?
The GPS Bookstore will have both belts and belt buckles available for purchase. Educational Outfitters will also have belts and buckles.
What do I do to log on to the GPS network Bruiser Net?
After the GPS contract has been submitted, the GPS Admissions office will provide you with a username and password for both the student and parents. This username and password will be used to logon to BRUISER NET, the main webpage for the GPS community. From here, you will be able to check grades, schedules, emails, etcera. Bruiser Net also has links to important forms, calendar items, the GPS bookstore, tuition payment plans-- everything you will need as a GPS family.
When will my daughter get her schedule?
Student schedules are available on Bruiser Net and will be mailed to your home before school starts.
When are locker assignments given?
The locker number is on her schedule. Sixth grade schedules are mailed to your home in late July and available on the GPS website's Bruiser Net. You will be informed of what times and days your daughter can come in to decorate her locker.
When do we buy books?
All books are purchased online at our Virtual Bookstore. You can access this by going to Bruiser Net or by clicking the link. The virtual bookstore will guide you through the purchasing process. Keep a copy of the student's schedule nearby for any questions.
How do we know what supplies are needed?
Most students prepare for school with the basics: notebook paper, 3-ring binders for each subject, pencils and pens. Teachers will let girls know any additional needs on the first day of school. Needed supplies are minimal.
Where do we drop off and pick up?
Most middle schoolers are dropped off in front of the Middle School building (First entrance once entering the school--turn immediately right). Most upper schoolers are dropped off in the front of the school in the circle. Pick-up depends on activities your daughter may or may not have after school. You may pick up your daughter either place.
What time does school start?
7:45 am- 3:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
8:39 am- 3:30 pm Wednesday
7:45 am- 2:30 pm Friday
What time can students arrive at GPS?
While school begins most days at 7:45 am, girls may arrive at 6:45. A GPS security officer will be on campus, though most faculty will not.
Where does the bus pick up, and what does it cost?
I know the GPS bus is scheduled to leave after school. What if the student stays late for an activity?
The bus departs immediately after school, and again at 5:30 pm for those in afterschool activities.
What about sports tryouts?
Basketball, softball, volleyball, golf, diving and cheerleading all hold tryouts. The sports that do not are soccer, swimming, track, cross country, crew and lacrosse. Tryouts usually last several days after school. Fall sports wait a couple of days after school begins before scheduling tryouts. It's not a bad idea to touch base with the coach if your daughter hasn't already done so, just to get an idea of what is involved and what kind of experience the girls should have. Middle School season and coach contact information.
Where are medical forms and sports forms turned in?
You may turn in medical forms to your school's office- either upper or middle school. Sports forms may be taken to the Athletic Department.
Which GPS office takes care of contracts and billing?
The GPS Admissions Office collects new contracts and re-enrollment contracts. Across from the main GPS circle drive, the GPS business office will guide you through tuition payment options and instructions. After the initial payment is made with the contract, you will recieve instructions by mail on setting up tuition payments online through the FACTS company. If you have any questions about this procedure, call the Business Office at (423)634-7633.
Do GPS girls ever see boys?
Of course! Just not during the school day. There is an extensive coordinate program with McCallie School with many events planned -- dances, trips, pep rallies, and service projects -- for the girls and boys to attend.
