Traditions

Before her first day of school, each sixth-grade “Rat” meets her twelfth-grade “Cat," an older student with whom she has been paired—one who readily assumes the roles of friend, role model, and big sister. While the two will participate in fun activities throughout the year, such as the Cat-Rat retreat and Cat-Rat parade, this tradition digs deeper. It is the beginning of demonstrating the power of women who support each other and build each other up. This concept of “sisterhood” helps set the stage for lifelong friendships and benefits young girls as they begin their new journey at our school and in their development.

Each year in September we celebrate the day our three founders took the courageous step to form our school. Filled with activities and fun, the occasion includes a look back at our legacy during Chapel, games, and more. The festivities allow students to not only see but participate in the rich history of women celebrating women alongside members of the greater GPS community.

May Day is among the most highly anticipated events of the school year, where tradition and the values of GPS culminate in one beautiful outdoor celebration resplendent with flowers, dresses, and the winding of maypoles. Family and friends gather on Smith Courtyard to fete the members of the senior class, while the May Queen and her court receive special recognition. Their peers nominate the May Court for reflecting inner beauty in the highest sense: girls who actively and enthusiastically contribute to the life of the school and who embody the ideals of character and integrity.

Chapel Talks are given by each senior during her last year at GPS. For a soon-to-be graduate, her talk is a celebration and a rite of passage. A Chapel Talk can be profound, humorous, or personal—sometimes all three at once. This tradition, while she’s surrounded by family and friends, marks an important moment in each senior’s educational journey. For, during her time on stage, she can express herself freely and use her strong voice—developed and cultivated during her years at GPS.

At the heart of GPS lies our most important tradition, the Honor Code. Developed around the belief that “a girl’s honor is her most valuable possession,” the honor system provides the guidelines for our community while allowing each student her individual freedom. Every GPS girl bears responsibility for abiding by and upholding the Honor Code, creating a solid foundation of honesty, trust, and respect upon which she and her classmates can learn and thrive.

The most exciting day of junior year is Ring Day! The GPS class ring design, which has changed just subtly since its introduction more than a century ago, is worn proudly far beyond GPS, connecting alumnae across the globe. When girls receive their rings, they have classmates and friends turn them a specific number of times, based on their graduation year, for good luck!