About
Mission & History
The Girls’ Middle School was founded by educator Kathleen Bennett in 1998 to provide a school that would nurture and empower a diverse group of girls* during their critical adolescent years. Today we are still guided by the vision she articulated in her original prospectus for GMS, and it remains at the heart of our mission:
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 founding faculty and staff first taught classes in September 1998 in our original location in Mountain View, California, to a pioneering sixth grade class of 35 girls. In 2011, GMS moved to our new home in Palo Alto. Today we enroll approximately 200 girls from more than 45 elementary schools around the San Francisco Bay Area.
*At GMS, girls refers to gender expansive youth (cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth).
1996
Kathleen Bennett publishes The Girls’ Middle School Prospectus, forms an advisory council, and begins fundraising. GMS receives official nonprofit status.
Kathleen Bennett publishes The Girls’ Middle School Prospectus, forms an advisory council, and begins fundraising. GMS receives official nonprofit status.
1998
GMS opens with 35 sixth-grade girls and 13 staff members. The school launches its three-year Computer Science program, along with its inaugural Intersession and SEL classes.
GMS opens with 35 sixth-grade girls and 13 staff members. The school launches its three-year Computer Science program, along with its inaugural Intersession and SEL classes.
1999
GMS expands to six classrooms, and the staff grows to 19. A scholarship endowment is established, and the Entrepreneurial Program is introduced.
GMS expands to six classrooms, and the staff grows to 19. A scholarship endowment is established, and the Entrepreneurial Program is introduced.
2000
- The Spanish for Fluent Speakers program is launched. Students embark on the first 8th-grade trip to El Molino, Mexico.
- The Spanish for Fluent Speakers program is launched. Students embark on the first 8th-grade trip to El Molino, Mexico.
2006
A one-to-one laptop program is introduced, and the skateboard ramp is completed. The pioneer class of GMS graduates is now in college!
A one-to-one laptop program is introduced, and the skateboard ramp is completed. The pioneer class of GMS graduates is now in college!
2008
GMS receives accreditation from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and joins the West Bay Athletics League (WBAL).
GMS receives accreditation from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and joins the West Bay Athletics League (WBAL).
2011
GMS relocates to a new campus at 3400 West Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, increasing enrollment to 64 students per grade.
GMS relocates to a new campus at 3400 West Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, increasing enrollment to 64 students per grade.
2015
GMS debuts its first GMS Musical, The Wizard of Oz. The metal shop opens, and the Varsity soccer team wins its first WBAL title.
GMS debuts its first GMS Musical, The Wizard of Oz. The metal shop opens, and the Varsity soccer team wins its first WBAL title.
2016
The scholarship program is renamed “The Bennett Scholars Program” in honor of the founder, Kathleen Bennett. The African Dance program celebrates 10 years under Masanko Banda.
The scholarship program is renamed “The Bennett Scholars Program” in honor of the founder, Kathleen Bennett. The African Dance program celebrates 10 years under Masanko Banda.
2018
GMS completes its CAIS/WASC accreditation process. The More Active Girls in Computing (MAGIC) marks its 10th anniversary.
GMS completes its CAIS/WASC accreditation process. The More Active Girls in Computing (MAGIC) marks its 10th anniversary.
2022
Christine Fairless becomes Head of School and launches a capital campaign to secure GMS’s first owned campus.
Christine Fairless becomes Head of School and launches a capital campaign to secure GMS’s first owned campus.
2023
GMS celebrates its 25th Anniversary at Mitchell Park Community Center in Palo Alto and hosts its 25th Dia de los Muertos celebration.
GMS celebrates its 25th Anniversary at Mitchell Park Community Center in Palo Alto and hosts its 25th Dia de los Muertos celebration.
2024
GMS launches its Five-Year Strategic Plan 2024-2029
GMS launches its Five-Year Strategic Plan 2024-2029
2025
GMS purchases a new campus at 3950 Fabian Way, marking a historic milestone and ensuring long-term stability and growth.
GMS purchases a new campus at 3950 Fabian Way, marking a historic milestone and ensuring long-term stability and growth.
1996
1998
1999
2000
2006
2008
2011
2015
2016
2018
2022
2023
2024
2025
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