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GDS 360 Extended Day Program
GDS 360 Extended Day Program Practices and Policies
The GDS 360 Extended Day and Early Grasshopper Programs include a variety of enrichment classes designed to build community and foster friendships in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Complementing the GDS learning experience, these programs also offer physical and creative outlets for self-discovery and lifelong learning through structured classes, free-choice and group activities, and a homework center.
Logistics
GDS 360 and Early Grasshopper Rules
The rules for the extended day programs are the same as the rules during the school day. As such, we expect children to be respectful, caring, and responsible with regard to the program staff, students, and supplies. Children who are unable to follow these guidelines may be referred to the program director or director of auxiliary programs and may ultimately be asked not to participate.
Program Times
The Early Grasshopper Program will operate every morning from 7:00 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. In the case of a delayed start, only drop-in supervision will be offered, starting 1 hour prior to the start of school. Students may not be dropped off earlier than 7:00 a.m. Breakfast snacks are provided to students who arrive by 7:30 a.m. Families preferring to drop-off a child on their own and outside of a carpool must drop off before 7:30 a.m. as part of the Early Grasshopper Program.
GDS 360 operates daily from the end of classes until 6:00 p.m. with extended coverage offered in the 360+30 program until 6:30 p.m.. Also, GDS 360 provides programming from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on the two days during the year when school is dismissed at noon (before winter break and spring break). Please note that GDS 360 does not operate on days when GDS is officially closed, including vacations, conference days, staff in-service days, and when the School is closed due to inclement weather. GDS 360 does NOT meet on Field Day. All programs end promptly at 6:00 p.m. each day (6:30 p.m. for 360 + 30) and students who have not been picked up by the program end time will be assessed a late pick-up fee.
GDS 360 is offered on the two days when GDS releases at noon (the day before winter break and the day before spring break). In the event that we are able to offer a field trip, families have the option to register for participation in the field trip or to remain behind at school. Coverage is offered from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The fee for this half-day program is NOT included in regular GDS 360 registration and is charged at $75/day, whether or not children participate in the field trip provided. Financial aid and staff discounts are applicable to the full $75 fee. There is no GDS 360+30 program on early release days.
Cell Phone and Computer Use During Early Grasshopper and GDS 360
Use of cell phones and computers is discouraged during the Early Grasshopper Program, though the devices may be used for homework or individual, quiet activities. Students may not play games, especially games involving violence (e.g. shooting games) during program time. Early Grasshopper Staff reserve the right to ask students to put their devices away or temporarily hold onto the devices if they are being used in an inappropriate way or cause distraction for other students during the program.
Participants in the GDS 360 Extended Day Program may not use their cell phones or electronic devices during GDS 360 homework center or enrichment class time. Beginning at 3:45 p.m. (2:45 p.m. on Wednesday) cell phones should be turned off and put away in lockers or backpacks. This includes smartwatches and earbuds. If students would like headphones to listen to music, they may do so on their chromebooks with permission of the GDS 360 staff member. GDS 360 staff will specify designated cell phone usage times and locations after homework center. (See the GDS 360 Section for additional information.) (CF CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES section of GDS parent-student handbook).
Students are expected to use their electronic devices, computers, and chromebooks only for school-related work and educational activities after school. Students may not play games, especially games involving violence (e.g. shooting games) during program time.
Technology use that does not adhere to the stated policy will result in the following consequences:
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1st Infraction: Loss of device until pickup - Device will be returned to the student when they are checked out of 360 or the Early Grasshopper Program.
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2nd Infraction: 24-hour loss of phone - Students will need to formally request the return of their phone via email and carbon copy (cc) their advisor and the Auxiliary Programs office OR loss of device during program time and email to advisor and middle school office explaining what the inappropriate use was.
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3rd Infraction: Families receive a phone call to troubleshoot a plan of action.
Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather delays, watch the school website for information about times for the Early Grasshopper Program.
If school closes early due to inclement weather, GDS 360 will remain open for emergency purposes only until the last child is picked up; we ask parents to pick up their children as soon as possible. Refunds will not be provided.
Early Grasshopper Drop-Off Procedure
Students being dropped off for the Early Grasshopper Program will be dropped off at the main driveway terrace entrance. Please pull forward and wait for a member of the GDS 360 team to welcome in your student. Starting at 7:45am, drivers will drop off as part of the regular carline.
GDS 360 Pick-Up Procedure
To ensure student safety, students may not leave the building unaccompanied. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students will be picked up via carline in the LMS garage or on foot or by bike at the LMS main school entrance. Individuals picking up must be listed as approved drivers in SchoolPass.
If your pick up plans have changed, you must email the GDS 360 Program Director with instructions for pick-up. Please understand that if we do not recognize the person picking up your child, we may ask for ID and will call home if that person is not on the approved pick-up list. We also ask that you add the names of all persons authorized to pick-up your child into SchoolPass as “authorized drivers.”
GDS 360 and SchoolPass
Twice each year, the default settings on SchoolPass will be opened to allow families to adjust their departure settings based on their children’s participation in the GDS 360 program. Families who need to move into GDS 360 as a drop-in for a day may make this change on SchoolPass. Please note that if your child is listed as a drop-in, a drop-in fee will be assessed even if your child is picked up before 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. Wednesdays). If your child is no longer participating in GDS 360 for an afternoon, you may indicate this change in SchoolPass. For any changes to departure after 4:00 p.m., please email CampsAndClasses@gds.org as SchoolPass will not capture departure changes for the 360 program.
Walking Home or Taking Public Transportation
Children who have permission to walk home or take public transportation home must leave campus by 4:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays), or they will be registered as a drop-in. If they are registered for GDS 360 and allowed to walk home, please leave specific instructions in the carline section of registration, including the days and times the permission applies. The GDS and GDS 360 staff reserve the right to determine if there are circumstances which make it unsafe for a child to walk home (for instance, weather or darkness) and to request that an adult come to pick up the child(ren).
With your permission to allow your child to walk home or take public transportation from the school, you acknowledge that GDS allows your child to leave campus or School supervision alone and that the child will be unaccompanied and out of the School’s custody once they have left campus and that there are certain risks associated with being an unaccompanied child. You agree to release GDS from liability associated with leaving the School’s supervision alone. You further understand that GDS may make a decision that it is unsafe to allow your child to walk home (for instance, in severe weather) and that in this case, your child will be enrolled in the GDS 360 program as a drop-in until it is safe to leave or until someone has arrived to pick up your child.
Evening Activities
Please make plans to pick up your child by the end of program (6:00 p.m. for GDS 360 and 6:30 p.m. for 360+30) if your child is staying for an evening activity on campus, such as a dance, performance, or sports practice. A GDS 360 staff member must remain with your child until they have been signed out and you will be responsible for any late pick-up fees incurred during that time. Financial Aid and staff discounts are not applicable toward these charges.
15-Minute Grace Period
Students are given a 15-minute grace period from the time a non-GDS 360 program ends to be picked up. Even if a parent is elsewhere in the building, your child will be considered a drop-in to GDS 360 if they are unattended in any part of the building—including the library, playground,or computer lab. In these cases, for their safety, your child will be enrolled in the GDS 360 and applicable drop-in charges will apply.
Restricted Areas
Areas of the School used by the GDS 360 Extended Day Program (such as the playground) are for GDS 360 students only. Non-GDS 360 students may not play in these areas, even under a parent’s supervision. If your child would like to play in an area used by GDS 360, applicable drop-in charges will apply.
Teacher Absence
For the 2021-22 school year, the price of a GDS 360 program for each day is the same whether or not a child is participating in an enrichment class. In some cases, a teacher of an enrichment class may be unable to attend or may become ill. When possible, we will let you know or find a substitute. When a substitute is not available, students will join drop-in programming (Early Grasshopper Program) or the Clubhouse Activities or Homework Center (GDS 360). When possible, we will try to make up for a missed class by the final week of each session, sometimes by adding a few minutes in subsequent classes. In the event that a teacher is unable to complete a session of enrichment classes and a replacement cannot be found, students will be given the option to switch to a different GDS 360 program or withdraw from GDS 360 on that day. In the event that a student withdraws, refunds will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in the session. No refunds will be provided for enrichment classes that do not take place if the child is present for the GDS 360 program or for student no shows.
Health Care
Extended Day Health Capacities
While it is the intention to have a nurse present during the GDS Extended Day Programs, there may be moments when there is not a nurse on duty, though we will have several staff members with up-to-date first aid and CPR certifications. When the nurse is not present, we are not able to give any medication after school, except rescue inhalers and EpiPens. When the nurse is not present, we are NOT able to give Benadryl for allergies, medications for headaches, stomach aches, or any other over-the-counter medication that may be given during the day. If your child has health issues requiring medication other than rescue inhalers or EpiPens in the afternoon, please reach out to the Program Director and/or school nurse to determine whether we have the right accommodations in place to support your child. The program and the school will do our best to accommodate needs on a case-by-case basis (other than EpiPens and rescue inhalers).
While it is the intention to have a nurse present during the GDS Extended Day Programs, there may be moments when there is not a nurse on duty, though we will have several staff members with up-to-date first aid and CPR certifications. When the nurse is not present, we are not able to give any medication after school, except rescue inhalers and EpiPens. When the nurse is not present, we are NOT able to give Benadryl for allergies, medications for headaches, stomach aches, or any other over-the-counter medication that may be given during the day. If your child has health issues requiring medication other than rescue inhalers or EpiPens in the afternoon, please reach out to the Program Director and/or school nurse to determine whether we have the right accommodations in place to support your child. The program and the school will do our best to accommodate needs on a case-by-case basis (other than EpiPens and rescue inhalers).
Registration, Fees & Financial Aid
Registration
Program Fees
Financial Aid
Families will receive the same percentage of financial aid for the GDS 360 program as they do for school tuition. A financial aid code will be emailed to all families receiving aid when registration opens. This code can be used during online registration. If you do not have the financial aid code, please contact the GDS 360 Director. The 10% of the fees for the GDS 360 and 360+30 programs are nonrefundable in the case of a program cancellation.
Staff Parents and GDS 360
GDS staff whose children are GDS students are entitled to reductions in the GDS 360 program fees. While faculty and staff do not pay the full class rate, they must pay the minimum class fee or drop-in fee. Faculty/Staff discounts do not apply to any late pick-up fees. All other payment, registration, and cancellation policies apply to staff parents.
GDS 360: $5,000 for the year or
Registration for all GDS Extended Day Programs takes place online. For school year 2021-22, fall registration will open the first weekday in August and Winter and spring registration will open mid-November. Sessions run September-December,January-March and April-June. Class sizes are limited for all programs, so please register early.
Program Fees
The Early Grasshopper program will be offered free for families for the 2021-2022 school year. Pre-pandemic we offered classes as part of our Early Grasshopper Program. For the 2021-22 school year, we are evaluating interest and participation before determining whether and which classes to offer on which days.
There are fees associated with both the GDS 360 program and the 360+30 program. When you register for a GDS 360 program, whether for an enrichment class, clubhouse activities (our structured free-play program), or Homework Center, you will be responsible for a class fee for the season. 10% of the program fee (plus any applicable financial aid) is always non-refundable. Late registration will result in prorated fees with a maximum of 50% proration.
Financial Aid
Families will receive the same percentage of financial aid for the GDS 360 program as they do for school tuition. A financial aid code will be emailed to all families receiving aid when registration opens. This code can be used during online registration. If you do not have the financial aid code, please contact the GDS 360 Director. The 10% of the fees for the GDS 360 and 360+30 programs are nonrefundable in the case of a program cancellation.
Staff Parents and GDS 360
GDS staff whose children are GDS students are entitled to reductions in the GDS 360 program fees. While faculty and staff do not pay the full class rate, they must pay the minimum class fee or drop-in fee. Faculty/Staff discounts do not apply to any late pick-up fees. All other payment, registration, and cancellation policies apply to staff parents.
Early Grasshopper Program: Free
GDS 360: $5,000 for the year or
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$400 per day of the week in the fall semester (September-December)
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$300 per day of the week in the winter (January-March)
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$300 per day of the week in the spring (April-May)
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$40 per day for drop-ins
Payments, Cancellations & Refunds
Payment Policy
Payment may be made at the time of registration. You are financially responsible for all days for which you are registered, whether or not your student attends or if school is unexpectedly canceled (for instance, due to inclement weather). Bills will be sent home by email monthly and in hard copy three times a year. You may pay online through the online registration portal or by check to the Auxiliary Programs office.
Outstanding Balances
When registering for GDS 360, families will be asked to select a payment plan for the extended day program which will include several credit card and non-credit card options. Parents who decline to pay by credit card must contact the GDS 360 office within 15 school days of registration to set up an alternate payment plan. If one does not select to have a card on file charged for any incidental 360 fees and/or if one's credit card is declined, GDS will attempt to make contact with the parent.
Parents who do not set up a payment plan within 15 school days, who default on their payment plan, or who do not update a declined card within 15 school days of the declined charge will be charged $15 per month until the plan is set up. That $15 per month fee will not be reversed even if a payment plan is subsequently established.
Cancellation Policy
Minimum class fees are non-refundable. Should you decide to withdraw from a program, contact the 360 Director by email and in writing no later than 9:00 a.m. the day following the second-class/program meeting. All fees are non-refundable after 9:00 a.m. on the day following the second class. After that date, you are financially responsible for the entire season and the registration and materials fees regardless of whether or not your child attends.
Should you withdraw in writing from a class by 9:00 a.m. on the day following the second class and should your child’s withdrawal or absence from a class brings the total number of students below the minimum number needed for the class to run (usually 8 students), you will not be refunded. If your child’s withdrawal does not impact the ability of the class to run and is received on time, you will be responsible for paying for the minimum fee and a prorated portion of the balance of the fee.
Payment may be made at the time of registration. You are financially responsible for all days for which you are registered, whether or not your student attends or if school is unexpectedly canceled (for instance, due to inclement weather). Bills will be sent home by email monthly and in hard copy three times a year. You may pay online through the online registration portal or by check to the Auxiliary Programs office.
Outstanding Balances
When registering for GDS 360, families will be asked to select a payment plan for the extended day program which will include several credit card and non-credit card options. Parents who decline to pay by credit card must contact the GDS 360 office within 15 school days of registration to set up an alternate payment plan. If one does not select to have a card on file charged for any incidental 360 fees and/or if one's credit card is declined, GDS will attempt to make contact with the parent.
Parents who do not set up a payment plan within 15 school days, who default on their payment plan, or who do not update a declined card within 15 school days of the declined charge will be charged $15 per month until the plan is set up. That $15 per month fee will not be reversed even if a payment plan is subsequently established.
Students of families with outstanding balances and those who have not set up a payment plan will have their progress reports or report cards held. Students with large outstanding balances may not be permitted to register for additional programs.
Cancellation Policy
Minimum class fees are non-refundable. Should you decide to withdraw from a program, contact the 360 Director by email and in writing no later than 9:00 a.m. the day following the second-class/program meeting. All fees are non-refundable after 9:00 a.m. on the day following the second class. After that date, you are financially responsible for the entire season and the registration and materials fees regardless of whether or not your child attends.
Should you withdraw in writing from a class by 9:00 a.m. on the day following the second class and should your child’s withdrawal or absence from a class brings the total number of students below the minimum number needed for the class to run (usually 8 students), you will not be refunded. If your child’s withdrawal does not impact the ability of the class to run and is received on time, you will be responsible for paying for the minimum fee and a prorated portion of the balance of the fee.
Drop In & Late Pick Up
GDS 360 Drop-In Policy
Drop-In Fees and Financial Aid
Drop-in fees are a flat fee of $40 per day. Financial aid and faculty/staff discounts will be calculated based off of $30 ($10 minimum payment).
Consecutive Drop-Ins
Please note: If you drop-in on the same day of the week for three relatively consecutive days of the week within one season (e.g. three Mondays within quick succession), you will be registered and charged for the GDS 360 program for that day unless arrangements are made at the start of the season.
Drop-Ins for Middle School Students
Due to the number of middle school after-school clubs, sports, and performances, the drop-in policy for middle school students differs. Middle school students will be charged for drop-ins at the rate of $10 per 15 minutes with a cap of $40 per day. Fees for pick-ups after 6 p.m. will not change. As most clubs end at 5:00 p.m., this will allow flexibility for families who would otherwise be signed up for the extended day program.
As noted in the Parent/Student Handbook, if your child is on campus after 4:00 p.m by the school’s clock and is not actively supervised by a non-GDS 360 adult, s/he will be enrolled in the GDS 360 Program as a drop-in child. This includes students who are not with their tutors, students participating in a non-GDS 360 program, students who are returning from sports, etc. and who have not been picked up within 15 minutes of the determined end time. Even if a parent/guardian is in the building, the child will be considered a drop-in to GDS 360 if he/she is unattended in any part of the building including the library, playground, and/or athletic spaces. In these cases, for safety, they will be enrolled in the GDS 360 Program and applicable drop-in charges will apply.
Drop-In Bundle
Drop-ins are not intended to be a regular part of your child’s after-school care. However, we recognize that life happens and that you may occasionally need to leave your child at GDS while you’re at a late meeting or because your regular childcare coverage schedule has changed. As part of GDS 360 registration, families may select for a once-per-semester drop-in bundle of 10 drop-ins at a reduced rate. No refunds are given if all drop-ins are not used. After the 10 drop-ins are used, regular drop-in fees apply. If you know you will need more than 10 drop-ins in a season, we recommend that you register for a GDS 360 class.
Drop-In Bundle
Drop-ins are not intended to be a regular part of your child’s after-school care. However, we recognize that life happens and that you may occasionally need to leave your child at GDS while you’re at a late meeting or because your regular childcare coverage schedule has changed. As part of GDS 360 registration, families may select for a once-per-semester drop-in bundle of 10 drop-ins at a reduced rate. No refunds are given if all drop-ins are not used. After the 10 drop-ins are used, regular drop-in fees apply. If you know you will need more than 10 drop-ins in a season, we recommend that you register for a GDS 360 class.
Drop-In Fees and Financial Aid
Drop-in fees are a flat fee of $40 per day. Financial aid and faculty/staff discounts will be calculated based off of $30 ($10 minimum payment).
Consecutive Drop-Ins
Please note: If you drop-in on the same day of the week for three relatively consecutive days of the week within one season (e.g. three Mondays within quick succession), you will be registered and charged for the GDS 360 program for that day unless arrangements are made at the start of the season.
Drop-Ins for Middle School Students
Due to the number of middle school after-school clubs, sports, and performances, the drop-in policy for middle school students differs. Middle school students will be charged for drop-ins at the rate of $10 per 15 minutes with a cap of $40 per day. Fees for pick-ups after 6 p.m. will not change. As most clubs end at 5:00 p.m., this will allow flexibility for families who would otherwise be signed up for the extended day program.
Late Pick-Ups
There are two options for families arriving later in the afternoon. Generally speaking, all GDS 360 activities end at 6:30 p.m.
There are two options for families arriving later in the afternoon. Generally speaking, all GDS 360 activities end at 6:30 p.m.
- First three late pick-ups for the year: fee is $15 for every 10 minutes after 6:30 p.m. (rounded up, by the School’s clock) you are late.
- Subsequent late pick-ups: $25 per 10 minutes after the fourth late pick-up.
Policy for siblings of 7th and 8th athletes
We recognize that 7th and 8th grade sports are mandatory for all students and that, occasionally, a team participating in a 7th or 8th grade sport may return to GDS after 4pm. For siblings of these athletes, they may remain on campus without a charge under the following circumstances:
We recognize that 7th and 8th grade sports are mandatory for all students and that, occasionally, a team participating in a 7th or 8th grade sport may return to GDS after 4pm. For siblings of these athletes, they may remain on campus without a charge under the following circumstances:
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They must check-in and wait quietly in the main LMS lobby or other assigned location for their sibling.
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They should let the GDS 360 representative know who their sibling is and what team the sibling is on.
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The student must be well-behaved and follow the instructions of the GDS 360 representative, the security guard, or other GDS adults in the space. Students who cannot follow instructions or who are unable to sit quietly to wait for their siblings will be signed into GDS 360's clubhouse or homework center at the drop-in rate.
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The sibling must be picked up within the 15 minute grace period of the scheduled arrival time of the athlete's sports team.
Enrichment Classes
Class Absences
If your child is absent for three or more classes in a session or if your child does not wish to attend a class, we reserve the right to remove your child from the class with no refunds provided.
Class Times
Generally speaking, classes run from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. . In signing a child up for a class, we ask that parents inform their children that they are registered and expected to participate for the duration of the class and that parents pick up AFTER a class has ended whenever possible to avoid disrupting the activity.
Class Attendance and Early Pick-Ups
As a courtesy to the teacher and other students in the class, we ask that students remain in the class for the full class period except in emergencies. Students will not be called to go home during a class except in urgent situations. Should you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend the full class, please email the GDS 360 Program Director by 1:00 p.m. Depending on the time children need to be picked up, we may ask that they not participate in the class that day to prevent disruption to the class. Should you pick up your child early from a given class three or more times in a season, we may ask that the student no longer participate in the class. No refunds will be given.
Minimum Registration
In general, a minimum of eight students must be registered for any class to move forward. Should a class be under-enrolled, we will let you know within one week of the class start date if it will be canceled.
Class Cancellations and Refunds
If we cancel a class in which your child is participating, GDS will provide a refund for any classes taking place after the cancellation decision has been made if your child withdraws from the GDS 360 program entirely on that day. If you cancel your child’s participation in a class, regular cancellation policies will apply.
Sports Enrichment Classes and Winter/Rainy Weather
Children enrolled in a sports enrichment class taking place in the winter should be sure to bring sufficiently warm clothing for outside play. Should the weather be too cold or too wet, we will move indoors for alternate athletic activities (teamwork games, cooperative activities, strength and training, etc.). Parents will not receive a refund or credit should we be unable to play the sport outdoors.
If your child is absent for three or more classes in a session or if your child does not wish to attend a class, we reserve the right to remove your child from the class with no refunds provided.
Class Times
Generally speaking, classes run from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. . In signing a child up for a class, we ask that parents inform their children that they are registered and expected to participate for the duration of the class and that parents pick up AFTER a class has ended whenever possible to avoid disrupting the activity.
Class Attendance and Early Pick-Ups
As a courtesy to the teacher and other students in the class, we ask that students remain in the class for the full class period except in emergencies. Students will not be called to go home during a class except in urgent situations. Should you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend the full class, please email the GDS 360 Program Director by 1:00 p.m. Depending on the time children need to be picked up, we may ask that they not participate in the class that day to prevent disruption to the class. Should you pick up your child early from a given class three or more times in a season, we may ask that the student no longer participate in the class. No refunds will be given.
Minimum Registration
In general, a minimum of eight students must be registered for any class to move forward. Should a class be under-enrolled, we will let you know within one week of the class start date if it will be canceled.
Class Cancellations and Refunds
If we cancel a class in which your child is participating, GDS will provide a refund for any classes taking place after the cancellation decision has been made if your child withdraws from the GDS 360 program entirely on that day. If you cancel your child’s participation in a class, regular cancellation policies will apply.
Sports Enrichment Classes and Winter/Rainy Weather
Children enrolled in a sports enrichment class taking place in the winter should be sure to bring sufficiently warm clothing for outside play. Should the weather be too cold or too wet, we will move indoors for alternate athletic activities (teamwork games, cooperative activities, strength and training, etc.). Parents will not receive a refund or credit should we be unable to play the sport outdoors.
LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL
4530 MacArthur Boulevard, NW, Washington, DC 20007
HIGH SCHOOL
4200 Davenport Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016
Georgetown Day School is a coed, preK-12, non-sectarian private school in Washington, DC with small class sizes and a diverse school community. Our comprehensive, innovative curriculum includes hands-on learning, honors and AP classes, as well as advanced-level math and STEM courses. An education is not just college prep and SAT scores. GDS teachers focus on providing the best education for each child, from elementary grades through high school. The school performing arts program includes theater, dance, and music. The athletics program offers competitive sports for student athletes, including cross-country, track, soccer, lacrosse, and crew/rowing. With our strong commitment to financial aid, an independent school tuition is affordable.