Who we are

Glen Urquhart School is an independent, progressive day school for students in pre-K through grade 8.

GUS was founded in 1977 by a group of parents who wanted something deliberately different for their children - a learning environment that would engage them physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

Today, that approach remains very much alive through our experiential, thematic, and place-based curriculum that encourages students to reach beyond what is expected, what is ordinary, and what is comfortable, to understand themselves as learners, individuals, and as stewards of the world around them.

What we believe

We believe in the power of curiosity, being yourself, asking questions to find solutions, and working together for the greater good. We believe in learning from mistakes, building each other up from the inside out, exploring beyond classroom walls, and thinking outside the box. We believe that changing the world with ideas starts in pre-k.

Where Real Learning Takes Off

I think GUS is different from other schools because they have a curriculum for social-emotional education, and that’s something I haven’t seen in others schools… My children feel connected to themselves and the teachers, and they are comfortable - and that’s where real learning can take off.

- Heidi Gorton, GUS Parent

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Diversity, Equity + Inclusion

Glen Urquhart School strives to create an environment that is welcoming to all.

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History

Glen Urquhart School evolved from the commitment of a group of parents to create a school where children would be stimulated to learn for learning’s sake.

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Traditions

Glen Urquhart School takes pride in the traditions and special events that stem from its founding philosophy and heritage.

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Testimonials

“My child is known, accepted, understood, guided, and nurtured each day. I am continuously impressed by the richness of the curriculum and the depth of meaning embedded in each lesson. My child is being challenged and supported. He is learning and having so much fun each day. We couldn’t hope for more.”

— GUS Parent

“As they look back on their elementary, secondary, and college years, my three children value above all the time at Glen Urquhart when they were encouraged to discover their individual voices, explore the world around them, and apply themselves with diligence.”

— PARENT TO THREE GUS ALUMNI

“They all get the skills, they get the rigor that we expect of them, but the way that they go at it is different. There’s a lot of freedom here to get students moving in the right direction but taking different paths.’’

–GUS Upper School Educator

"It's rare to find a school like GUS that takes such full advantage of the natural and cultural resources in Beverly, Cape Ann, and the wider world of New England. This conscious attention to connecting students with their places helps them become active citizens and preservers of their natural and cultural heritage."

– DAVID SOBEL, place-based education expert

"From the day that I stepped into GUS, I knew that this school was one-of-a-kind. I knew that this was going to be different. I have never known better friends in one place.”

— GUS student

Who we are

Glen Urquhart School is an independent, progressive day school for students in pre-K through grade 8.

GUS was founded in 1977 by a group of parents who wanted something deliberately different for their children - a learning environment that would engage them physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

What we believe

Where Real Learning Takes Off

Learn more:

Diversity, Equity + Inclusion

History

Traditions

“As they look back on their elementary, secondary, and college years, my three children value above all the time at Glen Urquhart when they were encouraged to discover their individual voices, explore the world around them, and apply themselves with diligence.”

“They all get the skills, they get the rigor that we expect of them, but the way that they go at it is different. There’s a lot of freedom here to get students moving in the right direction but taking different paths.’’

"From the day that I stepped into GUS, I knew that this school was one-of-a-kind. I knew that this was going to be different. I have never known better friends in one place.”

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