Meet the Head of School:
Q+A with Gretchen Forsyth

Gretchen Forsyth is a professional educator and licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience. She is passionate about progressive education and deeply committed to understanding the social-emotional needs of young people.

She holds an A.B. from Bowdoin College, an MSW from Boston College, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the Teachers College, Columbia University’s Klingenstein Private School Leadership program. Prior to being named Head, she served as the school’s Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper School.

As an educator, what inspires you?

I am inspired by people. In the classroom, on the field, as an advisor and role model, as an administrator and a counselor, as an admin teammate and a parent partner, I am constantly working to learn all I can in order to do all I can for my teachers, my students, and my school. I am inspired by what is happening in our world, by the shifting technological landscape, and the changing demands on individuals in our society.  I believe that independent schools have a responsibility to create educational opportunities that will uniquely prepare young people for the future. To that end, I am a constant student, always exploring every resource I can to find, to discover new and exciting ideas about teaching and learning today. I am excited by brainstorming and collaborating with colleagues who share my dedication and motivation to  push our school to fully realize its mission. Most of all, I get inspired by talking about a vision, a shared vision by parents and educators, for this small school with a big heart.

How does who you are as a person inform who you are as an educator?

For me, creating an intentional and deliberate community of learners is deeply personal. For so many close to me, early school years were high-pressured, stressful, and filled with anxiety. While I did well in that environment, I saw what that kind of environment did to people around me. As a professional educator, I was determined to find another way. I believe there are many different ways to educate a child and that different approaches work for different kids. It isn’t really the GUS way to say we are “better,” but I do believe the way we educate children is better for them. I want young people to love school. I want them to skip down the halls, laugh with their teachers, and enjoy their days. I always say there is fun in challenge - when it is the right kind of challenge. When students aren’t afraid to fail, when they can question and take chances, then they can push themselves to new heights. What I love about GUS is that we work to create an environment that builds from a child’s natural sense of curiosity. Starting with what a child knows and letting their questions guide their inquiry and discovery keeps the joy in learning. At GUS, we don’t add more to just add more, we encourage our students to go deeper. This is what is truly magical about a GUS education and why our students find success long after their GUS days.

Why are you so passionate about GUS?

I am SO passionate about what I do and there is nowhere I would rather work than here at GUS. Just talk to me for a few minutes and that is very clear. Professionally, GUS was the school of my dreams and over the past 14 years, it has been such a joy to watch the school grow and a change. Yet, one thing has never changed. GUS is authentic itself. GUS is deliberately different, and what we offer is an exceptional experience for young people. One that values the student experience above all else because in the end, that is the most important thing. Our intentional, place-based, theme-based program, with a sincere and important focus on character, community, and social justice, is who GUS is and continues to be the reason I come to work every day. Perhaps important to note, it is also why I am not alone on the car ride each day - both of my daughters attend GUS! 

What brought you to GUS?

Annie Barton brought me to GUS in 2010. At the time, I was getting married and moving back to Massachusetts from Rhode Island, and Coach Barton mentioned an opening for Director of Upper School at GUS. I immediately went home and sent my materials. When I first visited GUS, like many, I found it to be a hidden gem. I left thinking GUS was a warm community where students loved coming to school. The joy was palpable. I came to GUS looking for a place that understood the value of the social-emotional lives of young people to be as equally important as the academic outcomes. Having grown up on the north shore, it amazed me that the school of my professional dreams was right in my backyard all along. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. GUS has always felt like where I am meant to be, perhaps more so now than ever. I am so grateful for these years and really can’t wait to see what the future holds. As always, we dream big around here and I can’t wait to see our GUS dreams come true.