Our first Tartan of the year. How I love the Tartan as a metaphor for GUS! The idea of individual threads coming together to create something special certainly rings true here on campus - and in this newsletter! This issue features some amazing GUS stories that are both new and exciting while also authentically and classically GUS. Read about pre-K teacher Polly Pfau’s trip to Norway to explore the concept of friluftsliv and how Scandinavian cultures prioritize time spent outdoors for your well-being - and as an essential part of childhood development. Then, hear from Science Teacher Emilie Cushing about how she hopes that shining a light on outdoor learning, while not exactly a new concept for GUS, will allow us to expand upon the rich learning experiences our campus offers all students. Is there anything more GUS than an appreciation for the outdoors?

Another essential aspect of the GUS program is our community - and perhaps there is no greater compliment when members of the alumni community choose GUS to partner in educating their own children. Hear from four current alumni families on what they hope for their children here. How grateful we are to our alumni families for choosing GUS, not just once, but twice!

Speaking of choosing GUS, new families to GUS will get to experience a big change in our admission process. For students entering grades 1-8, we now offer rolling admissions. This change, coupled with Family Individualized Tuition (FIT) and continuous enrollment, is part of our greater effort to reimagine the admission process at GUS to make it more equitable, transparent, and accessible. We are proud to chart a bold new path to do right by our families and future GUS families to come!

Clearly, there are a lot of wonderful things happening on campus this year. Woven through it all is the same commitment to learning and growing together through shared experiences - and a dedication to our mission, vision, and values. I hope you enjoy this Tartan edition!

Trust and Go Forward,

The Tartan: October 2024