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The Girls' Middle School

3400 West Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: (650) 968-8338 Ext. 123
The Girls' Middle School is committed to providing a positive and challenging learning environment that fosters self-esteem, empowerment and responsibility.
GMS promotes intellectual curiosity and disciplined study habits through a stimulating curriculum that provides a well-rounded exposure to the arts and humanities while emphasizing science, math and computer technologies.
We apply a hands-on project based approach that allows students to collaborate and think critically.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 198 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $50,128
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 8
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Girls' Middle School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1998

Student Body

Total Students
198 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
The Girls' Middle School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 8
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
20%
Admissions Director
Sue Kramer
Admissions Associate
Maria Garcia

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Cooking Club


Arts and Music Programs:
Drama Club


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Skateboard Club

School Notes

  • School Motto: Be Brave. Be Bold. Be GMS.
  • Criteria for Admission: The admission committee looks carefully at each application to assess her potential to thrive at GMS. Applicants are appraised in academic ability, creativity, problem-solving skills, interest in learning and their ability to work in groups. The fit between the student and GMS is also determined by recommendations from two teachers, along with a personal recommendation, past transcript, and a family interview.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Girls' Middle School cost?
The Girls' Middle School's tuition is approximately $50,128 for private students.
What schools are The Girls' Middle School often compared to?
The Girls' Middle School is often viewed alongside schools like Castilleja School by visitors of our site.
What sports does The Girls' Middle School offer?
The Girls' Middle School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Softball, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. The Girls' Middle School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for The Girls' Middle School?
The application deadline for The Girls' Middle School is Jan. 8.
In what neighborhood is The Girls' Middle School located?
The Girls' Middle School is located in the Palo Verde neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
The Girls' Middle School is an incredible 6-8 school for girls. My daughter is absolutely thrilled with everything GMS has to offer. The school focuses on girls at an age that can be challenging for many, and thus really excels at creating a fully inclusive and exploratory environment. Every role at the school is filled by a girl, and the faculty is superbly hands-on with embracing all the growth ahead of girls at this age and encouraging them to try new things and discover themselves.Some stand out things for me: the Entrepreneurial Program in 7th grade involves girls founding their own company, developing a real product, working with mentors from the business community, selling their product, and pitching to VCs from the industry, while tracking all of their operational costs. Amazing preparation for the future! GMS also teaches Computer Science across all three grades, offers surfing and skateboarding experiences, woodworking and metalworking, and a strong Spanish program.The school has a full athletics program (softball, soccer, basketball, cross country, swimming, tennis, volleyball) as well as many other after-school activities that can keep your daughter very busy: school musical, homework club, art, robotics, and many more.Academically, as well as Humanities and the aforementioned Computer Science and Spanish programs, the school's math curriculum includes the equivalent of a High School Algebra I course and an optional Geometry class in 8th grade. GMS does not focus on grades and the stresses this brings, but rather builds up strong narrative evaluations over time, fostering a love for learning, and continues to give parents great insights into how their children are doing. The school also has dedicated classes for SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) which has helped my daughter so much in learning about her feelings and her place in the world, and developing a rich set of perspectives.I enthusiastically recommend The Girls' Middle School. It is often overlooked by parents focused on finding a K-12 or 6-12 school "I don't want to go through applications again!" but it's very clear from talking to many alums that girls' preferences change a huge amount by the time they are 14, and the school that might seem a good fit for them at age 11 might not be the school they'd be happiest at by age 14. GMS is recognized by many private high schools in the area, and also prepares them extremely well should your daughter join a public high school.
- Posted by
5  
I saw my daughter go from a shy sixth grader to a confident young woman. Being in an environment where she was accepted as she is gave her the safety of being able to explore and take risks. She really thrived in the supportive environment. She didn't feel pressure to conform to someone else's expectations, but could become her own person. She also learned to advocate for herself and use her resources.Worth noting: Community - incredible supportive community of dedicated teachers who know your child Progressive education - project-based learning and hands on education including community building and scaffolding for independence and executive functionGirls are encouraged to take risks and try new things: everything from surfing to woodshop, to casting metal to computer programming. Of course I have loved that it was all girls. Having uniforms was a non-trivial plus.
- Posted by
5  
GMS is a joyful, inspiring, and mission-driven place where middle school girls have a safe and supportive environment to flourish. While other schools in the area may have fancier campuses or more food offerings, GMS devotes its resources to creating a special place for its students to thrive with faculty/staff who are fully invested in the healthy development of girls during this critical time in their lives. Don't judge a school from the exterior building (!) - the infectious GMS energy is on display in the busy hallways and classrooms, the spirited athletic venues, and the electric performance stages. My daughter ALWAYS looks forward to going to school each day and as a parent, it has been so wonderful to see her love for her school community translate to a love of learning and friendships.
- Posted by
5  
The Girls' Middle School in Palo Alto is an extraordinary school that does more than just educate-it inspires and empowers young girls during such a pivotal time in their lives. Our daughter is thriving at GMS. The teaching staff is exceptional and truly dedicated to their mission of helping girls navigate the complexities of the middle school years with confidence and grace. What sets GMS apart is how they foster a learning environment that encourages risk-taking and collaboration. They have given our daughter the tools to think creatively and push beyond her comfort zone, all while making her feel supported every step of the way. The sense of community is palpable, and it's clear that every student is valued for who she is. What's happening inside the classrooms is nothing short of amazing and special. The curriculum is designed to engage the girls in meaningful ways, sparking curiosity and a genuine love of learning. If you're looking for a place that will nurture, challenge, and inspire your daughter, The Girls' Middle School is truly a gem.
- Posted by
5  
Hello My daughter (15 years) will be coming with me to San Diego, and I look forward to search for a suitable school and close to the UCSD Extension (9500 Gilman Drive. La Jolla. CA 92093-0176 So can you help me to nominate the right school ?. Salahuddin Alghanim
- Posted by
5  
Dedicated faculty, out-of-the box thinking, and a very supportive environment. GMS truly lives the mission of providing a positive and challenging learning environment that fosters self-esteem, empowerment and responsibility. Not just your average private school: a completely different way of teaching and educating girls. Wish there had been a school like this when I was a girl!
- Posted by
5  
I am a former GMS student and I could go on forever about the education I have received from the school. It has not only taught me how to work in a group but it also helped me get to know who I am. It has sparked my interest and passions that I will continue to explore in high school. GMS has also given me the gift of confidence in who I am. The teachers and staff have helped me progress as a student and athlete. The education and skills each girl receives is priceless. There is no other school like GMS. I strongly recommend the school to any one who is interested.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 198 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $50,128
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 8
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Palo Alto, CA is $38,391 for elementary schools and $41,492 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Palo Alto, CA is 62% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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