Our Beliefs and Approach

Nurture the Whole Student

Responsive Classroom & Developmental Designs principles are fundamental forces within the school community. Our students and staff are immersed in their tenets during all aspects of the school day. At the core of Responsive Classroom and Developmental Designs are the beliefs that children learn at their best when attention is paid to building their social and emotional competencies.

Highlights of our community-building tools that stem from Responsive Classroom and Development Design Principles are our daily “Morning Meeting” in our Elementary Schools and “Advisory” in our Middle Schools. These practices of community building and support result in a safe and inclusive environment with engaged students where teaching and learning are strengthened.

Cultivate a “Green” School Culture and Mindset

Promoting an eco-friendly culture and a strong understanding of sustainability are key elements of our school’s mission. Above all, being “green” is a mindset—an awareness of the origins of goods and products, considering their impact on our community, and making responsible, sustainable choices. We encourage our community to adopt sustainable practices in everyday life and be conscious of their consumption and waste. 

Intentionally Build a Diverse and Inclusive Community

Our school serves all types of learners. Our comprehensive special education program includes at least one Integrated Co-Teaching Classroom (ICT) on each Elementary grade, 12:1:1 Bridge Classes, and one or two ICT classes per subject area (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies) in our middle schools. Our robust special education staffing model includes a Director of Support Services and Intervention in each of our buildings, certified special education teachers, and on-site speech and language therapists, who are supported by counseling staff, including the Deans of Students in our elementary and middle schools.

Engage Our Students Through Experiential Project-based Learning: “Explore & Discover”

Multidisciplinary, hands-on projects that incorporate skills from all subjects are central to our curriculum. This allows students to build academic connections while connecting with the world around them.We meet NYS Social Studies standards, and use innovative technology, engaging field trips, and project-based curricula to bring learning to life for our students.

Create a Connected Family Community

GUG wholeheartedly welcomes families into our schools and encourages active involvement in your child’s education. Whether attending family conferences, volunteering in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, joining publishing parties and performances, cheering our middle school sports teams, or contributing to our engaged PTOs, there are many ways for families to be a part of the GUG community.