The GW Community School is a co-educational private, college preparatory high school serving students grades nine through twelve.  GW is owned and operated by teachers who understand the learning process, students' needs, and who genuinely enjoy teaching adolescents. They work closely with students and their families to maximize learning.

The GW Community School embodies a vision shared by teachers, parents, and students: A school committed to developing and optimizing the giftedness and intelligence of each student and fostering a sense of social awareness and civic responsibility.

The Birth of The GW Community School
Two talented and forward-looking teachers, Alexa C. Warden and Richard A. Goldie, actively sought a school where they could serve a specific population-bright, nontraditional learners, a population not well served in existing educational programs. A group of parents in northern Virginia recognized the need for a high school to serve their children whose abilities were not being developed by existing educational programs. Circumstances and good fortune brought these two groups of people together to start a school to serve these unique students. Community High School Corporation was incorporated in June 1999 to open the GW Community School for the 1999/2000 school year.

Our Students
Our students are motivated and capable people who want to succeed. They flourish in a positive school culture where they can learn beyond the facts.

Our students are involved and engaged in their community. They participate in school-sponsored activities, clubs, teams, and community service opportunities.

Our students enjoy a genuine learning community where students and staff are connected by mutual respect and caring in an intellectually challenging climate.

Current Enrollment:  60 Students grades 9 - 12.

At GWCS

• We offer a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum in a nurturing, collegial atmosphere.
• We focus on thinking critically, drawing parallels, and questioning assumptions rather than merely assimilating information.
• Students develop skills that they will need to succeed at the university level and beyond. Giving presentations, writing proposals, and creating products makes learning valuable and meaningful.
• Classes are small and student-centered. There is no "back of the room".
• Master teachers lead core courses and an array of electives with an innovative spin, making learning come to life.
• Students feel free to take risks in an environment where they can think out loud.
• Students meet with faculty advisors for 20 minutes a day to plan for academic success and ensure community involvement.
• Each student and faculty member is issued a laptop computer for use at home and at school. Our wireless network eases communication and instruction within our own community and the global community as well.

The GW Community School is an equal opportunity employer and accepts students of any sex, race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

The GW Community School is not a Special Education Facility.

The GW Community School is a co-educational private, college preparatory high school serving students grades nine through twelve in Fairfax approximately 10 miles from Washington, D.C. GWCS founders believe the use of technology better prepares students to achieve success in society today. Each student is provided with a laptop computer for use at home and at school. Students, staff, and parents use email to keep communication lines open. Faculty and students use their computers to make and to submit assignments. The GW Community School is committed to engendering a sense of civic responsibility in each student and provides several weekly community service opportunities. Extracurricular activities and athletics allow for a sense of investment and accomlishment.

Tuition:  The standard tuition for the school year 2007- 2008 is $19,900. Please call 703-978-7208 to request additional information and a fee schedule.

Enrollment:  Current student enrollment for the 2007 - 2008 school year is 60 students.

Grading System: The school year consists of four quarters. Interim grades are issued during each quarter. The final grade is an average of the four quarterly grades, midterms, and final exams.  GW does not record class rank.

Curriculum: We offer an innovative college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes application of knowledge, not merely assimilation of information. Courses are student-centered and designed to equip students with the skills they will need to succeed in life and in institutes of higher learning. Students will practice peer mediation and develop leadership skills in a structured environment. They will participate in community service activities and benefit by having members of the community participate in school activities.

Honors Courses:  Our current honors course offerings include:  Physics and Senior English.

Advanced Placement Courses:  Our current AP course offerings include:  U.S. History, Government, Environmental Science and Calculus BC.  Advanced Placement courses at GW are not weighted differently than any other courses.  Students may register for and take AP exams even if that course is not offered during the current school year.

Graduation Requirements

GWCS curriculum meets or exceeds Virginia's Standards of Learning.