Upper School gathers three times a week for Announcements, Assembly, and Friday Speaker. On Mondays, students make announcements about upcoming events and community happenings. Thursday Assembly features guest speakers or student performing groups. On Fridays, members of the community share personal stories.

Advisory meets one to two times per week. Students in 10th-12th grade remain with their advisor and group. Each advisory is between seven to nine students. The advisor is one of the most important adults in the student’s time at GFA. They support the student academically and socially and are the liaison between school and home.

Cycle 9 is a time period between the end of the academic day and the start of after school activities such as sports and theater. Students and teachers use this time to connect for any support needed.

Discussion-based learning around Harkness tables further enhances the educational experience. These classes foster deeper understanding and value student perspective. This also helps build important social-emotional skills that are integral to relationships within our community and beyond.

Upper School students participate in a variety of clubs and activities, ranging from community service to student government to special interests. These student-led clubs offer opportunities to pursue passions, take on leadership roles, and even start new clubs. With options that vary each year based on student interest, there's something for everyone. For a list of Upper School clubs, click here.

The dean of each grade sets the tone for the year on the class trip. These trips provide an opportunity for students to travel, eat, and play together before settling into the academic year, laying the groundwork for the collaboration and community spirit that underpin all aspects of school life.