The GUS Podcast: Episode 1 - The Power of Curiosity in Learning

What does it really mean to “keep kids kids” and still prepare them for a complex, fast-changing world? In this conversation, Head of School Gretchen Forsyth and Director of Admission Emily Glore explore the heart of a GUS education. They talk about why social-emotional wellness is true rigor, how experiential and thematic learning help students build deep, lasting understanding, and why no child at GUS is ever defined by just one label—“the math kid,” “the soccer kid,” “the shy kid.”

You’ll hear stories about field trips to the beach, second graders leading mindful moments for the entire school, pre-K teachers knowing the smallest details matter, and alumni who keep coming back because GUS continues to feel like home.

Key Takeaways

• Rigor starts with feeling safe and known.
  GUS prioritizes social-emotional wellness so students can take risks, make mistakes, and learn at a deeper intellectual level.

• Kids keep their natural curiosity.
  Thematic, question-based units and hands-on field work invite students to ask, “How can we figure this out?” instead of being told what to think.

• Learning is deeply personal and experiential.
  From journaling after tide pooling to sharing bird migration data with real scientists, student work is purposeful and connected to the real world.

• No one is just “the math kid” or “the soccer player.”
  Every student does dance, sports, art, music, and more, so all the doors stay open for who they can become.

• Mistakes are part of the process, not a verdict on who you are.
  GUS intentionally creates a safe environment where children can mess up, reflect, and grow—with adults walking alongside them.

• GUS is a partner for families, not just a school for kids.
  Teachers notice the little things (yes, even the pants that don’t fit) and stay in relationship with students and families long after graduation.