Trustee Spotlight: Anjali Chitre, P’26, ‘28, ‘33
“Those gatherings capture the heart of
the school – the sense of community + belonging, the encouragement + support, and the way students are invited to be brave and completely themselves.”
– Anjali Chitre
on a moment that made her believe in GUS.
Why I’m a Trustee
Our family joined the GUS community in 2022, when our two older daughters entered grades 2 and 4, years that truly feel like some of the most magical in a child’s educational journey. Almost immediately, the girls came alive in ways we hadn’t seen before. They loved coming to school, felt energized + excited, and were warmly welcomed by the community. Most importantly, they were eager to grow.
Not long after, we added our youngest daughter to GUS in preschool. Today, our oldest has started high school well prepared, thanks to her years at GUS, while our two other daughters are current GUS students in grades 2 and 7. Watching each of them thrive here is a constant reminder of how special this school is.
After our family’s first year at GUS, I was honored to be invited to join the Board of Trustees. I am now in my second three-year term and have served on the Executive Committee as Clerk, as well as on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Committee on Trustees. My husband has been a room parent for many years, and together we’ve loved finding different ways to support the school.
Serving on the Board helps me feel deeply connected to the community, the administration, and the future of the school. It’s a privilege to play even a small role in supporting a place that means so much to my children.
A Moment That Made Me Believe in GUS
Any time I attend an All School Meeting on a Friday morning, I’m reminded why I care so deeply about GUS. Those gatherings capture the heart of the school – the sense of community + belonging, the encouragement + support, and the way students are invited to be brave and completely themselves.
Watching children stand up and present in front of the entire school – sometimes with shaky voices, but always with the backing of their peers + teachers – is incredibly powerful. I see my own children growing into confident, inquisitive, and worldly thinkers who aren’t afraid to ask questions or try something new.
GUS’ out-of-the-box approach, thematic curriculum, and experiential learning model all contribute to that growth. The school is committed to meeting each child where they are and instilling a genuine love of learning – and you can feel that every time the community comes together.
What Makes a GUS Education Different
One of my favorite examples of what makes GUS distinctive happened in grade 4 math when my daughters learned concepts like perimeter + area by measuring a whale. It was playful, memorable, and deeply engaging. It was exactly “GUS” – the kind of experience that makes learning stick in a child’s mind.
To me, that captures the essence of a GUS education as academically rigorous, but in a way that children can enjoy and truly thrive in. The rigor comes through curiosity, exploration, and meaningful application, and my children are better learners for it.
Beyond the classroom, I’m continually struck by the depth of the connections within the community, whether between parents + teachers, teachers + students, or between the children themselves. My daughters have formed meaningful friendships at GUS that I believe will last well beyond their years here. Those relationships, combined with the school’s approach to teaching + learning, create an environment that feels both challenging + deeply supportive.
What I’m Excited About at GUS
I am particularly excited about the current + proposed future improvements to the GUS campus. Serving on the Board as we determined the feasibility of the project, shaped its design, and are actively fundraising to support it has been energizing.
This work isn’t just about buildings; it’s about creating spaces that will enhance the student experience, support innovative teaching, and reflect the values of the GUS community. Knowing that our efforts today will impact students + families for years to come is incredibly meaningful.
I can’t wait to see the plan come to life and to watch future generations of GUS students learn, grow, and thrive on a campus that has been intentionally designed for them.