Mission 

Gibson Island Country School is a family of students, educators, and parents dedicated to making each child's early academic experience challenging and joyful. The School maintains an environment of trust, tradition, and intellectual discovery.  It is the mission of Gibson Island Country School to foster respect, responsibility, and a love of learning, today and for a lifetime.

Founded in 1956, GICS is a community of learners that carries forth its mission by balancing strong academic expectations with a creative, supportive learning environment. A small coeducational, independent elementary school, GICS believes:

• that educating the whole child involves intellectual, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic and moral development
• that children grow through discovery and active participation in the learning process
• that children thrive when the curriculum is interconnected
• that small classes and a favorable teacher/student ratio enhance motivation, risk taking and learning
• that a child’s unique strengths are the cornerstones for building achievement and self esteem
• that students need highly qualified, caring teachers who work cooperatively to recognize and respond to individual patterns of growth, maturity and learning
• that our unique waterfront setting can be used to enhance the curriculum and help foster and early appreciation of and concern for the environment
• that students develop values, consider appropriate choices, and reach for their highest potential when students, school and parents act as partners in a child’s education and development
• that the celebration of diversity enriches children in an increasingly global society
• that a respectful learning environment depends upon trust, communication, and understanding among all constituencies

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