Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is Girls’ School Sacramento located?

GSS is located in suite 6 of the beautiful, safe, and modern Miyamoto Building at 1450 Halyard Drive in West Sacramento. GSS is envisioned as an urban school, and this spectacular location will allow for much observation of and interaction with the important political and cultural happenings of Downtown Sacramento. The school is located within several miles of Old Sacramento Historic Park, The California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, the California State Indian Museum, the Sacramento Convention Center, Sutter’s Fort, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the California State Capital, the Governor’s Mansion, and, of course, the local city government center.

What is the size of classes at GSS?

Class size at GSS varies, but it will not be more than 24 students in a class. For the first few years we will be operating with several “combination classes” (for example a 1st and 2nd grade combination). This will not be a problem as our administrators are experienced in this area. Girls at GSS ALWAYS read and participate in math at their own ability level.

Do you teach the state standards?

We have completed an exhaustive study and alignment of the California state standards and the Core Knowledge standards. They are closely aligned. However, there are many subject areas (not math or reading) where the state standard is not taught at the exact grade level the state requires. For example, the state may recommend the study of electricity at grade 4. Core Knowledge (and therefore GSS) may teach it in 3rd or 5th. The Core knowledge curriculum is specific and sequenced, and it is intended to be a comprehensive curriculum (for grades K-8). It is more intense and complete than the California state standards. For more information on Core Knowledge, please visit www.coreknowledge.org.

Do you accept “special needs” students?

Girls’ School Sacramento does not employ a “special education” teacher. However, parents of such students should request a meeting with administration so we can determine if our school might be appropriate for the student. Core Knowledge is intended to be a curriculum for everyone. In addition, CK is the perfect curriculum for advanced/ high performing students. It is extremely challenging and our highest achievers will be challenged to their full potential.

I have a son. Do you have a school for boys?

The Girls’ and Boys’ Schools Development Group is the corporation that operates GSS. This group is currently in the process of considering the opening of a boys’ school in Sacramento to operate in tandem with GSS. If you are interested, please contact the school office to make your feelings known.

What are the hours of school operation?

Recent research has shown that more time in class is desperately needed by American school children. In an effort to teach all the core subjects (including music and visual arts) GSS has adopted a longer school day and an extended school year.
School hours on regular school days are as follows:

There are minimum days throughout the year (for staff development). Dismissal on those days is 12 noon.

What are the hours of your daycare (before and after school) program?

On every school day (and no other days unless special arrangements have been made) our extended care program is open from 7:00AM until 6:00PM. There are special unlimited use packages available. Please see the tuition and fees section for more information.

Is GSS a non-profit organization? Can I make a donation?

GSS has applied for status as a non-profit organization. It is operated by the Girls’ and Boys’ School Development Group, a California corporation.  GSS is also supported by the Taylor-Oliva Education Foundation, which has applied for non-profit status as well. Donations are tax deductible retroactive to the date of our application. Please seek the advice of your tax professional for questions.

Do students at GSS use computers?

Girls should become comfortable with the use of new technology. GSS students will learn a variety of computer applications, use the internet for research (where appropriate), and use word processing programs to produce papers and reports. Additionally, computer electives will be offered based on student interest.

Do the girls at GSS participate in any athletic programs?

When GSS is large enough to participate (having enough girls interested to field a team) with other schools in the area, we will participate in competitive athletics. Until then, GSS offers a unique PE/sports program. YogaEd is the foundation of this program. YogaEd is approved by the state of California for use in schools, and it is currently being used in public, private, and charter schools across the state. In addition to YogaEd, GSS uses sports, games, and dance to help girls of all physical talents and interests gain confidence, flexibility, strength and endurance.

Will you have a playground?

GSS is envisioned as an urban school. We plan to utilize indoor play space, and we will take advantage of the plethora of nearby parks and playgrounds (with appropriate supervision at all times, of course).