Lower School Athletics

A Strong Start: Nursery - Grade 2

For our youngest students, the high teacher-to-student ratio facilitates small group settings where they feel comfortable and more willing to ask questions and take risks.

Our P.E. teachers help students learn to accept new and challenging situations, even those involving disappointment." - Francie Rourke '71, Athletic Coordinator (N - 9) and Physical Education Director (N - 5)

In coeducational classes, Lower School students play fun, inclusive games designed to support physical health, accelerate cognitive development, and strengthen both hand-eye coordination and technical skills.

The P.E. program is offered twice a week for nursery through kindergarten and increases to four times a week starting in first grade.

Introduction to Team Sports: Grade 3

In third grade, students are introduced to team sports in preparation for interscholastic competition. Every season, boys and girls gain experience in several different sports through a series of three-week units. The sports they learn include:

Each sports unit begins with the proper technique for core skills—such as dribbling the ball and passing—and steadily progresses in complexity, culminating in drills and games that challenge students to combine all the skills they have learned.

Carefully designed by our P.E. teachers, each sports unit offers a thorough introduction for students who have no previous experience with competitive sports, while simultaneously helping experienced players to hone their more advanced skills.

GCDS Skating Program

Starting in first grade, students lace up for time on the ice. Learn more >

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  Middle School
  Practicing a wide range of sports in preparation for the start of interscholastic competition. Learn more >
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  Upper School
  Preparing students to excel in high school and college athletics.
  Learn more >
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  Sportsmanship
  GCDS has a long history of instilling integrity on the field. Learn more >