Girls Preparatory School is an independent day school for college-bound girls, grades six through 12, in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.
For more than 110 years, GPS has been committed to academic excellence while educating the whole girl through a broad array of scholastic and extracurricular experiences, including 16 varsity sports programs.
As GPS students, girls grow in intellectual curiosity, honor their individuality, share their opinions with confidence, and discover the strength within them to change the world.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Top Ranked TN School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 511 students
- Yearly Tuition: $30,710
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Girls Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild learning differences
Year Founded
1906
Colors
Black, White, Blue
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
511 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
82%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
18 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art HistoryBiology
Calculus ABCalculus BC
ChemistryComputer Science A
English Language and CompositionEnglish Literature and Composition
European HistoryFrench Language and Culture
Physics CResearch
SeminarSpanish Language and Culture
StatisticsStudio Art
US Government and PoliticsUS History
World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$30,710
Tuition Notes
Payment plans available.
% on Financial Aid
51%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Alice Smith Harris '03
Admissions Associate
Hannah Richards
Endowment Size
$50 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Amnesty InternationalBIPOC Student Union
Chess ClubFellowship of Christian Athletes
Girl ScoutsHealth Occupations Students of America
Honor CouncilMock Trial
Model UNNational Honor Society
Partnerships in the CommunityStudent Council
SWENextYearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
BandOrchestra
TerpsichordTheater
School Notes
- School Motto: Inspiring Young Women Since 1906
- School Mascot: Bruisers
- Girls Preparatory School inspires each girl to lead a life of integrity and purpose by engaging her mind, cultivating her strengths, and nurturing her self-confidence and respect for others.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. Chadarryl Silguero-Clay ’12 -
- Josie Rix '09 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Girls Preparatory School cost?
Girls Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $30,710 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Girls Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Girls Preparatory School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 83%. Girls Preparatory School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Tennessee with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Girls Preparatory School?
Girls Preparatory School famous alumni include: Dr. Chadarryl Silguero-Clay ’12 and Josie Rix '09.
What sports does Girls Preparatory School offer?
Girls Preparatory School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Girls Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for most sports offered.
What is Girls Preparatory School's ranking?
Girls Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Tennessee for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Girls Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Girls Preparatory School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Girls Preparatory School located?
Girls Preparatory School is located in the North Chattanooga neighborhood of Chattanooga, TN. There are 1 other private schools located in North Chattanooga.
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