Garrison Forest School

At Garrison Forest, students experience an education designed to cultivate intellectual curiosity, confidence, and leadership. Two distinctive programs that exemplify this commitment are the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program and the Gateway Scholars Program. Established in 2005 through a pioneering partnership with Johns Hopkins University, the WISE Program provides talented and curious students with an opportunity rarely available at the high school level. For a semester, participants spend two afternoons each week embedded in Hopkins laboratories, research centers, and clinical settings, working alongside faculty mentors whose research aligns with their interests. Through direct participation in authentic research, students gain firsthand exposure to the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of scientific inquiry while developing the confidence to see themselves as contributors to meaningful scientific work. More than twenty years after its founding, WISE remains a hallmark of the Garrison Forest experience and a powerful example of experiential learning in action. The Gateway Scholars Program reflects Garrison Forest's commitment to fostering belonging, leadership, and opportunity. Through mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and community-building experiences, Gateway Scholars are empowered to fully engage in school life while developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive. The program strengthens connections across the community and encourages students to embrace their unique perspectives as leaders. Together, WISE and Gateway Scholars demonstrate how Garrison Forest combines rigorous academics with transformative experiences, preparing students not only for success in college, but also for lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.