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Why Gunn
About
The Frederick Gunn School has always been a place for students to take risks. We want you to push yourself because you are the kind of student, the kind of person, who can achieve remarkable things. We will challenge you and will insist that you push yourself. We don’t believe in letting students default to a comfort zone. You will learn just how much you can accomplish. And you will be astonished.

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Admissions
Students at The Frederick Gunn School spend their high-school years growing up, growing wiser, and growing more confident. They form lasting friendships by supporting each other as they step outside of comfort zones alongside faculty who truly believe in them. Coming to Gunn is a choice to dig a little deeper, to get past the shiny surface of so much that surrounds us. We would love for you to become a Highlander.
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Academics
The Frederick Gunn School prepares students for college and global citizenship by integrating academic learning with the immersive experiences of boarding school life. By extending education beyond the classroom, we equip students with the leadership skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

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Arts
At The Frederick Gunn School, we invite our students to be creators and makers. Whether you are interested in the visual or performing arts, you will have the chance to leave your mark on the world, to challenge others to see the world in a new way, and to express your perfectly unique point of view.

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Athletics
Inspired by Frederick Gunn’s belief that athletics builds both "muscle and character," our program offers 36 teams across 16 sports. Whether you are a high performing athlete or a beginner, this is where you can master new skills, discover new passions, and contribute to the tradition of being a Highlander, in and out of competition.

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Student Life
At The Frederick Gunn School, the best moments often happen between the bustle of academics and co-curriculars. Whether it’s sharing lunch, hosting a movie night, or sledding behind Teddy House, you will find opportunities to gather, relax, and build lasting friendships across our campus. It's why students and alumni refer to Gunn as home.

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Giving
From experiential learning opportunities and faculty development, to student life activities, athletics, and financial aid, gifts of all sizes — from alumni, friends, faculty and staff, students, and families — collectively ensure the school can maintain our standards of excellence and improve where needed.

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William Hamilton Gibson

1922-1937

William Hamilton Gibson of the Class of 1902 was appointed the third Head of School beginning in 1922, when The Gunnery was purchased by a group of alumni acting as trustees.

It was Gibson’s vision to turn the school away from the main road, where car traffic was on the rise, and create a quadrangle of Colonial Revival buildings.
With the support of generous benefactors, including the Van Sinderen and Bourne families, five buildings were constructed and the schoolhouse was remodeled.
The enrollment of the school tripled.
Fraternities were abolished based on Gibson’s belief that they were detrimental to the community spirit of the school, and The Gunnery, which had accepted girls as students in previous years, was converted to an all-boys school, in keeping with the prevalent practice of independent schools at the time.
Outside of The Gunnery, Gibson was instrumental in the founding of the Washington Art Association in the 1950s and was one of the first trustees of Steep Rock when Ehrick Rossiter deeded the nature preserve to the town in 1925.