"Fostering Lifelong Learners in a Caring Environment" GFW Schools is an independent public school district in south central Minnesota. Originally formed to serve the communities of Gibbon, Fairfax and Winthrop. The district consists of three schools (one in each of the original three communities): GFW Elementary School (also the district office) - K-4 GFW Middle School - 5–8 GFW High School - 9–12