
"You take the good, you take the bad ... ." Originally set at the prestigious Eastland School for Young Women, housemother Mrs. Garrett is the caretaker and confidante of a special group of girls. Over time, this group shrinks to be centered on only four young women: wealthy and spoiled Blair, gossipy Tootie, eager-to-please Natalie and tough girl Jo. Over the years, the girls graduate from school, and the story lines evolve with them.

Mrs. Garrett must choose between staying in Peekskill or following her boyfriend to Africa.

When Mrs. Garrett decides to marry and move to Africa, her sister moves in with the girls.

The girls fear that Tootie and her boyfriend are becoming too serious.

Jo finds it difficult to pay her share of transforming the attic into a loft.