
"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.

Jo's relationship with her boyfriend is in jeopardy when she falls for her class-project husband.

Natalie's Grandma Mona, a Russian Jewish immigrant, comes to visit her; her plans for a private weekend fall through when her grandmother arrives.

Tootie is apprehensive about going on a camping trip with boys from Bates Academy.

Mr. Palmer, the French teacher, asks Geri out on a date; she seems to be having a good time, but Blair believes the man has an ulterior motive for taking her cousin out.