191 Wanner Rd
Ephrata, PA 17522

Overall I feel that our school does an acceptable job. Unfortunately I find that many parents in the area feel that is enough and don't expect any more out of their school. Personally, I agree with the comments that children are not always challenged, class size is way too large (they now avg. 25/class), and the teachers are only teaching to the test. I also feel that we have a relatively inexperienced staff due to several recent retirements and our school district's policy of hiring recent graduates over seasoned professionals. On the bright side, we have a new principal who seems to have better people skills than our previous principal. He is too new to the job to change the 2 star rating on principal leadership and it should be noted that this is his first job as principal. Our fieldtrips and assemblies could be better.

Teachers care about their students at Garden Spot High School and properly equip them to become productive within society. One of our children has graduated and another is about to graduate. And, we have three others behind them and feel confident in sending them to this school.

My daughter was new to this district for 7th grade and has a GIEP. In the past, that usually just meant more homework for ME! As a working single mom, that was so hard. However, GSMS has taken gifted support to a whole new level. I am super impressed with how individualized it really is, how much improvement my daughter has made in weak areas, how cherished she is as a person by staff, and how responsible and independent she has become with her academic experience. I first met the principal, teachers, and guidance counselors at general orientation and they all remembered who I was the next time I went in. Everyone there is just so talented, enthusiastic, and genuinely caring. The infrastructure, technology, and ideology is top-notch. I'm really excited about the next 5 years in the ELANCO school district.