Good Shepherd School

This is our 3rd year at GSS and I can say I see a big difference from when we started to where GSS is now. LearningThe curriculum is challenging and I see major growth in my child. There is a decent amount of homework, but I think it really reinforces what was learned that day. I also like the opportunities the students get to learn outside the classroom. From cooking classes to all-school field trips, they really focus on teaching the whole student. TeachingThe teachers are amazing. I came from a Catholic school that was fear-based and that is not the approach at GSS. Teachers are caring and the student to teacher ratio really gives them an opportunity to identify each student's strengths and challenges individually and help cater a learning plan.Social-emotional supportGSS has a great counselor onsite that is available for anything and everything. I also found the teachers approachable if there was ever an issue that needed to be addressed. Special EducationThe school is very accommodating to my child who needs additional support. I was anxious about asking for accommodations during class time and they were more than willing to help work around our schedule.SafetyWe found a great parent community in GSS and everyone looks out for everyone else's kids. It really does take a village. You have parents helping with carline, parents helping kids cross the street, even some parents jumping in for conflict resolution during those unavoidable times when kids get competitive at sports. It's a welcoming environment. The campus can use an upgrade and a refresh when it comes to campus fencing.Family EngagementWe joined during covid so there weren't a lot of family involvement opportunities. Now that things are building back up, you can see the full community on display not just at the school events, but also in the small moments. The pick ups, the drop offs, the small conversations in the parking lot. It's truly a great place not only for schooling, but for parents to connect.We love GSS for the education and also all the other bonus opportunities they offer - the sports program, theater, cooking classes, coding, chess, band, etc. My only complaint is there isn't enough time to participate in everything my kids want to do.

staff is the problem. When desperate, school tends to hire inexperienced staff. There is a history of staff payment issues. Children cuss openly, teachers do nothing about it. Teachers tend to have favorites, mostly the girls. Often times, the boys are unfairly punished. In most classes from about 4th to 8th grade, chrome books are taken advantage of. Teachers do nothing about it. There have been online arguments and light sexual harassment online in the middle school, kids not acting their age, etc etc etc. There were cases of suicidal abbreviation where the school did little to nothing. There are plenty of pros to this school, such as cooperation between grades with activities like reading buddies. Pretty good school. Could use some work to the staff and the campus, especially the bathrooms by the second grade. There are insects in the corners of the stalls, the mirrors are dirty, the sinks barely work, and the paint is chipping. Choose good shepherd with caution.

I absolutely hated it. I am so glad that I left. Do not come to Good Shepherd, it's horrible. They don't even have a field, so there isn't many options for play.

Small private school with caring teachers and staff. Very strong STEM program, was blown away by the curriculum. My child is in her 3rd year at GSS and she enjoys it. The classes are small, which is good and bad. The ocean view from many of the classrooms is really a treat. They have childcare before and after school, which is a big factor in my decision. My only complaint is that the school grounds/facilities could be better. They do have an indoor gym, but no pool. The play area is limited. The new Hot Lunch program seems great, my child loves 80% of the menu(which is good for her!). New principal starting the 2019 school year, seems like a very good guy. I recommend taking a tour and meeting the staff if you are on the fence. Overall, I highly recommend Good Shepherd School

The school is facing dire financial times and several teachers are leaving at the end of this school year. Great that it's close by; however, we won't be returning.