fine arts

A year-long drama class for eighth graders produces two live events each year. The class is designed to build children’s confidence and comfort with presenting themselves live and in person. In addition, the Musical Theatre Club for fifth through eighth grade stages a musical each year.

During the first eight years of school, your child is constantly growing –physically, mentally, and emotionally.

At Good Shepherd, our programs and curriculum are focused on discovering how your child learns; allowing them to identify their strengths, interests, gifts, and learning style in a community where all are encouraged and nurtured.

The Good Shepherd connection continues throughout life. Our students know that just as in choosing a high school that is compatible with their aspirations, likewise they know how to choose colleges and universities to fulfill their potential in becoming learners, benefactor, and leaders. They maintain close relationships with their friends, teachers, and coaches throughout high school and college, and often return to give back to GSES in many different ways. We even have alumni and alumni parents who come back to serve as teachers, staff, and administrators for future generations of GSES students.

As a pre-K - 8th grade school we create a well-balanced and meaningful educational experience around key developmental areas:

Intellectual – A strong foundation of comprehensive instruction across all grade levels where faculty discuss your child’s academic strengths and needs across the divisions. We know and understand your child over time and can help them maximize their potential over the years.

Emotional - A loving community that provides students the chance to join together to serve others with compassion and lead with courage.

As an outreach of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, our inclusive faith-based community provides all students, of every age, a sense of the values and skills necessary to become an accepting positive influence in the world around them, respective of their individual beliefs and backgrounds.

Studies show that the first eight years of school are the most critical for students in developing their creativity, moral values, self-esteem, and confidence. At the end of eight years, our students emerge with a strong sense of self because they have a multitude of opportunities to explore leadership and service at all ages.

For many students, entering Good Shepherd in our Pre-K program allows them the freedom to participate in unlimited activities, uncovering strengths and realizing the things that matter most – free from the pressure of a K-12 school environment. Our lower school students have the advantage of being a critical part of the life of our school and experiencing all of the resources, programs, and extras of a bigger school. As for our middle school students, they are not “caught in the middle” and instead become leaders and role models, recognition usually reserved for seniors in high school.

With an exceptional scholastic background behind them, it’s no surprise that our students matriculate to the top high schools in the area. Our eighth graders spend a year as part of a well-designed, personalized process. From creating resumes and learning how to prepare for an interview, to mock high school admission visits, to meetings and advice from our director of high school placement, our students are pursued because they are wellprepared, self-assured, self-confident, and well-rounded, often becoming leaders in their high schools.

Your child is involved in choosing a high school that is compatible with their aptitude and passions. Our students receive the high school education that is ideally suited to who they have become – not one that was chosen for them as a preschooler. They know what questions to ask to help guide their journey, making their college selection with more confidence than their peers from 12-year schools.