Good Shepherd Catholic School

As an active parent of the school, a long-time parishioner, and a public school educator, I commend the students in these reviews for sharing their perspectives on the upper grades at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Mira Mesa. The "tween" and junior high years are tough for anyone, and I imagine that parents whose primary role is it to help their students navigate these transitions, may or may not always do this well in public or private school. Or even know how. There is something to be said though for junior high teachers taking time to hold students accountable for their work; the smallest of details in student work count tremendously in high school and college. I am glad to hear that still happens at this school. In my experience, the majority of former Catholic School students I have taught are the most prepared in terms of their maturity and academic preparation. In the big picture of God's plans for all of us, I believe that attending this school as a student, or supporting this school as a parent (for a few years or for K-8), can help prepare us all to be His peace anywhere. Best wishes to the recent graduates!
--Submitted by a parent

I recently graduated from this school, and I must say, I am not impressed with this school. I agree with the review below, K-5 are really good, fun, and educational years. I would know since I attended this school since Kindergarten. Now when I looked back, I realize I have learned a lot and have achieved bad experiences. I wish my parents sent me to St. Michael's in Poway. Somehow, I'm also glad they sent me here. Good Shepherd made me a stronger person, with it's tough, very strict teachers and judgemental classmates. Now I know what to expect from life. Lemme tell you something. Junior High was a burden. The teachers yell at you all the time, especially if you don't do your work EXACTLY the way they want it. If you forget one little thing, then you get a bad grade. Also, to be a high achiever and get good grades, you have to be "best buddies" with the teachers. For my junior high year, I did so much for the school. I was on ASB, helped the school, and did numerous things. Yet, I always get yelled at, while my conceited, lazy, kiss-up peers receive all the praise. Now that isn't fair. I suggest you sent your children to a different school if you want to have fair teachers.

Having gone here, I highly advise you look into sending your kids here for Grades K-5. Now onto Jr. High. Everything is terrible. The teachers are unreasonable! You can get yelled at for anything. Your grades can drop if you aren't great friends with the teacher. Seriously! Everything has to be exactly like this or I mark down your grade. Its unbearable! The best plan would be to send your kids here for K-5. Anymore than that and get ready to feel the stress of everything that isn't perfectly as it should be.

Parent involvement was great for us. but regarding our child's education, paying almost $5,000.00 a yr was not worth it. too big of a class, teachers critizes their own students, its who you know and goes on and on. there are other Christian schools in Mira mesa that i would recommend. Give Christ the Cornerstone Academy in Mira Mesa a try. We were very happy there.
--Submitted by a parent

Given the effect of our state's budget crisis on public education, we wanted our kindergarten child enrolled at a local school with relative security and consistently high parent involvement. Good Shepherd Catholic School absolutely exceeded our expectations for: 1) academics (spelling 'tests' in kindergarten!); 2) community (with terrific role modeling by the older children!); 3) social responsibility (every penny counts to helps kids in need and every recycled item helps our earth!); and, 4) extra-curricular activities (e.g. pee wee kindergarten soccer league, Mad Science enrichment program, field trips, weekly Spanish/Music/Computer Literacy lessons). Just a few examples of how Good Shepherd presents learning as fun all-around! Tuition is reasonable; and fundraising directly benefits the quality of student life and learning. Our first-time venture into private education at Good Shepherd Catholic School was one of the best decisions we made for our kindergarten child.
--Submitted by a parent

Good academics. Very 'by the book' about things--sometimes with good reason--sometimes not.
--Submitted by a parent

Good Shephered is a wonderful school. My son goes here and he loves the environment. What they lack in facilities, they more than make up for in staffing. The teacher's genuinely care about their students and parent involvement is incredibly high.
--Submitted by a parent

Good Shepherd is a wonderful school. My daughter has gained knowledge and good discipline. Mrs. Corpora and her staff are truly dedicated to what they do and and very supportive to the parents. She calls our children 'my angels'. My daughter loves music and enjoys taking piano lessons and also is very active in sports. She plays soccers. We have a lot of events which include our annual picnic with our basket auction, jog-a-thon, open house with ice cream and dinner social and book fair, Magazine drive, Wrapping paper fund drive. We also have the Peace Guardians. I can go on and on but all I can say is we are very proud of our school and very pleased with the staff.
--Submitted by Grace Andrada, a parent

We were very lucky to have our twin boys join this wonderful catholic school, grade level K thru 5. The leadership provided by Mrs. Corpora and Mrs. o'Connell, the academic excellence, spiritual guidance and big hearts of all the teachers are outstanding. They approach all aspects of teaching, music programs as well as art and sports are plenty, and they are ready for the 21st century providing one computer per child during computer class. The extra curricular activities - no name a few - like visiting the S.D. Symphony and Theaters, having the coast guard visiting with a presentation, bringing Californias history closer by visiting several missions, etc. are above and beyond. The level of parent involvement is very high which was wonderful to see and was fully supported by the staff. This school comes highly recommended from our household.
--Submitted by Christina Koohmarey, a parent

The principal is very good, and encourages teachers to make students enter lots of contests. She doesn't talk that much to students, and I think thats one thng that makes a good principal, because it lets us become more comfortable wth her if we have a problem. The vice principal does. Most of the teachers are ok, but some can sometimes be unreasonable. The PE teacher isnt very good. There arent that many xta curricular activities, but parent involvement is good. The safety and discipline is good, except they allow students to say bad words.
--Submitted by a student