Good Shepherd Catholic School

A push by administration to maximize school capacity at 28 kids per class has resulted in what we feel is overcrowding in each small class room and has significantly effected the quality of education that the children are receiving. The level of teacher turnover and the principles lazy approach to recruiting new talented teachers is alarming. Further the principle is not approachable and is very defensive to parent input and feed back. The level of parent involvement is very high which is the saving grace of Good Shepherd. However there is not a great sense of community due to poor leadership and the numerous cliques that exist in the school. Sadly it is not the school it used to be.
—Submitted by a parent

Sadly the school has systematically disassembled/undermined its previous sense of community. Unfortunately the principal takes a dictatorial approach, becoming very defensive when approached for discussion.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Good Shepherd for 10 years and have been very happy with our experience. Our children love their school! We feel very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community of families, teachers, staff, and administration. I disagree wholeheartedly with the previous reviewer's comments. The administration works very hard to hear the interests and concerns of the school families. Teacher to student ratios are appropriate and I believe lean strongly towards benefitting the student. The teachers do a fantastic job of challenging both gifted children and ones who might need additional help. Thank you, Good Shepherd administration, teachers, and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

When our kids started at Good Shepherd several years ago, we could not have been happier. Fr Neal , Ms Nancy, the faculty and the school community could not have been better. However, our opinion of Good Shepherd has changed dramatically over the last 2 years to the extent that I struggle to even give it 3 stars. The administration is detached and aloof. Meanwhile, teacher:student ratios have swung wildly out-of-control and several new learning programs have been instituted without either proper staff training or effective parental communication. The school struggles SIGNIFICANTLY to challenge academically gifted children while, at the same time, leaving children who require extra attention completely to fend for themselves. Worst of all, I no longer feel as though the staff are interested in finding and cultivating the unique , good qualities resident in every student there. We are likely not returning in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

We have the most awesome staff and student body, period.
—Submitted by a teacher

Fantastic school, great Montessori program, talented and caring teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We have one child at Good Shepherd in the traditional program and I cannot say enough good things about it!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children there and could not be happier. THEY couldn't be happier. The only negative I have is that it is not as economically diverse as it was when our kids started there. It definitely feels more like a private Catholic school than it does a diocesan Catholic school. But the school community is incredible. The teachers are completely committed to their kids' success and Fr Neal is a perfect fit.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters attend Good Shepherd. One is in 8th grade and went through the traditional program from Kindergarden on. The other is currently in grade 3 in the Montessori program. I've found the school to be excellent academically and to be relatively free of the chaos that accompanies middle school age kids. Good environment, involved parent community and caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two kids flourished here. Supported by a warm community of compassionate, dedicated teachers and friendly parents, Good Shepherd instilled great values in our kids while teaching them about the world around them. We highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a quality education for their children. The fact that it offers a faith-based curriculum is a plus.
—Submitted by a parent