Gerard Preparatory School

I'm extremely impressed with this school. The teacher to student ratio is great. Not allowing more than 12 students per teacher really allows for one on one teaching. Each child has the opportunity to learn in their own way rather than the square peg round hole mentality of large public school classes. State of the art facility with all the bells and whistles make for great learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Gerard offers great off-site educational trips!! The kids just returned from Disney World and Jekyll Island. It was a great feeling to know that I could send my child on a trip with a loving staff that I trust completely! Can't wait for Washington and Rock Eagle!
--Submitted by a parent

The school's own flawed policies and procedures will ultimately lead to its demise. The declining number of students is a result of student turnover every two years, of which the second year is prolonged due to a masterfully created registration process during year one. This process can no longer support enrollment due to the quality of service provided coupled with a stagnant population growth. The student body is no longer being replenished by ill-informed parents caught up in changing demographics. An astute business person would have addressed that trend a decade ago.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the post today by another parent. GPS is clear about their enrollment rules and the contracts signed. I think it is sad some parents feel the need to bash the school on this website or any other. Everyone has the right to "freedom of speech", but sometimes the line is crossed without thinking of the ripple effect it causes. If you don't like GPS or their rules, then please disenroll so another family has the opportunity to enroll in this amazing school! Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Gerard and we LOVE it! The staff are all very professional, yet extremely caring. The administration always has time to greet or meet with parents. Some exceptional points would be; Daily art classes, music and theater arts, a State Championship level Archery team, and yearly off-site educational opportunities (like trips to D.C. and Jekyll Island). Best of all, it is a safe, loving Christian environment where loving our children is equal to teaching them.
--Submitted by a parent

Gerard Prep has been a great school for my son! The small class size and caring teachers have made a huge impact in his learning! The curriculum is taught in a way where the students actually learn it instead of memorize it and forget it! As a former educator for 16 years, I firmly believe in the philosophy behind Gerard Prep.
--Submitted by a parent

The difference is measurable! We have two sons in the school and both are extremely happy with their education, which was not the case in prior years. The classes are small, the teachers invest in the lives of the students and the administrative staff is kind and caring. We would highly recommend this school to anyone who wants more than just good for their children. At GPS they can reach their "best!"
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter attended this school for years, and I thought that it was a great school in the beginning. But then the school changed names, and it changed locations. When the school changed names the first time, the school changed in a lot of ways that were not for the better. Now apparently it has changed names again. My biggest question is why has the school changed names so many times, but has never changed ownership. As for my daughters education, I thought they were great. She is ADHD, and they helped her learn in a way that was amazing. However, as a parent I have one major warning : My daughter was bullied so bad at the school, and when I went to the administrator, she did not handle the situation. Also, I had to go to the administrator several times because the children were not monitored of the playground. My daughter learned more about sex on the playground then she would have learned watching a X-rated movie. When I was complaining/talking to one of the teachers about it, she laughed at me and said, "yeah, private school seem to have more problems with that then public schools."
--Submitted by a parent

We entered Branch with an academically normal 7th grader in which the public school system had made a very depressed young man. He never received praise for good work and the teachers seemed to harp on any negative action. We were advised by the school counselor that he had ADD. Our pediatrician told us this was totally untrue. After almost a year of Branch we have seen a total turn-around in our son. Gone are the days of coming home crying, depression, and feelings of failure. He is extremely outgoing. He truly cares about learning and is unbelievably motivated to achieve high grades. As far as the mixed classes (SB10) I really don t feel that has been an issue. I have been very involved in our child s learning and he continues to excel. If this was causing an issue I think I would see signs of it. In addition, starting next year he will have the ability to earn AP credits offered by the state through Branch. I personally am glad to pay tuition that guarantees that my child will be taught in a very positive environment, by caring and gifted staff, in a Christian atmosphere, where he is encouraged to grow. I don t think that a parent can ask for much more.
--Submitted by a parent

Visit this school to see the difference real and intentional investment in every student can make! Branch is a wonderful school with excellent offerings! Small class sizes, full accrediation, on line AP classes for High School students , and YES! Archery, Chorus, Cross Country (in 2011), fine Arts and so much more. Just check BCCS out yourself and decide!
--Submitted by a teacher