Gerard Preparatory School

My children are attending Branch for the second year and I couldn't be happier. They have grown both academically and spiritually. There are only half as many students as they had in their public school classes. Because of this, they have been able to accel beyond their grade level. Every day they are challenged and LOVED. Their teachers genuinely care and choose to teach as their way to serve God.
—Submitted by a parent

our son attended for 2 years. he entered on grade level, received all A's and B's for both years. After several complaints about the quality of learning, we had him tested outside of the school. He was now way below grade level. We had to pay for tutoring all summer for him to attend a new school. They do not have special services for the special needs children besides lower expectations and lower grade level books. They do not maintain GA standards, even though they say that they do. We were disappointed with the lack of professionalism, honesty, education and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We had two children who attended BCCS last year and we pulled them out after one semester. It was a good Christian environment, but the quality of education is sorely lacking. BCCS represented themselves as a school that could help my son with his 1st grade reading troubles, and he made little to no progress under their 'expert' guidance. His difficulties were shrugged off as 'immaturity', and they failed to diagnose his mild dyslexia issues. We switched both children to Dacula Elementary and they both showed dramatic improvements in test scores and abilities. Our son got the attention and instruction he needed elsewhere, and now reads very, very well. I would strongly caution against buying in to the 'relaxed learning environment' that BCCS sells to prospective parents. I know numerous families who have been very disappointed with BCCS and pulled their kids out to get a better education elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson attends and he loves it! Great Christian atmosphere, with caring and loving support from the teachers and staff! The great thing about Branch is kids learn and classroom size is small so that every child get the care and attention needed. I thank GOD that Jeremy has this opportunity in his life. Thank you Branch!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended branch for almost 9 years and I think its the best experience I've had so far. It felt like I had a family away from home and I grew to love everyone. I was actually excited to go to school everyday. The education I obtained was excellent. During my time there, I would never change a thing.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has thrived here, both acadenically and spititually. Great home atmosphere away from home!
—Submitted by a parent

A blend of tradition and cutting edge progression underscores this school. My son struggled with focus in class and often felt less than successful. One year at Branch turned that around. The Branch Approach to education combines brain sciences and old fashioned nuturing-The students know they will be hugged, or smiled at everyday, and they also know the strict boundries give them the support they need to succeed. Branch offers the Smart Boards in every class so kids really can get out of their seats and get involved at front board level. They learn and teach to learn! We are truly excited to be at this school and know our son will be prepared for High School when that time comes!
—Submitted by a parent

A Year that began with nervousness and apprehension ended with success and applause! We switched from public school to this private school and our daughter is now caught up in her grade level. Small classes, excellent teaching staff with caring hearts and challenging curriculum that 'expects' students to excell make this school head and shoulders above others, plus it is the only school like it in Gwinnett County. We are blessed to have found this place!
—Submitted by a parent

One of a kind school, one of a kind education. Branch offers Specific specialized education for children who would otherwise fall in the cracks. They are not Special Education, they are specific-specialized Education that serves students with different learning styles and those who also are gifted and way ahead. We have a son who thought so quickly it was hard for him to express what he knew, so he was labeled with a Processing Delay and placed in Special Education with an IEP. That is how we found Branch. They have recognized our sons advanced intelligence and give him time to process it out. Since he has been there (just this year) he has accelerated and loves school more than ever! What can we say, Branch is a real blessing! Where else are they saying, 'remove the label and identify the learning style!' ? Here at Branch they are!
—Submitted by a parent

A small school with a big heart! You can sense the level of caring when you walk in the lobby of this school. A living room setting with fresh flowers and large smiles greets all visitors and families! Academics are advanced, but even my child with ADHD is challenged to do his best because of the level of caring in the staff. We were blessed to find this school and grateful to be part of the community!
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren have been attending this school for 7 years. They have excelled tremendously and absolutely love the theatre arts and music programs.
—Submitted by a parent

My five year old has been attending this school for almost a year and we love it. My husband and I did a lot of research before placing her in this school because she has a congenital heart defect and I wanted the best for her and a school that would really focus on the values we felt important. My husband is a detective for Dekalb County and a real hard sell. He has the means and the skills to really 'detect' everything about a school. My daughter loves her school. Her reading and language schools are wonderful. They are very concerned about the children and the PIE meetings are very informative to all parents, in my oppinion. The staff is excellent!
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have been at Branch since it was the 'Little Red School House' and we could'nt be happier with how well they are doing! The Branch Approach focuses on the success of every student by tailoring the academics to bot challenge and support. The balance of Art and Intellect has given our children so many ways to blossom, and build usable knowledge with self confidence. The staff is dedicated (some at the school for over 20 years) and loving, creating a nurturing enviroment that openly cares for the parents and the students. We just love it! When we found Branch we said it was an answer to prayer, and each year we still exclaim the same thanks to God for this little school with a big vision!
—Submitted by a parent

The cirriculm was extemely poor (way below public school). There is no structure, discipline or organization. My childs class schedule changed continously, and I was never notified. My child was in a class with 7 students, and complained they got more attention and instruction in the public school with 25 students per class! There was little control in the classroom by the teachers. The 'Fine Arts & Music? Never saw one, didn't even have a music teacher. No actual P.E. teacher or program. My child as behind after putting them back in public school.
—Submitted by a parent

First the positive: There is a home-school feel to the school and the classes are very small where the kids can get a lot of extra attention but the curriculum is terrible. There was also a high teacher turnover, the reading and writing program is terrible compared to the public school system, there was no testing or assessment that I knew of, and there were some issues with professionalism with the front office. When we put our kids in a public school (Freeman's Mill- which is an A+ school), we found that our kids were way behind in reading and writing. Branch says that it concentrates on the abilities of the individual student but it's standards in general seem to be very low. Beware!
—Submitted by a parent

This school was a total disappointment. The majority of the classrooms were out of control, the principal had no idea what was going on in her classrooms and every year. Parents were not very involved with the school because they were unhappy with their child's progress. Sports, tutoring and afterschool programs are a complete joke. Additionally, no one knows the principal's credentials. She talks a good game, but doesn't produce the academically strong and well-rounded child she proclaims she can.
—Submitted by a parent