Gerard Preparatory School

The good: Small classes sizes are great and the project oriented teaching style teaches lifelong skills. The teachers love the kids and learn what works for each individual student. My kids felt safe and nurtured. For elementary school, I think this is a great environment. The bad: Teacher turnover is CRAZY. My child had 3 math teachers and 4 language arts teachers in ONE school year. Currently, I believe there are only 2-3 teachers there who have been there for more than one complete school year. Despite what the "teacher" who responded below says, they do have some uncertified teachers. They language arts program, which they promote as their specialty, is by far the weakest link. They teach no writing at all, and say that kids will write when they are ready. My kids, who were top of their class at GPS, were a year behind their peers in the public school on fundamental skills.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! We love this school, and have for years! Our child had a hard time in the public sector, and we find Gerard to be a Godsend. We are so happy our daughter has found true success here. Reading the statements from "students" below is a shame. I know for a fact that all teachers that teach core subjects hold degrees and are certified, as the school is fully accredited with GAC and it is required.. I think it is a shame that a minor can make such harsh statements against any school. There is no accountability to speak in this public forum. Gerard has always supported my child and would never force her to hide an issue if she were having problems. Instead, they would meet with her and the students involve to reach a resolution. LOVE THIS SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been going to this school for 11 years,NOT because my parents want me to but because I want to. These teachers that are here are not only licensed but they are great at explaining things and help me A LOT. I don't know why anyone who has gone to the school would not like it. I "LOVE" this school. So if I were you I would send your child here. It will be the best thing you could ever do for your child. From a student to who ever is reading this it was the best thing my parents have ever done for me. these kids that are saying bad things are probably thinking of the wrong school.

I have over 3 years of experience at this school and I have to say this is one of the WORST schools in Gwinnett county, maybe even the entire state of Georgia. The school policies lack in the type of professionalism I expect from a private school. Not to mention that the fact that their staffing is NOT LICENSED TO TEACH. Need i say more? The curriculum is far beyond sub par by anyone's standards. Senior students take the same classes as freshmen students. This "school" passes as little more then a children's daycare let alone an actual high school. Believe me when I say that as a student of this school for three years that this has not only limited my ability to learn it has set me back and I now must struggle to catch up so I can graduate on time with an actual education. If you are thinking about going to this school DO NOT it is not worth the wasted education. This school has no idea what it is doing and it's obvious.

I have been extremly satisfied with this school. It is a small boutique style school that caters to each student. The ratios are very low allowing interaction between the teachers and students and a lot of interactive learning. I love the music and arts programs, and the fact that they "care" about each student. It is very homey environment that welcomes everyone that comes!
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

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

Branch offers small class sizes, caring teaching staff and progressive curriculum. As the school grows they are adding on sports programs, learning through computer based courses (for AP students) and a more involved parent community, but the class size hasn't changed. My middle schooler has shown vast academic improvements, but best of all, finally is finding herself... We are blessed by this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for 2 years - we entered on grade level - and left below GA standard - even after my child received strait A's for 2 years while there.. After spending $ on tuition and ALL of the "extra" fees and charges, we had to pay for summer tutoring just to get our child to somewhat of a standard.. Our child fit in well.. was well liked by students and teachers - never had a discipline issue, or a bad grade - we were very involved as parents and volunteered, as well.. They say some kids might not be a good fit - and that's why the families would have issues - our child was a great fit and his education suffered drastically. If you choose this school be prepared for poor communication, unstable staffing, and inconsistency in all aspects of management.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Branch for many years, and did gain stability and a love for learning from the school. We left because GA standards were not being met and more than half of the students in the classes had some sort of learning disablity (SB10 program). Now my child is in public school and doing well in most areas, however working harder than they ever did at Branch (homework, studying for tests, and classwork). Language Arts lacked so much our last year that my child that made straight A's is now struggling to make a B!! It was pointed out last year that there was no Lang. textbook, no writing process was being done, and the reading book was for students below grade level. Now my child is struggling in this area becasue of what the school didn't provide!!
—Submitted by a parent

If your child has special needs/learning disabilities and qualifies for the GA State SB10 program, then this school is probably a good choice. We were sold on the gifted/accelerated approach for our child but the opposite occurred over three years. Our child skipped a grade on the advice from Branch. Once it became obvious to transfer schools, our child barely qualified to attend the next grade level in public school. Our child is repeating the grade just completed at Branch while having to deal with the emotions from that decision. Now our child is back with their age group/grade level and all we did was spend $8k for...? Our child's Stanford 10 test score was in the 70th percentile, which is below average...but at the same time considered a Branch accelerated student!!?? The school simply doesn't have the resources (specialized staff) to do a combined SB10 and non SB10 class.
—Submitted by a parent

Branch is a great school! Our children have been attending for 3 years. One of my children is on the SB10, and the other is not. My son would have been mainstreamed in a public school, so I hardly see the difference in him being in classes with "normal" kids at Branch. It is a lot less embarassing for him then being pulled out or having an aid come to him. My daughter is doing great- she enjoys the praise and attention in class that was lost in a large class in public school. The comment earlier about teacher turn over is not true. Most of the staff have been there the entire time I have been there. In public school, my kids had a different teacher each year- I could never have kept up with the teachers that came and went.
—Submitted by a parent

Five of the ten students from my child's class were pulled from this school by their parents after this past school year. Of the five remaining, two were special needs & the others I have not spoken to. Tutoring & repeating grades seems to be the norm when transferring from Branch to another school. I see from their website that teacher turnover continues to be an issue. I do not believe any of the staff hold unique credentials to aid them with special needs teaching. The classes are not segregated so the teachers have to juggle various levels of maturity. We as parents absolutely wasted our family income while at the same time compromised our child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

As a dad I really worried about my second grade daughter when told she was struggling with academics. When we found BCCS they told us they would work with her in all subjects. Their small classes and caring teachers surpassed our expectations. She loves school now and is catching up in all areas! This is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent