Gill St. Bernard S School

Gill has been a wonderful experience for us as this is our 7th year. The teachers are engaged and want your child to succeed. They are available to help when needed, but more importantly, the children are advocates for themselves. They have the confidence to seek out help when needed, the compassion to help others and the independence to know what is required of them. I could not be happier with the positive results I have seen in my children. Gill truly feels like an extended family.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel sad for the unhappy parent review posted here GSB is not perfect but in my eyes (3 children attend from lower shool to middle school amd upper school) it is as good as it gets. Any private institution depemds on donations but it is not at the forefront of this school and there is no fAvoritism based on net worth. I am not going to refute any further because I would rather focus on the fact that GSB offers an amazing environment to both students and parents alike. This is an extremly well rouinded and grounded school and one just needs to come visit and experience this for yourself. Most important is the fact that my kids are extremely happy here and are reaching their full potential both academically and socially. This school fosters independance and prepares kids for college ( the one that is right for them) and for life. Wish I had attended this school as a kid and by the way,we switched our kids into this school from a public school and we make sacrifices financially to do so.
--Submitted by a parent

Agree with the parent who said bullying is not addressed. This school was a total waste of money. Favoritism abounds. Yes, every teacher is different, same as in public school, so the experience will be the same as in public school as well. Lower School head follows her own agenda, her day is probably spent googling each parents' net worth. Doesn't care about kids, only donors. No diversity in Lower and Middle School bar a few (rich) tokens. Middle School head hurries along diversity applicants during school tours, so you can tell how much they value that aspect. Coveted athletics spots are given to kids with the highest-donor parents, or kids of faculty members, or parents who bring in new parents to the school.. It's all about $$. Same as with coveted awards, honors, etc...Every year receives a VERY tiny pool of scholarship applicants as compared to other schools, and in any case, even if they get a scholarship to attend Gill, who really lets them belong them here? Scholarship applicants are usually excellently counseled to attend Rutgers. That's the most they can hope to achieve. Yes, college counselling at Gill does very much depend on who you are - always has, always will.
--Submitted by a parent

I have such piece of mind sending my children to Gill St. Bernard's. The level of trust I have in the teachers, staff and administration is fabulous. I do not need to worry that my children are being well prepared for the world they will live and work in. Everything at GSB is geared toward maximum success for each individual child. The character education program is one of teh best I have ever seen!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very disappointed with this private school. Unfortunately, after sending our children here for the past 3 years, we can no longer support this school. The public schools in the area are superior to this private school and can actually live up to the unaffiliated stance that this school claims. The school does not address bullying- very unfortunate for the students and frustrating for the parents. The student's experience is very dependent on the teacher that he/she is exposed to in a given year.
--Submitted by a parent

After 4 months in public school, our once engaged and curious first grader was starting to tune out of academics due to boredom. We transferred her to GSB this January and it has been a noticable transformation in just 2 weeks. She enthusiastically shares what she learns with us on a daily basis and looks forward to returning to school every morning. The teachers, students, and parents made this mid-year transfer so easy for all of us by being so welcoming and inclusive. GSB is an wonderful environment and I would encourage any parent to visit the school, meet the staff, and most importantly, speak to the students and their parents!
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I decided to send our children to GSB six years ago and still consider that to be one of the best decisions we have made for our children and our family. The school has challenged my children academically and nurtured them emotionally. I could not ask for a greater balance. The influx of new families to the school and the long tenure of existing families is a true testament to the overall satisfaction of the GSB community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has benefited from a GSB education for 14 years! Our oldest child has had a successful transition to college and we have several students still at the school. The teachers are committed and caring people that nurture each child as an individual. The staff has supported the academic, social and emotional growth of each of my children and continues to do so daily. The school is large enough to offer a variety of courses, activities, athletics, and performing arts, yet small enough that the faculty and staff know their students. It is an excellent blend, and we are delighted to be part of the GSB family.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at GSB. My husband and I are both in the field of education so we are very critical as we looked for a school for our children to attend. After 3 years at GSB, we could not be happier. The teachers want to be there, they enjoy teaching and challending the children, and they treat them as individuals. We could not be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

After investigating nearly every private school within a 20 mile radius of our home, we chose Gill for our son, and couldn't be happier. Gill creates a positive and nurturing environment for learning and growing. They foster exploration, self-esteem, confidence and poise. They reach and challenge each child as an individual, and appreciate everyone's unique talents. We've been in the Lower School for 3 years, and recommend the school to anyone seeking solid academics in a loving environment.
--Submitted by a parent