Good Shepherd Montessori School

Curious, creative, confident, compassionate, considerate, and independent - aren't these the qualities we would all like to see in our children? My husband and I are very happy to note that these are the qualities we see in our child who has been a student at Good Shepherd Montessori for the past 6 years. We did a lot of school-searching before selecting Good Shepherd and we are glad we did. Yes, there have been many changes at the school in the time our child has been a student there (especially in this past year with new ownership), but none of those changes has ever interfered with his learning or his school experience. What excites us (and many other families and faculty members) about the new ownership of the school is their whole-hearted commitment to sustaining Good Shepherd as a classical Christian Montessori school here in McKinney, and their vision for the future in terms of improved facilities and growth. Our child's education is always a top priority for us, and choosing Good Shepherd has been one of the best choices we have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been with Good Shepherd for a number of years, through the original owners and now with the new owners. GSMS is an exceptionally good Montessori school. No, it is not perfect. The changes that have happened, and have needed to happen, began before the new owners retired and sold the school. After 30 years in education, the 2 owners have left. Also the long time Primary teacher left after about 30 years of teaching Montessori. Those things sadly do happen. When the original owners suddenly left, they did leave the new leaders with a lot of work. Although the new owners don't have a lot of experience with Montessori, from what I see they have a lot of respect for it and want to do all they can to keep GSMS outstanding and Christian. The changes in staff that have happened this past semester were positive changes. There needs to be a Montessori certified teacher in every class and now there is again. The people who don't understand about loving and respecting the children in a Montessori way (by encouraging the child to independently shine instead of the adult entertaining the child) are those who have complaints. GSMS is beautiful,improving, & your child'll love it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very sorry but I have to give a no star rating for GSMS. We have been there for a few years now and are so unhappy with all the changes that have happened this year and all of the good teachers leaving. We have just had enough as we now learn that two more teacher are now gone. It was very hard for our children to learn that more teachers are gone. We tried to stick it out as they were under new ownership and like one of the statements below, you have no idea who is the director. One person in the office claims to be a director, but then you have one of the lead teachers sending emails as director. So many of the parents are also unhappy and just like them we are going to be looking elsewhere. This school used to be great under the old owners, but I don't see them lasting long with who they have running it now and with all of great teachers gone.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is in transition. The ownership change over the summer has resulted in an tumultuous year with a great deal of turn over. One primary class lost their lead teacher abruptly (students were not able to say good bye) and the school put a replacement teacher in without telling any of the parents first. That teacher resigned and there was a substitute and now there is another teacher in there (she seems great). The other primary classroom lost a teacher at semester and have a new teacher. The poor toddlers started the year with two teachers and are finishing the year with two entirely new teachers. In the interim, someone who was hired to work in the office was placed in the classroom. She is neglectful at best with the students and harmful in some ways - yelling at students and being too harsh with them physically. The PE teacher abruptly left this past week after two successful events that she organized. Consider inquiring about turnover before joining. We are leaving this year after several years at the school. I think the potential is there, you just have to be willing to work through the struggle. We did this year and hoped it would settle. It has not so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately I must agree 100% with the previous parents negative review. Not only do I agree I have a feeling our children were in the same class. I let my husband read previous review and he asked, "did you write this?" We have two children at GSMS and have been enrolled for 3 years. Problems started with the new owners shortly before the school year began. Teacher turnover has been concerning to say the least. Most of the loving teachers have left or been let go two awesome teachers just this Friday. GSMS prides itself on being " classic Montessori ". Someone at GSMS has redefined What true montessori teaching means and to the disadvantage of these precious children. Pre school age children need a love and also need positive afirmations to grow and mature. After most of the loving teachers left the school feels stern and very rigid. By no means would I ever recommend this school to ANYONE. I have spoken with other parents who have the same concerns and who also will NOT be returning to GSMS. If you want your child to be in a safe loving environment where they can thrive this is definitely not the place.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought this was a great school at first. I could not be more wrong. My child was at first very excited and would say she wanted to go to learn more" works". Now she does not want to go to school. I have asked why and all I could get from her is that she is scared. I decide to go and observe, which was pointless because they make you schedule a visit. This made more red flags go up for me. They make you watch in another room through a window and you can't really hear what is going on. From what I did see, one teacher is stern the other teacher looks scared. I could clearly see why my child seems to only talk about the one teacher and not the other. I have talked to other parents in the class and have found that a lot of them are not coming back. The school has a new owner and most of the good teachers have left. The few that are still there don't seem to look happy. I want to talk to the director in the office but I get emails from one of the teachers and she states that she is the director. I don't know which one is really in charge or who to talk to. I am very frustrated and will not re-enroll my child. Other parents should go somewhere else too.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the first grade at GSMS and this is his 3rd year at the school. After having attended a traditional pre-school and another local montessori school before coming to GSMS, we have been very happy with the teachers, the strong sense of community among the families and the approach to children. My child is accepted and encouraged to develop his creativity in a supportive atmosphere that provides a spiritual foundation for him to grow. The organic garden is a unique feature of the school that compliments the montessori curriculum for children of all ages.
—Submitted by a parent

Our girls have been attending GSMS for the last six months in both the toddler and primary communities and we wish we had discovered this gem of a school when we first moved to McKinney 2 1/2 years ago. Our number one desire for any school they attend is that it fosters a love of learning. GSMS does that and more. Not only are my girls educational needs met through a classical, authentic Montessori method, but their love of learning continues to grow on a daily basis. They are surrounded by amazing, dedicated, loving teachers and staff as well as invested families and friends that comprise the GSMS community environment. It is a place full of love, respect, joy and a sense of belonging. It is a school we never want to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our son and daughter are enrolled in the Primary Program at GSMS. This is our first year at GSMS and we have been very, very pleased with their educational and social-emotional progress and learning so far. Their teachers and other staff are very supportive and nurturing in their interactions with all the children. Our children enjoy going to school and oftentimes come home very excited about their learning. Part of what distinguishes this school are the efforts towards building a conscious community that includes an active PTO. We believe that GSMS offers our children a great mix of a Christian learning environment with a challenging classical Montessori curriculum that is child-focused. There have been a few changes this school year with the change in ownership of the school, but we do not view those changes as atypical given the circumstances. As a former public school district administrator, I certainly understand and appreciate the need to hire the right person to fill vacancies! If you are looking for a school that will offer your child(ren) the best of both a loving, nurturing, and academic rich learning environment then we really encourage you to check out GSMS.
—Submitted by a parent

Montessori education is individualized based on the student which allows a deeper understanding of the material. Every child is different and develops at their own pace. Normal schooling is a one size fits all and does not allow students who do not understand the material the time to absorb it leading many parents to pay high prices for tutoring. I have had three children at Good Shepherd Montessori over a period of nine years and all of them are very responsible, independent and self starting. I have one daughter still there in the fourth grade who is doing very well. It is important to understand that a child can go to Montessori and be behind, right on level, or be very advanced. That is the gift of Monstessori: the time to truly understand and to truly learn. I would highly recommend Good Shepherd Montessori as a classical Montessori school and I would recommend doing research and make sure you understand exactly what Montessori is and what it can do for your child. Good Shepherd offers many parent education classes, an active PTO, and many social gatherings in addition to outstanding academics. The teachers care about each student and adjust lessons to accomodate them.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started here last Spring in the toddler room & it was great. Then both his original teachers left and the owners sold the school in summer. I gave Fall semester to see what would happen. I have been sadly disappointed. Neither of the current toddler teachers are Montessori trained nor have any previous experience in it. One of the new teachers was hired to be an office worker and was to be a temp 'til they hired Montessori teacher. She's still there. The owner never introduce her I had to myself and ask the other teacher about her. The new owners were not able to hire a new teacher for the classroom nor a Spanish teacher as promised. The entire toddler environment just became more chaotic as the semester went on. My child used to like going to school, started to refuse to go and cry when we showed up. He also started saying things like, "I'm gonna spank your butt." I can't prove he got it from this school, but we don't know anyone in his life that talks this way. That was certainly the last straw for us. It's really sad though because we had been so happy at this school at first. As it is now I would not choose this school for my toddler.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at GSMS for 3 years and has enjoyed it very much. I do worry about his learning skills though. The teachers are very good with the children, but lack good communication with the parents. My son has improved his confidence since he started there and this is pleasing. It is a true Montessori school and the works are "old school", which is fine because my son gets enough computer time at home. All in All I would recommend this school for Toddler and Primary Years.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending for one year. The teachers appear to be very caring, but it does not appear that much teaching is done. The worst aspect is communication; they don't respond to phone calls or emails in anything approaching a responsible manner. If you do not join their cult of mind-melded parents, you are an outsider. They have an absurd dress code and food code. I don't mind a dress code, but they absolutely require that all clothes be bought at one particular store, which makes me wonder what is their relationship with that store owner. Their food code forbids about 75% of what you would normally pack into your children's lunches, including juiceboxes or anything with sugar... because, you know... sugar is evil. I give them a grade of average only because, as mentioned, the teachers do seem to genuinely care about the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for 2 years. His teachers have been wonderful and patient with him. The staff is extremely nice. The principal has called our home to check on us and see if we have any questions or problems. I believe my son is learning above and beyond what he would learn in most other preschools. Overall, it has been a great experience. My only complaint (and the reason we are switching schools next year) is that although it is advertised as a Christian school, I see very little Christian teaching going on. The children attend chapel every week and sing a few Christian songs, but otherwise I see no integration of Biblical principles or Christian concepts in their teaching. There is no scripture memory requirement, daily Bible story time or any classroom or extracurricular activities that focus on spiritual growth.
—Submitted by a parent

My son have attended GSMS since he was 16 months old. He is now 4 and thrives in the environment. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming which makes a perfect combination for learning. When comparing GSMS to others in the area, it is far above the rest in all areas. I would recommend this school for children from toddler ages thru 6th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of Good Shepherd for 3 years. The teachings are consistent with tradional Montessori schools. This should be your first choice when chosing a school!
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have two students enrolled in GSMS and have been part of the "family" for the past three years. I have toured all the Montessori schools in McKinney and this one is definitely the star that shines. Although other schools have Montessori in their name, they do not adhere to all of the Montessori philosophy. Good Shepherd has complete works in every classroom so the child is able to fully finish every element. GSMS is also competitively priced and I feel that it is well worth every dollar we spend. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has began attending Good Shepherd Montessori School in the toddler program. I am constantly amazed at confident and independent he is with his knowlege and actions. He is currently in the primary department and flourishing. I am so thankful he is already developing his life long love of learning at such a young age. He loves to go to school and see his friends and teachers. His teachers are always there for him and he is secure in knowing that they love and respect him. I believe that Good Shepherd is wonderful environment for my child to learn and grow. The 100 year history of the campus and the big beautiful organic garden is the perfect atmosphere for my child to interact with nature. I researched MANY Montessori schools and felt that Good Shepherd was a classical Montessori school staying true to what Dr. Montessori herself created. It may not be the fanciest or shiniest school but I feel confident it is the truest Montessori school in the area. I completely recommend Good Shepherd to anyone who is interested in a REAL Montessori school not a glorified daycare facility.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my family's sixth year at GSMS. What first attracted me was the peaceful environment. The teachers are focused on helping each child develop to his/her full potential academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The children are taught to care for themselves, their environment and others. Academically, they are encouraged to explore all the areas of learning. They cannot be "left behind" in an area where they struggle (because they will work until they have mastered each lesson), and they are not "held back" in areas where they have natural gifts or interests! Each classroom has a 3-year age span, which allows each child to experience being the youngest, the middle and the oldest. It is an incredible blessing to give each child an opportunity to gain the sense of accomplishment that comes with nurturing younger students. GSMS offers a "true" Montessori environment (with AMS-certified teachers), lovely grounds, an organic garden (frequented by all students) and an involved community, which becomes extended family! The music program and fine arts are also favorites.
—Submitted by a parent

I had been going to GSMS for about 3-4 years, and after I left I realized how HORRIBLE this school is. I've learned more in one week than we did in a whole year. Yes, I am serious. I strongly discourage you to put your child in this school. And, what I never understood was, where does all there money go? They make alot of money each year, and I understand bills and taxes, but I never saw one new materiel there. No laptops/computers, working materiels, etc.. DO NOT PUT YOUR CHILD IN THIS SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a parent