Good Shepherd Catholic School

The staff at the Father Lively Center are fantastic, the Kindergarten teacher has always been there full-time, all the teachers at the school are warm people who put their whole heart into the student's education. The school has it's own ideas of how to create good people out of it's students. For those that are not catholic may not understand. The two schools (Father Lively and the Main building) are really run on their own, so communication between the two is not an issue. In fact the director at the Father Lively Center has more ability to run the school than the librarian. This was obviously a poor choice making the librarian the principal. There was also a huge change over this last year and so far, not for the better. Who is interviewing these parents to allow these kids in? Does the school only care about filling seats? This is not what went on when the last prinical was there. The right thing to do is not always the easy thing. A great deal of good people are going to leave if this continues and then where is the school going to be? The quality is going down without the direction and support of a good principal. Save the school while you can.
--Submitted by a parent

Communication is very poor (very little & often vague). One teacher waited an entire month before informing us our child hadn't been turning in his homework. Those making financial sacrifices to send child here will be made to feel like 2nd class citizens (constantly looking for $/donations). If your child doesn't fit the school's "mold," you will have no end of problems. Kindergarten teacher & Preschool director were not there f/t, causing instability for the younger grades. Some teachers condescending, rude and abrasive; and not all qualified to be teaching. Person who took over running the school 2009-10 school year is the former librarian. This change in leadership drastically changed the school, and not for the better. Would not enroll my children here again.
--Submitted by a parent

Had we known that the principal of 15 years was stepping down at the end of the school year 2008-2008, and that the school librarian was stepping into that role, we wouldn't have enrolled our children at this school. As others have stated, the communication at this school is very poor. One area where they could improve that would be to have more parent-teacher conferences (at present there's only been one this whole school year!). The teachers also assign a TON of homework, and don't seem to communicate (with each other even) how much they are giving out. Homework can take up to 3 hours to complete each night! Faculty does not make much of an effort (if any) to work with parents to help them resolve academic and/or behavioral problems. The downside - this can lead to kids floundering and for behavioral problems to fester. It is too bad there are not other private school options in the Saint Johnsbury area... If you don't want your child to attend public school (given how bad the St. Johnsbury public schools are), your only other option is to homeschool.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has undergone considerable change since the previous principal left. This year communication between parents and teachers and administration has been poor, but in fairness, an effort is being made to improve in this area. There are teachers who only work half day (??) and this compromises education in the elementary levels. It is a safe school, and the children are treated fairly and equitably. A significant amount of parents and students are unhappy with the current status quo, and are hoping to see more positive changes. Things are often difficult during times of transitions
--Submitted by a parent

Safe, yes. Education NO!!! Virtues? No. Organization? No! Discipline? No. Very very poor communication between school (teachers and administration) and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish i had put my child in this school right away, instead of trying the local public school for a year. Good shepherd has brought our child back to us. He's smiling again, happy, and confident, as he always was, until the local public school kids decided he wasn't 'one of them.' At gscs, every child is valued, not only by staff, but by the other students. The kids support each other, accept each other's differences, and look for ways to include, not exclude each other. The entire student body, from k through 8th grade, is well behaved and respectful, not only of the adults, but again, of the other students. Gscs likes to say it provides a 'safe' environment - but i think it goes far beyond that. They have high expectations for student behavior, and as a result, that is what they get: a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has been attending Good Shepherd for 8 years. I'm very impressed and I recommend this school this anyone who wants to give their child a true educational experience.
--Submitted by a parent

i have been going to this school since it started. I've always been safe and protected. Our teachers are awsome. They help us with any problems we have. My friends who have recently joined this school say that it is safer and a better school then their last school. This school is defanately the best school around.
--Submitted by a student

Thsi school is the best. i couldn't imagine a better school. they pay attention to all the students and make it a safe haven for us. everyone is really close so graduation is really emotional. i'm graduating this year and don't want to leave! i'll miss everything too much!
--Submitted by a student

I love this school. It offers a safe and friendly community for all. They except anyone and take care of your personal needs. The principal is one of the best that I've seen, and you can put your two cents in anywhere. They teach the students to be responsible, caring people, who will become something and someone great later in life. This school has shown a great deal of support for it's students, teachers, school community, and the community around them. I have witnessed great changes in most of the students that attend this school. I highly recommend to visit and see if it is the school for you!
--Submitted by a former student