~ WHY A CLASSICAL EDUCATION?

A classical education is a superior education. Classical education is a tradition with a long history. It is a return to the roots of Christian learning. The goal of a classical education is to develop the mind of the student through Latin, mathematics and music - the basic and universal languages. They develop the intellectual powers of the mind as no other subjects can, enabling students to reach their full potential.
In modern schooling, grammar and logic have been abandoned as either boring or irrelevant. The result of this has not been individual discovery, but a loss of standards. Classical education today is a rediscovery of these lost tools of learning. We teach the student how to learn by developing independent learning skills based on the foundation of language and fact. The influence of "progressive" teaching methods and the oversimplification of textbooks makes it harder for the student to be challenged. Many educators are artificially positive and soften grading scales in order to boost self-esteem. We believe that a child's true self worth comes from their own accomplishments and working hard. Education is enjoyable and the classical method promotes teaching in ways that complement childrens natural behavior. Learning should be joyful and it should present a challenge. Learning is so exciting! Come find out why our children have such a love for learning!

~ WHY STUDY LATIN?

The study of Latin is an important part of classical education. It greatly enhances the young child's grasp of the English language and builds confidence. Latin develops the mind of the young student like no other subject. During the grammar stage, children are especially capable of mastering language.
Most of the languages of Western Europe have evolved from Latin. Over fifty percent of our own English vocabulary comes from Latin. Students that study Latin when they are younger find that the languages they take in junior high and high school come much more easily, since the foundation has already been laid.
Latin is also a very complex language and reading it requires more than just memorization. It involves the practical application of rules and principles as well as comparison and analysis of subtle forms and differences. We see that learning Latin also teaches logical thinking. There is no substitute for the mental development provided by the study of the Latin Grammar.

~ WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF SENDING MY CHILD TO GOOD SHEPHERD?

Most parents believe in the importance of a Bible class, which is why they bring their children to church and Sunday school. The real power is in teaching ALL subjects from a Christian worldview.
Education is not neutral and classical education is much more than just a Bible class. The classical method shows God's hand through all affairs. Accordingly, religious instruction at Good Shepherd will not be confined to a single class period, but every subject will be studied within the context of a Christ-centered worldview.
Conventional education has a philosophy that it merely presents the facts without a spiritual context. We believe that the facts, whether scientific, mathematical, historical or otherwise can only represent the truth if they are taught through a Christian worldview. Our students will behold the wonders of God's creation in science, witness His plans for mankind in history, study His order in mathematics, rejoice in His gift of music and the arts, and learn about His love and plan of salvation in a daily basis.
Our children learn to speak about God in all aspects and in all subjects. They are comfortable in speaking about God throughout their day, not just at home or on Sunday mornings.

~ WHAT GRADE LEVELS DOES GSLS OFFER?

GSLS offers a full Christian academic program for K-8th grades. Our kindergarten is a half-day program.

~ WHAT CURRICULUM IS USED AT GSLS?

Through the elementary years, children are in the grammar stage. The focus in this stage is teaching students the rules and facts of every subject.
GSLS uses a variety of curriculum resources for its academic programs. We use materials that are academically challenging and supportive of our goal of providing a classical and Christian education. We teach all of the basic subjects (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Math, Religion, Science, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, etc.). Our curriculum is distinctive in that our students study Latin beginning in the 3rd grade.

~ WHAT ABOUT NEW STUDENTS TRANSFERRING INTO YOUR PROGRAM FROM OTHER SCHOOLS?

This is a concern of many parents who are considering enrollment of their children, but our experience is that students readily adjust to this educational approach to learning.

~ WHAT IS YOUR DRESS CODE POLICY?

GSLS requires students to wear uniforms. The uniform consists of khaki or navy pants, skirts or jumpers & solid, primary colored polo shirts.

~ WHAT KIND OF LUNCH PROGRAM DO YOU OFFER?

Currently, the students bring their own lunch and families volunteer to provide hot meals on Fridays.