Good Shepherd Episcopal School

11110 Midway Road

Dallas, TX 75229

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 18, 2021

We cannot say enough wonderful things about Good Shepherd! We have three children there, and from the academics, athletics, arts, and social emotional and Classroom of the Earth curriculum, it marries everything we want for our children. The Good Shepherd community of families is also very welcoming, fun, and NORMAL! We've been very impressed with COVID measures and feel our children never suffered any learning loss. From the head of school to the faculty and staff, we could not be happier with the quality of educators and curriculum. There is little turnover among teachers, and lots of professional development offered (from Stanford University and others across the country). We feel like we are part of a compassionate, high-achieving, and well-rounded community - which is exactly what we were looking for!
Submitted by other on March 11, 2020

Good Shepherd will provide you with an individualized experience based on who you are as a person. If you don't fit into the "popular" category from the get-go, it will be more difficult for you, but you will eventually find your people. Quality of academics prepared me well for high school (especially the Spanish department), though many students who perform below average and are disruptive in class are given a pass. Most teachers do seem to enjoy what they do and try to do well. Overall, GSES academics are on par with what will be expected in high school and beyond, but the social scene can be a hindrance to certain students.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2018

We have had a great experience. We wish we had sent our children here sooner.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

Wonderful school and supportive community. Great and caring teachers.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2017

Gses deals with bullying very well and solves problems. The teachers are great and the students are very nice.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2017

We have a child at both Good Shepherd and Parish. The administration at Good Shepherd is more knowledgeable, seasoned, and nurturing. I feel that the teachers, heads of departments, and learning specialists genuinely care about my child. Most kids go on to top private schools after 8th grade (St. Marks, Hockaday, ESD, Jesuit, Ursuline, Greenhill and so on) The tone of the Parish administration is one of arrogance. The teachers are very nice, I don't think it is their fault. It has more to do with the mission from the top down. More focus is on the high school and the little kids / lower school gets the shaft, yet tuition is very expensive for what we get.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2017

My rating is based on the lower school. Our son transferred to St Marks in 5th grade so only rating K-4th. Overall, the curriculum is appropriate and prepared him well for St Marks (which is obviously a challenging school, ranked #2 in the state). Teachers: Genuine concerns for the development of our child and taught him not only the academic topics, but also the social skills. Universally, they were very engaged and proactive.Facilities: Relatively good campus, clean and safe. Its great for the lower school age. Children: We found it to be a very nurturing environment. The kids come from upper middle to affluent families without the elitism you see a Parish. The co-ed side was great. Technology: Average, they have smartboards and a good size computer lab, but could be better. Sports: Good options and decent facilities for the lower school. Paltry compared to St Marks or Greenhill. Curriculum: Well-balanced, but would like to see more honors-type programs. If you child is very bright you are probably better off at Cistercian, St Marks or Greenhill. Overall: Have very fond memories of the school and its an excellent option for lower school. Our friends who's children attended middle school gave it lower marks so the ideal age to be there is K-4 and go on in 5th when most schools add a class.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2017

It wasn't until my daughter went to college that I realized how important her foundation from Good Shepherd was. She walked into college with 39 credit hours. She has a double major (Spanish and Business). No other school offers Classroom of the Earth and consider that one of the best experiences of her life.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2015

GSES is a fabulous school with caring faculty and rigorous academics. I was not excited about the integration of technology in all of the classrooms, but I found that teachers utilized it when it enhanced instruction. The comment made by another parent regarding concern about using iPads is unwarranted. I would also comment that the Spanish program is amazing and contrary to what the same parent posted, it just continues to improve! High schools appreciate how well GSES students are prepared. My daughter entered Spanish 3 pre-AP last year as a freshman.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2014

There is a good fit for everyone regarding school choices. We are beyond thrilled our kids landed at Good Shepherd. Could not ask for a better fit for both of our kids and for our family as a whole. The community of teachers, administrators and staff set high expectations while creating a positive environment for the students. They clearly put the kids first in their decision making and allow kids to be kids while challenging them to grow in all aspects of their school life. The parent community is welcoming and down to earth. We are ever thankful our family gets to be a part of such a positive, healthy and well balanced school environment!
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

The experience we have had here is the best I could have possibly hoped for for my children. My family and I have found this to be a supportive, loving, family-centered community of parents and students, in addition to a challenging academic environment. My kids have had the kinds of opportunities here that you would find at a larger school - without the huge price tag or the impersonal vibe. They have been able to do outreach and community service through the Chapel and service learning program, backpack through the woods with Classroom of the Earth, participate in music, art (and theatre in Middle School), as well as strengthen their Spanish language skills from Kindergarten. They are also extremely comfortable using technology because of the way the teachers incorporate it into their classrooms on a daily basis. We have not experienced any teachers trying to use technology as a substitute for traditional teaching. We LOVE GSES!
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2014

Ever since Bob Kohler left, school has gone downhill. Middle school administration is not in touch with reality on dealing with kids. Every year the better students leave and they just admit problem kids (bullies) who have been asked to leave other private schools. Very much a 'cliche' culture by kids and parents with no family values. Spanish curriculum on steady decline and many classes taught via web and pod with limited to no involvement by teacher. Parents seem to dictate based on perceived status. Have a few good teachers but overall wouldn't recommend.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2014

My child attends Good Shepherd. I agree with what another poster said about the cliques at our school. It's a shame, it puts a damper on the experience for everyone else. We have been able to seek out some fun, friendly, welcoming families but it took quite a bit of time.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

This school's acceptance rate is around 70 percent. That means they end up with a lot of the kids who couldn't get into the more competitive schools. We tested out as soon as we were able. The curriculum didn't challenge our child and we didn't find the environment terribly friendly.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2013

My daughter is a 3rd grader at GSES. I can not say enough wonderful things about this school! The administrators, teacher and all ancillary staff are amazing. It is a warm, loving, inclusive environment and my daughter loves it. We are truly grateful to be a part of Good Shepherd!
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2013

My 7th grade son just returned from a five-night backpacking trip to Big Bend as part of the Good Shepherd COE (classroom of the earth) program. Not only did he have an amazing time, but he came home with a level of self confidence that only a COE trip can instill. I've already had one child "graduate" from GSES and she is doing incredibly well in a top-tier private high school. The academics at GSES prepared her to excel in high school, but the other programs like COE gave her the confidence to be a leader. Thanks, Good Shepherd!
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2013

My son has attended GSES since Pre-K and is now in 5th grade there. Every teacher has been excellent and he absolutely loves this school. The education is very well rounded and the atmosphere very caring. This is a school with a young spirit and a big heart. Parents can be involved as much or as little as they wish and there are many options for kids activities, camps, social events for parents and families, sports teams, etc.... My son especially enjoys the Classroom of the Earth program and the numerous retreats and adventures he experiences over the years. GSES is a great choice.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2012

My daughter attended GSES preschool last year and we loved it (both teachers are incredible). We are starting Kindergarten now and looking forward to another great year. A school is what you make it. Take part, volunteer, get involved, and you will most likely get the social experience that you are looking for. As for academics, we are happy with the high level of challenge. Our happy, progressing 5 year old lets us know we made the right decision.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2011

I agree with the other poster who mentioned that there is no social aspect to the school. The parents are extremely cliquey and it trickles down to the students. We left after 2 years.