Good Shepherd Lutheran

1180 Lynwood Drive

Novato, CA 94947

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 08, 2023

Not even close to what it was a few years ago.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2023

We have attended the school going on four years and our experience has been positive. The teachers and learning experience are the backbone of the school. There has been turnover at the director level but this isn’t a unique issue only impacting GSLS, and throughout, the teachers have remained steadfast. The student learning experience has been wonderful. There have a been a handful of parents slandering the GSLS community and absurd rumors floating around about children being held against their will, etc. It’s embarrassing to think these rumors are actually believable in this day and age. One thing also needs to be made clear - GSLS is is small independent school that does not have the budget or resources to accommodate every child. The school cannot be everything to everyone. To those where it might have not been the best fit, certain parents have felt it necessary to trash the school in general. GSLS is a loving and supporting school and community. No school is perfect and all schools will have some level of problems or conflict. GSLS has a strong SEL program and a counselor to help support the children during tough times. GSLS also offers financial aid and actively seeks to diversify its student population. Someone with an “accent” would never be turned away for that reason.
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2022

My experience at this school has not been as expected. The impression given is far from true. And I keep hearing more and more about the lack of unity among faculty, the fighting among office staff and issues of discrimination not dealt with -- something about a non-white kid kept in an office against their will. As a white parent I'm really concerned about this because I want my kids to learn about the real world, appreciate the people in it and navigate life around our planet with respect. There is a strong entitlement attitude here. There is preferential treatment of badly behaved kids because of "connections". I can't make head or tails where the collected funds are going or what the rules are for voluntary posts. Academics ... is ok. But know that if you're perceived as different, your kids will have a tough time. Bullying is rife and is not managed as expected, or promised. You'll cry for your kid and for your judgement. There is no community spirit. The church's role for the spiritual stuff? that's paired down to meaningless. I can't understand why the badly behaved children are permitted to spoil it for everyone. Can you imagine the type of adult they're going to become and the impact they'll have on your and my kid!? Hitting other kids, locking them in cupboards, psychological taunting. Destructive. I'm not going to stay. But they'll spin you a lovely story, you'll apply and fill my spot. I think that's all they care about
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2022

My son has been at Good Shepherd for 4th and now 5th grade since we moved to Novato, and it has been a supportive and positive experience for him. He is excited to go onto the middle school next year, and he is happy and thriving at the school. I can only speak as to the 4th and 5th grade experiences, but any issues that have ever come up, which they do with kids, have been addressed in an appropriate manner and the kids have been part of that process. I have nothing but thanks and appreciation for the faculty and staff who interact with my son on a daily basis in a positive and supportive manner. I also appreciate the open dialogue I can have as a parent with the faculty and staff re any topic whether it is academic, behavioral, etc. My son has also excelled in the music and drama programs at the school, and it is great to see the kids all being involved and included in these humanities and arts programs. Our family has been welcomed and treated with respect and kindness since day one, and it is refreshing compared to some school communities we have been a part of previously with our oldest child who is now in college.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2022

Good Shepherd is a fabulous school. My family has had only positive experiences there. The teachers are excellent: compassionate, dedicated and supportive. Yes, the school is picky on enrollment. Thank God! It's a private school and they have a very rigorous academic and enrichment program. If they think a student won't be successful/happy in such a rigorous program, then of course they tell the family it's not a good fit. From the course work I've seen, teachers have a culturally diverse curriculum and materials. Finally, from my experience, any issue of "bullying" brought to the attention of the school, happening under the supervision of the school, is quickly dealt with. The school has a really strong electronics policy - "school chat" from my experience is something that happens after school hours. It's a beautiful school with a nurturing, academic environment.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2022

I had attempted to enrol my son during the summer of 2011 prior to him beginning kindergarten. They are extremely particular in regards to their acceptance. Generally have tendency to enrol majority white students and had rejected my son simply because I happen to have an accent. Despite it probably is a really good school in terms of academia, the discrimination among families is appalling. I had had a conversation with the ruthless principle at the time and she had continued on as to how wonderful, well behaved and suitable he had been towards their school. The following week I received a call from the principle herself that my son is not suitable towards their school and I had retuned to the school to speak to the principle and I had explained to her that this is pure discrimination and that I am going to notify and inform many about this incident among us and their school. She had become red throughout her entire face and I had stormed out of her office and had never returned again. Additionally from my understand they have installed a “zero tolerance towards bullying policy and promote compassion and kindness towards each of the students. I also have been informed by many parents whose children have encountered a great deal of bulling at this particular school that had not been handled properly. Despite the policy I had mentioned above.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2022

There are some discrimination in the process of acceptance. They are picky and usually the "very white" ones get in.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2021

School ignores bullying. My son was encouraged by three kids to KILL HIMSELF for a whole month on a school chat. School didn’t do anything about it. I feel like throwing up when I think of the director and the school.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2020

We have been so happy at Good Shepherd, and the "distance learning" we've experienced has been relatively seamless. My middleschoolers have online classes everyday, have social events they can attend, extra help from teachers when needed, etc. I've been so impressed with how much they seem to care about how the kids are doing academically, but also emotionally. There isn't a teacher on staff who isn't working hard to make this productive and meaningful for the kids and I so appreciate it!
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2020

An amazing school that has taught my children how to be great leaders. They are not scared to make mistakes and it is ok to learn from them. The teachers have done an amazing job with remote learning these past months. They are working hard to make sure our students keep getting everything they need until we are able to come together again.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2020

I feel our family is enriched by our time here. I hope you choose Good Shepherd. Your family and students will thrive.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2020

I can't say enough fabulous things about GSLS. My two children have been thriving in their elementary school, and I cannot wait to see how they continue to learn and grow. The parent community is warm and welcoming, the teachers greet each student and their learning needs with such kindness and compassion, it's been a truly enriching experience for my family! I have also been beyond impressed by how the school rolled with the punches with distance learning. From continued core lessons to electives such as art and STEM as well as social and emotional learning programs, it's been phenomenal
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2020

When we enrolled we were fed a bunch of lies about how the school was anti-bullying, how they promote compassion, and tolerance. Our experience has been to exact opposite. The staff cater to wealthier families, there are rude and disrespectful children and families, and there is overt alienation of other children classrooms. Cliques are former as early as preschool and aren’t not discouraged. We deeply regret ever enrolling our child here.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2019

This school has changed significantly over the last few years, and not for the best. While it was once a lovely small school with great, supportive teachers, it is now run by a spineless principal and an administrative team that lacks basic communication skills and knowledge around their own school policies. The culture has completely changed and it is now a school that only caters to their wealthiest families, those who donate the most money, and completely disregards the needs of the other 95% of their students and their families. There is an ever-growing number of families leaving this school (don’t even consider the middle school) and it is truly a shame.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2019

Great school for my children. Amazing teachers and environment
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2019

Extremely happy with the outstanding curriculum integrated with enhanced enrichment classes. Its makes for a full and fun day where my children come home tired and happy. It really is an amazing school.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2013

Our experience at Good Shepherd has been wonderful! My children started in the preschool and now my younger son is in eighth grade. Good Shepherd has provided our children with a great Christian foundation and an education that has more than prepared them for high school and even college. They have learned to be good members of the community with very strong morals, values and ethics. I highly recommend Good Shepherd to anyone who is looking for a fabulous school for their child from 2years old all the way up to eighth grade.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2013

GSLS is a wonderfully small school with a big heart. The music, drama, art and science program are outstanding. The children are taught to care about one another, as well as those less fortunate in their local community and around the world. Each week, something exciting is going on, be it a field trip, family event or special project. Academically the children are challenged and able to shine individually. Public speaking is taught early on through plays, poetry recitations and chapel readings.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2013

Good Shepherd is a great school. Both of my kids have received an excellent, well rounded education. Music, art, spanish, drama and technology are included in their education. They have learn the art of public speaking. The school is also WASC accredited.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2011

This has been an amazing school for my son who is now in the 4th grade, he started in Kindergarten. He has made life long friends, his test scores each year have been at least two grade levels a head of is current grade level in all subjects. He has had, Spanish, music, technology every year since K. A fantastic organic hot lunch program and great student to teacher ratio; class sizes 26 or less. The community of families are wonderful and parent involvement excellent. My son has not only thrived but excelled and I am confident that he is cared for as i would care for him... My daughter will be starting K next year and we are excited to have her attend GSLS. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a great academic program in a loving community environment.