Good Shepherd School

909 Oceana Boulevard

Pacifica, CA 94044

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 24, 2024

GSS has been nothing but a positive experience for my son and entire family. We love the school community!
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2023

This is our 3rd year at GSS and I can say I see a big difference from when we started to where GSS is now. LearningThe curriculum is challenging and I see major growth in my child. There is a decent amount of homework, but I think it really reinforces what was learned that day. I also like the opportunities the students get to learn outside the classroom. From cooking classes to all-school field trips, they really focus on teaching the whole student. TeachingThe teachers are amazing. I came from a Catholic school that was fear-based and that is not the approach at GSS. Teachers are caring and the student to teacher ratio really gives them an opportunity to identify each student's strengths and challenges individually and help cater a learning plan.Social-emotional supportGSS has a great counselor onsite that is available for anything and everything. I also found the teachers approachable if there was ever an issue that needed to be addressed. Special EducationThe school is very accommodating to my child who needs additional support. I was anxious about asking for accommodations during class time and they were more than willing to help work around our schedule.SafetyWe found a great parent community in GSS and everyone looks out for everyone else's kids. It really does take a village. You have parents helping with carline, parents helping kids cross the street, even some parents jumping in for conflict resolution during those unavoidable times when kids get competitive at sports. It's a welcoming environment. The campus can use an upgrade and a refresh when it comes to campus fencing.Family EngagementWe joined during covid so there weren't a lot of family involvement opportunities. Now that things are building back up, you can see the full community on display not just at the school events, but also in the small moments. The pick ups, the drop offs, the small conversations in the parking lot. It's truly a great place not only for schooling, but for parents to connect.We love GSS for the education and also all the other bonus opportunities they offer - the sports program, theater, cooking classes, coding, chess, band, etc. My only complaint is there isn't enough time to participate in everything my kids want to do.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2022

staff is the problem. When desperate, school tends to hire inexperienced staff. There is a history of staff payment issues. Children cuss openly, teachers do nothing about it. Teachers tend to have favorites, mostly the girls. Often times, the boys are unfairly punished. In most classes from about 4th to 8th grade, chrome books are taken advantage of. Teachers do nothing about it. There have been online arguments and light sexual harassment online in the middle school, kids not acting their age, etc etc etc. There were cases of suicidal abbreviation where the school did little to nothing. There are plenty of pros to this school, such as cooperation between grades with activities like reading buddies. Pretty good school. Could use some work to the staff and the campus, especially the bathrooms by the second grade. There are insects in the corners of the stalls, the mirrors are dirty, the sinks barely work, and the paint is chipping. Choose good shepherd with caution.
Submitted by other on November 14, 2019

I absolutely hated it. I am so glad that I left. Do not come to Good Shepherd, it's horrible. They don't even have a field, so there isn't many options for play.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2019

Small private school with caring teachers and staff. Very strong STEM program, was blown away by the curriculum. My child is in her 3rd year at GSS and she enjoys it. The classes are small, which is good and bad. The ocean view from many of the classrooms is really a treat. They have childcare before and after school, which is a big factor in my decision. My only complaint is that the school grounds/facilities could be better. They do have an indoor gym, but no pool. The play area is limited. The new Hot Lunch program seems great, my child loves 80% of the menu(which is good for her!). New principal starting the 2019 school year, seems like a very good guy. I recommend taking a tour and meeting the staff if you are on the fence. Overall, I highly recommend Good Shepherd School
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2019

The school is facing dire financial times and several teachers are leaving at the end of this school year. Great that it's close by; however, we won't be returning.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2018

We are extremely happy with the education and values that have been instilled and supported from Good Shepherd staff and families. The community at Good Shepherd is awesome!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2015

As parents with children in multiple grades, our perspective of Good Shepherd School is comprehensive and we are proud to say that we can’t recommend it enough. Our experience has been exceedingly rich and gratifying. Not only do we feel that our children are receiving the best education, we are confident that their lives are being enriched through extraordinary teachers, extracurricular activities, and an interactive school environment that promotes morality and kindness. The collaborative approach that the teachers take to education, both through in-year consultation and as the children transition between years, produces an environment whereby each child’s needs/strengths are defined and addressed accordingly by the faculty collective. And their intuition is amazing. The teachers “open-door” policy and routine communication with the parents is a differentiator for the school. We are truly blessed to have found such an nurturing environment for which our children can grow and prosper.- Two Parents
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2014

Good Shepherd is an outstanding school. There is an active focus on technology with an emphasis on teaching relevant computer skills (i.e.: programming, technology, etc). The teachers and the staff all know the students by name and are keenly aware of each student's personality. Like all other catholic schools, rumors of financial distress is always prevalent but has never hampered the school in providing excellent education for the kids. The school is taking steps to differentiate itself from other catholic schools in the area by stepping up the curriculum being offered while keeping the tuition affordable. A very fine balance indeed.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

The school is having some financial difficulties and low enrollment. Four teachers left the staff and less experienced teachers are being hired. But it is the only Catholic school on the coastside, with a small nuturing environment.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2013

The top stars of this school is the Technology, Science, Math and Speech departments. The music department is also outstanding. Visit this school & enroll your child, you won't be disappointed.