History

The Good Shepherd was formed through the leadership of Father James Ronan Ph.D., Pastor of St. Mary-St Catherine of Siena parish in Charlestown, Massachusetts and a Board of parents, citizens, and friends who saw a great need for a Catholic preschool in its Charlestown neighborhood. The Good Shepherd School officially opened its doors in October of 2009.

Mission

Good Shepherd School prepares its students for a life of joy by growing in the love of Jesus. We seek to integrate this belief into all aspects of our educational programs.

Vision

Excellence in Catholic Preschool Education:

  • We serve families in the Greater Charlestown community

  • We provide a safe and nurturing environment

  • We encourage inquiry, independence, and self-discovery

  • We develop spiritual and emotional well-being, and respect for all

  • We employ faculty who are highly trained Early Childhood Educators

  • We prepare our students for Kindergarten by the use of a variety of academic enrichment programs across all domains

Philosophy

Students at Good Shepherd School:

  • Receive a faith based Catholic education and begin to understand the value of a life of faith, justice, and service to others – especially the less fortunate

  • Experience a learning environment that emphasizes curiosity, fun, discovery, independence and supports developmentally appropriate practices enhancing each child’s preparedness for Kindergarten

  • Engage in a blend of purposeful play that supports a child's curiosity to explore math, science, language arts, and social studies following the educational frameworks of the Commonwealth

  • Develop an understanding of and respect for others, especially for classmates and peers whose background and perspectives are different from their own

  • Participate in and benefit from a dynamic school community evidenced by collaboration and mutual support

Testimonials

“I wanted to express that every single parent at the Parent Advisory Council meeting stated how safe and totally comfortable they felt with their kids at GSS right now. Parents were saying how they really feel that the school and teachers have gone above and beyond, and especially with so many of our kids stuck in remote learning, we really wanted to celebrate how well it has been going.”
- Kaitlin K. (PAC Chair)

“GSS prepares the children for entering K1/K2. Our son has had a really great transition to K1 (even in remote learning), and I really believe the foundations from GSS have played a huge role in that -- from early math, reading, writing, to making new friends. Our next door neighbors (who also have children who have attended) have said the same thing.” - Evan B. (Parent) 

"Michelle and Theo are amazing teachers. We have had the best experience with them so far this year. They are thoughtful, responsive, full of energy, have great feedback, provide great ideas and handouts, etc. I can’t say enough good things about them and what they have done with Sam." - Katie D. (Alumni Parent)

- Emily B. (Parent)

 

Faith Formation

We provide children the opportunity to learn about the Catholic religion and faith through regular lessons, prayers, and rituals in the chapel and classroom.  We visit our Chapel every other week, led by Miss Michelle, we sing songs and pray. Lighting the candles because "Jesus is the light of the world" we come together to share our joy of having Jesus in our hearts. A child from each class has an opportunity to read the prayers of the faithful up at the lectern each vist.

Good Shepherd School was featured in The Pilot on December 2, 2016

 

Curriculum

The Good Shepherd School curriculum is designed to nurture each child's growth through intentional learning opportunities across all domains. Students of the Good Shepherd School are given the opportunity to work collaboratively and explore friendships through Play-Based Learning. We nurture our students' individual interests with an environment that is both structural and multisensory. Our curriculum supports the social and emotional development of our students by fostering self-confidence and social maturity.

Using Developmentally Appropriate Practice, our teachers tailor their daily curriculum to the needs and interests of the students in their class.

Handwriting Without Tears

Handwriting Without Tears is a fine motor skill curriculum developed by occupational therapists. This program breaks down the steps to proper fine motor grips and precision that is developmentally appropriate for each age group, while also teaching skills for school readiness.

Enrichment Activities

For all students with attend GSS on the following days: