Q.   What type of school is Good Shepherd?

A.   Good Shepherd school was founded in 1930 and is a Catholic co-educational elementary school for Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grade. We are a culturally diverse school that reflects the cultures in Los Angeles. We are proud of how well our students respect and accept one another.

Q.   How many students are at Good Shepherd?

A.   Good Shepherd has approximately 175 students.  We have one class per grade level and each grade has approximately 20 students.

Q.   Is there a required age to begin Kindergarten?

A.   Yes, a child must be at least 5 years of age by September 1st of the year they are to begin Kindergarten.

Q.   Are non-Catholics admitted?

A.   Yes, approximately 35% of our student body is non-Catholic, but all students are required to participate in Religion class and attend Mass.

Q.   Is Good Shepherd School accredited?

A.   Yes, by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Education Association.

Q.   What can you tell me about the faculty and staff?

A.   All of our teachers are credentialed and all of them either currently have a Master’s degree or are enrolled in graduate studies to obtain a Master’s.  In addition to the classroom teachers, we also have specialists in Spanish, Art, Physical Education and Music.  Approximately 50% of our teachers have been teaching at Good Shepherd for at least 10 years.

Q.   What subjects are taught?

A.   Our curriculum includes: Religion, Mathematics, English, Literature, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Art, Music, Fitness and Wellness and Computer Instruction.

Q.   What is the “Character Counts” Program?

A.   The “Character Counts” Program is a program in which all the children in school learn and practice values.  The 6 pillars of character are Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Respect, and Citizenship.  Every month a different value is taught and a banner with that value is hung in the school yard.  The students also recite a “Character Counts” pledge at the morning yard assembly.  In addition, every Monday the monthly value is emphasized during religion class.

Q.   How is technology used in the classroom?

A.   All classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards and computers for internet access. Students utilize Podcasts, PowerPoint, Imovie and other programs to create, produce, and present their projects.  Computer instruction is taught by Planet Bravo.

Q.   Does Good Shepherd participate in any academic activities?

A.   Good Shepherd is proud to participate in many activities for both personal achievement and school competition.  We participate in the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest and we hold an annual Science Fair.  Junior High students have an opportunity to join the Academic Decathlon team which competes against over 100 other Catholic schools. We also participate in various high school learning fairs and always have students who are finalists in these events.

Q.   What are some of the high schools that Good Shepherd graduates attend?

A.   Our students usually attend their first choice high school.  Over the last 3 years those high schools were Harvard-Westlake, Loyola, Marlborough, Crespi, Immaculate Heart, Marymount, Notre Dame Academy, Notre Dame High School, Providence, St. Francis, and St. Monica.

Q.   Does Good Shepherd offer a sports program?

A.   In addition to the required Physical Educations classes, Good Shepherd belongs to the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) League and participates in many competitive sports.  Beginning in Grade 3, students may participate in flag football, volleyball, basketball, golf and track and field events.

Q.   What other extracurricular activities are offered?

A.   Many activities are offered as interest changes. In the past, we have had dance, golf, chess and yoga.  We also have the services of ACE Enrichment for after school programs. Go to www.ACEenrichment.com for more information.

Q.   Is there any after-school care?

A.   Yes, we off After-School Care Monday through Thursday from 3:15 – 6:00 PM and Friday from 12:45 – 6:00 PM.

Q.   What can you tell me about the curriculum?

A. We follow the State of California standards for each grade level and each teacher creates unit plans which are posted on their blog.  Parents can access the unit plans at any time to see what each grade is studying.