What grade levels does GSS offer?

GSS offers a full academic program for Preschool through High School. Children are placed appropriately within our five multi-age departments: Pre-Grammar (3 to 5 years), Early Grammar (5 to 8 years), Grammar (8 to 11 years), Logic (11 to 14 years) and Rhetoric (14 – 18 years). 

How long has GSS been in operation? 

GSS opened in 1976.

Is GSS associated with a denomination or area church?

GSS is a distinctly Christian school but we are not associated with any particular denomination or church. Our Statement of Faith is reflective of historical, biblical Christianity.

Where is GSS located?

GSS is located at

What curriculum is offered at GSS?

GSS uses a variety of curriculum resources for its academic programs. Materials are chosen that will challenge our students appropriately and support our goal to provide a Classical and Christian education. Our program is distinctive in that our students study Latin, Logic and Rhetoric. 

Why does GSS teach Latin? Of what value is it?

GSS teaches Latin because:

• It lives in almost all of the Western languages

• Over 50% of the English vocabulary comes from Latin

• Latin gives a better understanding of the roots of English vocabulary and lays the foundation for learning all Romance Languages

• The study of Latin grammar reinforces understanding of English grammar

• The study of Latin instills a mental discipline in students as it is systematic, rigorous, and analytical, requiring students to learn to organize information and master it in logical sequence. The skills of accurate observation and logical analysis are strengthened as students search our language for structures and words that compare to Latin. These processes develop mental strength and attention.

• Technical language( medical, scientific and legal terms) are either Latin or Greek

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Do students at GSS receive instruction in the Fine Arts?

GSS puts a strong emphasis on the Arts. Music and Art are explicitly taught as well as integrated in all learning areas. The entire school receives regular technical instruction in musical instruments and voice. The elements and principles of art are taught through art history and follow the time period assigned each trimester. Art, including drama and graphic arts will be integrated into all unit studies.

Do students at GSS receive instruction in Physical Education?

While health and movement are always a part of the classroom environment, it is also a separate content area where children are taught skills in a developmentally appropriate way. These skills will be put together for use in organized sports once children are in the Logic department.

Are the teachers at GSS New Hampshire State certified?

A number of the teachers at GSS are state certified. However, state certification is not a requirement to teach at GSS. We do require that all of our teachers possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; demonstrate evidence as a follower of Christ; exhibit a love for and gift for teaching; show willingness and desire to develop and enhance their skill and training; and commit fully to our vision, purpose, and mission.

Is GSS accredited by any agency or organization?

GSS maintains membership in the Association of Christian Schools, International (ACSI) and Granite State Christian School Association (GSCSA). GSS has Attendance Approval from the State Department of Education.

How graduates do when they leave GSS?

Until GSS had its own high school, all of our students have fanned out to area high schools (public and private) in both Strafford and Rockingham County. Our students have demonstrated that they have been very well prepared and they have made a healthy academic and social transition. 

What is the student to teacher ratio at GSS?

Our average ratio of students to full time teachers is 12:1. 

Why does GSS have a four day school week?

A four day week allows time for teacher training and collaboration without the need for early release and teacher workshop days. Because of this and the extended day students receive more than enough instructional time; but have the added benefit of having more time to work on long term projects and assignments. For those parents who work, we provide extended care to cover the gaps. 

What is the homework load at GSS?

The guideline for homework at GSS is an average of 20 minutes per department level. For example the students in the Grammar department should expect approximately 30-50 minutes of homework per night. Time is given during most school days for individual study and reflection. When students do not have specific assignments for an evening, they are encouraged to use their allotted homework time to study for upcoming exams or to work on long term projects. Good Shepherd’s four day week also allows time for children to work on long term projects.

Does GSS have a Summer Reading Program?

GSS encourages students to be continual readers and life-long learners. Therefore, students receive a summer reading assignment from the teacher of the department they are entering in the fall. This assignment includes at least one piece of literature that integrates with the history topic to be studied and other free choice titles within specific categories.

What about new students who transfer into GSS from other schools?

As part of the admissions process students are given a placement exam which helps our staff to determine the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Together with parents, a placement and support plan is devised. With parental support and student commitment, adjustment to our program can be successfully accomplished. This is a legitimate concern for parents and the earlier a student enters our program, the more prepared the student is to move forward. 

Does GSS encourage parental involvement?

It is a core belief at GSS that parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s education. Therefore, we strongly encourage parents to be involved in all aspects of the school as classroom volunteers, as coaches and mentors, and as board members. We expect that parents will take an active role as overseers and supporters of their child’s education and will stay in close and frequent communication with the school. 

Why does GSS have a school uniform policy?

GSS has a uniform policy because:

• Uniforms save time

• Uniforms save money

• Uniforms provide a leveling influence

• Uniforms establish a sense of discipline and security

Does GSS have fundraisers?

As a private school, not publicly funded in any way, GSS must hold fundraisers to enhance its program. Our philosophy of fundraising is that each event should provide a service or a product that benefits whomever purchases the service or product. Also, the event should draw the community closer together in a corporate effort. We expect that all members of the community- staff, parents, and students- will participate in fundraising efforts.