Why Good Shepherd?

Nestled off of Forest Hill Avenue on Richmond’s Southside a few blocks from South of the James Farmer’s Market, Good Shepherd Episcopal School (GSES) has been welcoming students with a neighborhood feel for more than 50 years. We are committed to being an open learning environment with intimate classes that typically have 10-12 students. Accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and a member of the Virginia Council for Private Education, our teachers are dedicated to developing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. It’s within these cozy classes, up and down the halls, and throughout our neighborhood exploration that relationships are built.

At a Glance

• Neighborhood campus in the heart of the Forest Hill Historic District
• PK-8, co-educational, family-like atmosphere
• Ideal setting at the corner of the James River and Forest Hill Park for a place-based, outdoor education
• Student-teacher ratio of 10:1
• Parents and teachers serve as partners and allies
• Positive reinforcement in a developmental, growth-based curriculum
• Socio-economic, religious, and racial diversity is a core strength
• Testing is diagnostic and low-pressure
• High school preparatory curriculum includes Spanish, technology, public speaking, comparative religion, and the arts
• Community service is integrated into school life
• Enrichment activities include Girl Scouts, mountain biking, soccer, cooking, and yoga, with new activities added regularly
• Academic Enrichment provides every student with opportunities for in-depth learning or remediation as needed