Recent News

 Church of the Good Shepherd and Good Shepherd Episcopal School Commit to a Shared Future 

 RICHMOND, VA, May 8, 2026. — The Church of the Good Shepherd and Good Shepherd Episcopal School are pleased to announce the signing of a ten-year lease agreement, securing the school’s home at 4207 Forest Hill Avenue and strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Church and School.

Founded by the Church in 1971, Good Shepherd Episcopal School serves students from Nature Preschool through eighth grade and is known for its close-knit community and immersive, place-based outdoor education programming. Nestled within walking distance of Forest Hill Park and the James River, the school leverages its surroundings to bring learning to life, engaging students in real-world experiences and approaching traditional subjects in compelling, thought-provoking ways—all while remaining committed to welcoming students of all backgrounds.

The new agreement reflects a shared commitment to stability, collaboration, and stewardship of a campus that has served generations of children and families. Leaders from both the Church and School worked together thoughtfully and constructively to clarify expectations, strengthen communication, and affirm a shared vision for the years ahead.

“This agreement reflects the best of who we are as neighbors and partners,” said Rev. Terry Miller, Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd. “The Church and School share a long history, a beautiful campus, and a deep commitment to serving the community. We are grateful to move forward together with clarity, trust, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.”

Elizabeth Cleland, Chair of the Good Shepherd Episcopal School Board of Trustees, noted the importance of the agreement for the school’s future.

“This ten-year agreement gives Good Shepherd Episcopal School the stability needed to plan wisely, invest thoughtfully, and continue strengthening the student experience,” Cleland said. “We appreciate the Church’s partnership and the collaborative spirit that made this agreement possible.”

For more than five decades, the Church and School have shared not only a campus, but also a commitment to community, care, and formation. The new lease affirms that partnership and provides a strong foundation for the decade ahead. 

Rob Cardwell from CBS 6’s “Building Better Minds” was on campus February 12, filming a segment featuring former student and second-grader Destiny Bryant reading her self-published book to Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.

Destiny wrote and self-published her first children’s book, along with a companion coloring book, both entitled Destiny’s After School Adventure. The storybook spans 67 pages, while the coloring book features 32 original illustrations. Inspired by a true event during Destiny’s second week at a new school in a new city, the story highlights her journey of overcoming fear and turning a challenging experience into a positive one.

"Building Better Minds with Rob Cardwell" airs Wednesdays at 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on CBS 6. To watch the interview with Destiny and her parents, follow this link: https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/destiny-bryant-author-feb-23-2026

Laura Bradlee, the school’s Director of Outdoor Education, recently made a significant impact at a professional development gathering held at Shalom Farms. This event brought together a diverse group of outdoor, environmental, and alternative educators from across the Richmond area, creating an invaluable opportunity for networking, skill sharing, and professional growth.

As part of the gathering, Ms. Bradlee co-presented a session titled “Helping Students Make Interdisciplinary Connections and Bridging the Gap Between Field and Classroom” alongside Josh Bearman, the Program Director at Blue Sky Fund. Their presentation focused on innovative strategies for connecting outdoor education with classroom learning, emphasizing the importance of cross-curricular integration.

During her presentation, Ms. Bradlee outlined various topics and strategies implemented at GSES that foster meaningful outdoor learning experiences. This approach not only enhances students' education but also fosters a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. By integrating outdoor education with traditional academic subjects, the school aims to foster a learning environment that enables students to thrive both academically and personally.

The session garnered enthusiastic engagement from attendees, including GSES outdoor educator Acorn Hanrahan, who recognized the critical role that outdoor and environmental education plays within the larger educational landscape. Ms. Bradlee’s insights echoed the school's commitment to nurturing students' curiosity and respect for nature, while also preparing them for the challenges of the future.

GSES is dedicated to supporting the development of outdoor education, not only within its curriculum but also as a vital part of the broader educational dialogue. The school is proud to have Ms. Bradlee as a representative in discussions that shape the future of education in our community. Her involvement with other educators strengthens the collaboration necessary to enhance learning experiences for students, preparing them to be informed and responsible citizens.

The event was further enriched by the ongoing support of Shalom Farms, an organization dedicated to increasing access to healthy food and fostering community engagement. Its partnership with GSES highlights the importance of collaboration among educational institutions and community organizations to achieve common goals.

This gathering not only fortified existing relationships within the educational community but also inspired educators to explore new ways to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Good Shepherd Episcopal School is excited about the possibilities that arise from these collaborations and looks forward to seeing the positive impacts on the lives of its students.

We are proud to announce that GSES has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as a Virginia Naturally School for the 2024–2025 school year. This honor is the Commonwealth’s official recognition program for environmental education, acknowledging schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental literacy, stewardship, and hands-on learning.

This recognition reflects the numerous ways our teachers have embraced and integrated environmental education throughout the curriculum. Each week, students across the grade levels participate in immersive outdoor education experiences, learning within Forest Hill Park and the James River Park System. They also engage in field-based partnerships with organizations such as Shalom Farms, Capital Trees, and Friends of Forest Hill Park, where they contribute to conservation efforts and trail maintenance projects. Student leadership plays a key role as well: the majority of Middle School students participate in our Eco Club, which leads recycling, sustainability, and outreach initiatives. This year, a new Eco Club Junior will extend those opportunities to our younger students as well.

Learning continues beyond the school year through summer camps focused on gardening, conservation, and environmental leadership. Students also have opportunities to connect their learning to the future through an ecological careers assembly, where professionals in forestry, arboriculture, and environmental science share their experiences and inspire the next generation of stewards. Behind all of these efforts is the dedication of our faculty, who continue to deepen their training in outdoor and place-based education to bring fresh, engaging experiences to their classrooms.

This recognition affirms what we see every day: our students aren’t just learning about nature—they are leading in its care. We are proud of our teachers, our students, and our community for making this honor possible.

Learn more about the Virginia Naturally Schools program here: dwr.virginia.gov/education/school-recognition

Last month, we joyfully celebrated the graduation of our 8th graders. Many of these students have been a part of the Good Shepherd community since Kindergarten, and their heartfelt speeches reflected the deep connections and memories they’ve built over the years.

Ms. Brook honored each graduate with meaningful and witty alliterative tributes, capturing the unique character and spirit of every student. The ceremony also featured a nostalgic slideshow showcasing moments from their classroom experiences and outdoor adventures throughout their time at GSES.

Next year, our graduates will take the next step in their academic journeys at a variety of outstanding high schools, including Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, Open High School, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, and Trinity Episcopal School.

We are incredibly proud of each of our graduates and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish in high school and beyond.