Frequently Asked Questions

Preschool:

Do preschoolers have to be potty-trained?
Yes, all children must be potty-trained. Pull-ups are not allowed.top

Do you have extended care?
Two weeks a month, we offer “Lunch Bunch” for a fee. Children bring their lunches, eat and play with their classmates until 1:15 PM.top

Are your preschool teachers certified by the state of Massachusetts?
As a private Christian school, we require all our teachers and assistant teachers to become certified by the MA Office of Child Care Services.top

What is your policy on discipline?
Positive discipline is our approach with our little ones. We set up simple class rules and encourage our children to listen and follow. For unacceptable behavior, the teacher will help a child to understand why the actions are inappropriate. Sometimes “time-out” for a minute or two is all that is needed.top

Is your school peanut-free?
Although we try not to purchase any food containing peanuts or peanut by-products, we are unable to say with certainty that we are peanut-free. Since the church uses the same classrooms on Sundays, we have no control over what products are brought into the classrooms when we do not occupy them.top

Do you have a summer program?
We do not. The First Baptist Church of Duxbury usually offers Vacation Bible School in July.top

What is the student-teacher ratio?
We have 2 teachers for 12 children.top

Do you have a playground?
Yes, we have an enclosed playground that the children use each day the weather is cooperating. For inclement days, we have a large motor room where they can climb, ride and play.top

Elementary

Do you have to be Baptist to attend Good Shepherd?
No, but you must agree with the Parent Handbook that states our beliefs and policies as a Christian school.top

Are your teacher’s college graduates?
Yes, all our teachers have completed at least a 4-year college program.top

Are your teacher’s certified by the state of Massachusetts?
Some are and some are working towards being certified but all are experienced classroom teachers.top

Is Good Shepherd an accredited school?
We have been members of the Association of Christian Schools International since 1997. We have just entered their STAR Program, which is a preliminary program prior to beginning the accreditation process.top

What are the class sizes?
Our classes are small according to today’s standards. The most we’ll enroll in a class is 14 students. top

Does Good Shepherd offer art, music, physical education, computers or Spanish?
Yes, we offer all the above classes once a week with the exception of Spanish that is taught twice a week.top

Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer?
Yes, we have many opportunities for parents to assist. Parents are needed to monitor lunchtime, chaperone field trips, assist classroom teachers with prep work, read to classes, help in art, attend Parent-Teacher Organization meetings or fund-raising.top

Do the student wear uniforms?
Yes, beginning in Kindergarten students wear a uniform that is purchased from Donnelly’s School Apparel.top