Welcome to Good Shepherd Episcopal School

Thank you for visiting our website.

We are delighted for the opportunity to share Good Shepherd Episcopal School with you.

Philosophy of Learning

Our Mission

Within a nurturing Christian community,

Good Shepherd Episcopal School builds in each child the foundation for good character and a lifelong love of learning.

Accreditation Time!

September 25 – 28, 2022

Welcome SAES to Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

SAES Accreditation

2022 – 2023

Before and After School Programs (ASEP)

Questions? Contact Rachel Duree at rduree@gsesaustin.org

Messages from the Head of School & the Rector

Good Shepherd Episcopal School is known as a place that celebrates early childhood education every day. Our nurturing, loving, Christian, play-based curriculum recognizes each child’s unique strengths and personality.

Head of School

Sheila Abio

Welcome to the most loving and nurturing place on earth! I have had the privilege of leading the school since 2018.

Welcome to the most loving and nurturing place on earth! I have had the privilege of leading the school since 2018. When I first began exploring the path to headship, I was told many times, “It’s all about finding the right fit.” I remember wondering what that really meant, and if I would eventually find that perfect school community that valued early childhood education as much as I did. I did find my perfect fit, and I know in my heart that I was meant to lead Good Shepherd Episcopal School.

We begin each day making sure that every child knows they are loved and that together, we are going to have a special day. We all feel genuine enthusiasm and excitement upon each child’s arrival. Every day at GSES begins full of anticipation for the fun, wonder, and joyful discovery that we will experience together.

Good Shepherd Episcopal School is proud to be accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), which holds us to the highest standards for being an exceptional school.

I am deeply committed to leading all aspects of our school and making sure that we make decisions that are always best for the needs and interests of the children. Thank you for your interest in our school, and I look forward to meeting you in the days to come.

Faithfully,
Sheila Abio

Rector

Channing Smith

Welcome to Good Shepherd Episcopal School! As the Rector of Good Shepherd, I want to thank you for your interest in our school or for being an active presence in our community.

Welcome to Good Shepherd Episcopal School! As the Rector of Good Shepherd, I want to thank you for your interest in our school or for being an active presence in our community. The hallmarks of Episcopal schools are: a whole-child focus, a sense of tradition, curiosity and discovery, the strength of community, and service to others. If you have joined us for worship on Sundays, you have discovered these same values for yourself.

If you are inquiring, you are in the midst of making an important decision. I hope you will spend time with Sheila and the remarkably gifted teachers at Good Shepherd. As you make your decision, please ask friends what they know of Good Shepherd. We are very proud of our reputation in the wider community as being a unique school, with caring teachers, and remarkable facilities.

I hope you will also join us for our parish activities. You will find that same spirit and energy that you find at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. We have many opportunities to get engaged and offer many activities for our more than 1,000 children. You and your family are important to us no matter your point of connection to Good Shepherd.

If there is anything that I can do for your family, please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to getting to know you.

YEARS

Since 1945, countless children and their families have called GSES home, and we are committed to making sure GSES will be here for generations to come.

Our Episcopal Identity Affirms:

Our commitment to excellence in teaching and of quality in learning.
Our service to those in need in our own community and to the broader community.
Our belief in the values of respect and responsibility within the context of the Episcopal Church.
Our belief in leadership and stewardship for service in the world.
Our acceptance of all people provides the foundation for educational excellence.

Parent Testimonials

”We are deeply grateful for the incredible staff and teachers at Good Shepherd. We have been lucky enough to send three of our four children for all three years (with another about to start!) and each child has started their next school experience prepared both academically and socially, and with a life-long spiritual foundation. Whether it is the formation foundation, the friendships or the memories, there is something truly magical about this precious school that stays with you long beyond the days you get to spend here.
The Price Family

”We have had both of our children graduate from the Bridging Kindergarten program at GSES and couldn't recommend it more to prospective parents. This critical year helped our children to grow both academically and socially, so that they were better prepared for the next stage of their education. The teachers and programming provide an evolved experience from the Pre-K years, guiding them to a more mature learning environment within an intimate, supportive setting. We are very grateful for the Bridging Kindergarten Program.
The Barney Family

”From the moment we stepped into GSES, we were overcome by the passion for education and the sincere connection that makes Good Shepherd the community that it is. We entered as a Bridging Kinder family, very much aware that this program was highly respected in the city. We quickly saw the magic of the Good Shepherd team, who, with the right balance of nurturing and challenge, instilled a love for learning into our son. The team of educators at Good Shepherd have our sincerest gratitude and our utmost respect.

What makes Good Shepherd so special, however, goes beyond the classroom. There is also a magic to the community. We were so warmly welcomed from the start that it is hard to say we were ever "new." To be embraced with such kindness and sincerity has left such an indelible impression that this is the memory that we will take with us as our journey continues. We will always be grateful to have been part of the Good Shepherd family.
The Hopkins Family

”We were instantly struck by the loving and nurturing atmosphere at Good Shepherd. Both of our children looked forward to school each day, and missed their teachers and friends on their days off. What has stood out to us since our first parent teacher conference was the depth of knowledge and empathy that the 3s teachers have towards three-year-olds, and all of the intricacies of their developmental levels. As one of our wonderful teachers put it, “three year olds grow, experience and learn so much in just a year!” We are forever grateful for the role that this program has played in such a critical period in our children’s lives. We cannot emphasize enough how truly loved and appreciated each child is that steps through the doors of this school. We love Good Shepherd!
The Pomeroy Family