CULTIVATING THE WISDOM OF EACH CHILD
Good Shepherd Montessori School is a diverse, cooperative learning community serving children ages 3–8th grade on a six-acre property in South Bend's urban core. Our mission is to nurture the character and uniqueness of each child and to foster holistic education that attends to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of our students. We accomplish our mission by cultivating wisdom in each child, creating space for children to flourish, and working together for the common good.
Cultivating wisdom
Children have a great internal wisdom when it comes to their own learning and development. We work hard to cultivate that wisdom. Each time they dig in the soil, they gain wisdom about the interconnectedness of the world. Each time they experience a different culture, they gain wisdom about the beauty of diversity. Each time they encounter and resolve conflict, they gain wisdom about compassionate human interactions. By growing in wisdom, children become able to harness their creative energy to respond to the world’s pressing needs.
Creating Space for Children to Flourish
We prepare our learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, to facilitate joyful, inclusive, holistic education that respects the dignity of each child. We make room for independent growth, creative expression, and collaborative learning. We allow time to explore the natural world, to reflect on the divine, and to imagine a more just and peaceable world. We create the space each child needs to develop as a human being well prepared for life.
Contributing to the Common
Good
We nurture the uniqueness of each child because we believe in the tremendous capacity of each child to offer a singular gift to the world. Children who enter our doors know that the ultimate aim of a Montessori education is to foster world peace, global justice, and wise stewardship of the world’s resources. We want to help children discover how their unique gifts might contribute to the common good.
GSMS Distinctives
Learning on our Urban Farm
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Hot Lunch Program
News & Updates
Save the Date: Chiaravalle Gala
Save the date for the Chiaravalle Gala on February 22, 2025! Chiaravalle is Good Shepherd’s annual fundraising dinner, where we celebrate our mission and those who spread the light of learning and compassion to children in our community. Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship on February 22.
Good Shepherd Entering Choice Scholarship Program
New for the 2024–2025 school year, Good Shepherd will be a participating school in the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program pending approval by the Indiana Department of Education. Commonly called the voucher program, Choice Scholarships provide eligible families funds to offset tuition costs at participating schools.
From Seed to Lunchroom Table Video
The Grotto Network produced a mini-documentary on our hot lunch program and farm curriculum titled, From Seed to Lunchroom Table. The slice-of-life video celebrates some of Good Shepherd’s most important values: practical life, nutrition, and care for the environment. Peek into our little corner of the world and see what GSMS is all about!