Good Shepherd Lutheran School: Tuition, Admissions and Reviews | Marin Private Schools

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

Novato, California

Deeply known, deeply challenged.

We are a Christian school for Preschool through 8th grade, with small classes and weekly enrichment classes taught by specialist teachers.

Ch. 1

The Story

GSLS exists to nurture children in Christian faith that embraces hope, love, respect, responsibility and compassion, all of which reflect our dedication to community.

As we celebrate Good Shepherd Lutheran School's 50th year, we are grateful for the generations of students, families, faculty, and staff who have built this community.

One of the greatest strengths of Good Shepherd is our community. Families are true partners in their children's education and shared values guide the way we learn and lead. We strive for a community where every child has a genuine sense of belonging.

At GSLS, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive community and a welcoming and positive culture.

Ch. 2

Grade Levels

From the confidence built in Kindergarten to the independence developed in Middle School, our students leave GSLS prepared for the next step, and ready for what comes after it.

Preschool

Our PreK Butterfly Class uses Frog Street, integrating literacy, math, science and STEAM with hands-on learning across cognitive, physical, language and social-emotional development.

Grades2 years to PreK

HoursHalf day 9:00am-12:30pm; Full day 9:00am-3:00pm

Early careAs early as 7:00am

AftercareUntil 5:30pm

Class sizeStudent-to-teacher ratio averages 8:1

Elementary

Kindergarten builds reading and math foundations. First graders develop fluent reading, stories, addition and subtraction. Second graders practice comprehension and structured writing; third graders use research and science/math journals.

GradesGrades K to 5

Early care7:00 to 8:20 am

Aftercare3:00 to 5:30 pm

Class sizeBelow 24, with a teacher aide in all K-5th grade classrooms

Signature programOutdoor Education: introduced in 4th grade, with a science-focused overnight field trip

Middle School

At GSLS, Middle School students are challenged academically while remaining part of a close-knit community where teachers know their strengths, personalities and potential.

GradesGrades 6 to 8

Ch. 3

Academics

Our small classes and experienced teachers help us recognize individual strengths and respond to areas of need. Fourth graders study long division, multiplication, fractions and geometry, with novel-based language arts connected to California history. Fifth graders study American history from the colonial period through Civil Rights, solve multi-step math problems and investigate marine science at Camp SEA Lab.

Advanced courses

Our Middle School math program culminates in Algebra 1 for all 8th grade students, and aims for Geometry readiness for 9th grade. In addition to the core math classes, Advanced Math is available as an extra course.

ii.

World languages

Our Spanish program begins in 6th grade and further develops skills learned in the elementary program. The goal for our program is Spanish 2 readiness in 9th grade.

iii.

Class size

Elementary class sizes are below 24. In Middle School, core classes do not exceed 26. Our Elementary student-to-adult ratio is 12:1.

iv.

Learning support

K-5 classroom aides differentiate instruction. Our schoolwide SEL program and dedicated counselor support empathy, emotional regulation and conflict resolution. In Middle School, teachers and our counselor help students navigate friendships, manage challenges and advocate for themselves.

High school placement

Our eighth graders go on to premier high schools such as Marin Catholic, Branson, Marin Academy, San Marin STEM, Marin School of the Arts, and more.

Ch. 4

The Campus

Our campuses are the PreK & Elementary Campus and the Middle School Campus.

Our Preschool playground is right outside the classroom door. We have lots of room to run, climb, and jump, as well as areas for more contemplative play. We explore nature in our two raised-bed gardens; one for dirt, compost and worms; the other for whatever plants we may grow.

The Honeybee classroom includes a large area for dramatic play.

Ch. 5

Enrichment

Our arts program includes drama, music and performance across grade levels. Middle School L.E.A.D. develops leadership through service, communication and team-building. Electives may vary by student interest and staff expertise; Kindergarten through Grade 5 afterschool enrichment selections change yearly.

Musical TheaterJazz Ensemble & Concert BandArtYearbookRoboticsMathletesL.E.A.D.MusicDramaStudent CouncilAfterschool Enrichment classes

Ch. 6

Athletics

All GSLS students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. Middle School students have the opportunity to compete for their school in intramural sports.

Our Physical Education program focuses on skill development, confidence and teamwork.

BasketballCross CountryFlag FootballGolfTrackUltimate FrisbeeVolleyball

Ch. 7

Faith & Service

Honoring our foundations as a Lutheran school, we provide an education that is both relatable and uplifting to those inside and outside of our faith.

Worship

Preschool Chapel, 10:25 AM to 10:45 AM.

ii.

Religious studies

Church History (6th Grade), Comparative Religions (7th Grade) and Spiritual Practices (8th Grade), where students are given assessments and personalized plans to encourage their spiritual growth after they leave GSLS.

iii.

Service

Over the course of their Middle School career, students are expected to complete 45 hours of community service.

iv.

Values

Our Core Values are Accountability, Action, Authenticity and Awareness.

Ch. 8

Tuition

Tuition 2026-27

Grades K to 5$15,683 per year

Grades 6 to 8$18,145 per year

2 year olds, 3 days/week, half day$9,913

2 year olds, 3 days/week, full day$12,998

3 & 4 year olds, 3 days/week, half day$9,331

3 & 4 year olds, 3 days/week, full day$12,248

TK, 4 days/week, half day$11,275

TK, 4 days/week, full day$15,050

2 year olds, 5 days/week, half day$13,936

2 year olds, 5 days/week, full day$18,469

3 & 4 year olds, 5 days/week, half day$12,990

3 & 4 year olds, 5 days/week, full day$17,167

K-8: 12 payments June-May, two payments June and November, or annual payment June 1. Preschool: 11 equal installments August 1, 2026-June 1, 2027. Preschool has a non-refundable $225 registration fee and $350 deposit credited to the first month.

Our K-8 tuition assistance program supports families from a variety of financial backgrounds. We work with families individually and respectfully, maintaining confidentiality.

Ch. 9

Admissions

Our Kindergarten Open House is October 22, 2026, from 3 to 4 pm. Families may also arrange a school-day tour or a summer tour by appointment.

Tours

GSLS warmly welcomes tours of our campus year-round. While families are typically encouraged to tour during the school day, tours are available by appointment during the summer as well.

ii.

Application

For Preschool, once the application has been reviewed by the Preschool Admissions Committee, families will receive a letter and email detailing their admission status. For K-8th grade, families complete and submit the K-8th Grade Application, then our Admissions Coordinator will contact them with next steps.

Apply online