Academics
Learning at GSB
At Gill St. Bernard's, we believe that the pursuit of knowledge has its own intrinsic rewards.
A community of learners, Gill St. Bernard's values the individual contributions, perspectives, and talents that each of our students and faculty members brings to campus each day. Within a community characterized by camaraderie, enthusiasm, and inclusion, students gain the confidence and self-possession to voice opinions during class discussions, persevere in challenging courses, and reach for their full potential while celebrating the successes of others.
Our core values—courage, integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence—combined with a genuine understanding of the ways in which students learn, inform our teaching. Teachers help students excel in our rigorous academic program—and they also create a safe and nurturing environment that supports students socially and ethically, preparing them for college and for meaningful, purpose-driven, lives.
Learning at GSB
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Lower School
The Lower School nurtures each student’s natural sense of wonder and innate curiosity, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning while equipping children with the skills to succeed academically. By design, the Lower School is our smallest division: a safe, navigable and nurturing space that encourages intellectual exploration and growth that are developmentally essential for our youngest learners. Through social and emotional learning and character awareness programs, children learn how to resolve conflicts, collaborate and make sound decisions. Students develop early citizenship skills in a community that models ethical behavior, inclusion, and kindness.
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The Middle School
Our Middle School offers a comprehensive academic program that focuses on mastery of core academic subjects, exploration of new interests and personal growth. Understanding the unique characteristics of pre-teens and emerging adolescents, Middle School teachers place special emphasis on the values of community, empathy, and healthy decision-making. Through elective courses in the fine and performing arts, in-school clubs and after-school activities, students can develop existing interests, explore new opportunities, and take on leadership roles. Our Middle School is a joyful and productive place, where students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
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The Upper School
The Gill St. Bernard’s Upper School provides a rigorous academic program to prepare students for the most competitive colleges and universities. In an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and genuine academic engagement, our Upper School offers a rich and varied college-preparatory program, abundant opportunities for research across the curriculum, and a wealth of specialized elective courses for students to explore and further their specific interests. Our teachers are invested in their students, encouraging them to challenge themselves academically by taking Advanced Placement and Honors courses, while giving them the necessary support to excel in their coursework. Gill St. Bernard's graduates are confident, independent, and thoughtful individuals, well prepared for the challenges of college and beyond.
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208-Acre Classroom
In addition to our traditional academic spaces, our 208-acre campus includes gardens and green houses, ponds and streams, and a working farm and apiary. Our teachers and students use these resources enthusiastically, recognizing the myriad ways in which they can complement classroom learning. On any given day, you might find a science class studying the rocket composter (one of only 12 in the state of New Jersey), an advanced creative writing class working with a visiting author at Hemm House, or an art class painting en plein air.
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.