GCCS is pleased to offer before-school and after-school programs for families that need the extra support. These programs are offered on a cost-recovery basis. Please contact Admissions Advisor Juanita Harkema or Principal Bob Moore at 519-824-8860 for more information.

• Music

  GCCS offers an outstanding music program, including choir and instrumental instruction. Parents who have switched to GCCS from other schools have seen the difference and have told us that the GCCS music program is simply top-notch. In 2009 the Kodaly Society of Canada honoured our Music Teacher, Mrs. Susanne Wood, with a Music Education Excellence Award. Please Download our Music Program Information Sheet to learn more. You can also listen to some examples:

  Visit our Youtube Channel

  See our Senior Choir in a 2011 performance

  Here is the GCCS Tone Chime Choir playing All Things Bright and Beautiful in an original arrangement by our own Susanne Wood.

  A bit of fun in the studio

  Would you like to attend a GCCS concert or meet our Music Teacher? Please come see our Admissions Advisor, Juanita Harkema, who will be happy to introduce you and answer any questions you may have.

  
  
  
• Community

  GCCS has a strong sense of community and as Christians we are intentional about helping all families feel a sense of belonging. Some parents who have switched into GCCS from other schools have told us that one of the things they most appreciate is the warm sense of community at GCCS. New families are assigned a mentor family to help them get integrated and "learn their way around." We hold regular social events throughout the school year, such as a Fall BBQ, a Winter skating party, Storm nights, Spring Kids Karnival and so forth, to help build friendships among parents and students. GCCS encourages volunteer participation using a flexible system aimed at finding ways for parents to put their own interests and skills to work on the school's behalf. Many families have told us over the years that the parental involvement is a real strength: students perform better when they see their parents actively involved supporting their school.
  
  One new GCCS family recently told us that their only regret after switching to GCCS is that they hadn't done it years ago. Come see our school and let our Admissions Advisor, Juanita Harkema, tell you more about the value of community at GCCS.

  
  
  
• Individual Learning

  GCCS continually ranks very high in provincial and nation-wide standardized testing scores, both across all schools and among our peer group of independent schools. One reason is that we don't simply "teach to the median." We go the extra mile to nurture each child's unique gifts, and recognize his or her individual needs. As one mom recently told us, at GCCS "not one child goes unnoticed."
  
  Part of our commitment to nurturing each individual child involves continual review and enhancement of our programs and curriculum. We were the first school in the Guelph area to introduce the Arrowsmith program for children with cognitive learning challenges. We are introducing the Jump Math system in selected grades because we have found that some students respond well to it and it helps them master concepts they did not grasp using other methods. We are introducing the Aim French program to build a stronger conversational component into the French language curriculum. These and other innovations reflect our commitment to nurture, educate and inspire all students.
  
  Is your school meeting your child's individual needs? Come and speak to our Admissions Advisor, Juanita Harkema, or Principal Bob Moore, and let us show you what GCCS can do for your family.

  
  
  
• Parent-Directed, Christ-Centred

  GCCS has a unique governance model that ensures parent priorities are school priorities. As a Christian school, our core purpose remains as it has always been: to work with families to ensure their children receive a high quality education that builds up and integrates Christian faith into all aspects of life. Our education goals go beyond academics to encompass the whole person: mind, heart, spirit and strength. In pursuing this goal we have developed excellent working relationships with many local churches and Christian organizations, but we remain an independent school. GCCS is governed by the John Calvin Christian School Society, which consists of parents, grandparents, staff, alumni and other interested community members, all of whom share our vision of Christian education. New families who agree with the core values and vision of the Society are encouraged to join and take part in the governance and management of the school.

  
  
  

"As soon as our son started at GCCS we noticed a change. He's more confident in himself and he enjoys school more. He's getting involved in activities he wouldn't try before, or that weren't available at his old school. Making the switch to GCCS was definitely the right decision for us."
-R.M.

"I really enjoy the community at GCCS and I appreciate the personal care and concern that my child receives from other parents, staff and the principal. The teachers and support staff are all there to give their best to each student. We all come to GCCS with a common heart for the Lord. I appreciate that all decisions are made from this common ground."
-J.B.

"I was thrilled with the progress my son made academically as well as socially. By the time he finished JK, I knew he was ready - more than ready - for the next step. He was comfortable with school, confident in himself, equipped to handle a variety of social situations, and prepared with the basic skills and knowledge needed for success in school."
-N.G.W.