What Is Good Shepherd School for Children (goodss.org)?

Good Shepherd School for Children is an independent, not-for-profit early childhood education school and pediatric therapy center in West St. Louis County, Missouri. It serves two groups: children from 6 weeks old until kindergarten entry in its early learning center, and children up to age 18 through outpatient pediatric therapy. If you are looking for an inclusive preschool that mixes typically developing children with children who have special needs, or for speech, occupational, physical, or developmental therapy, this page explains what the organization offers, who it is for, and what it costs.

What the organization is

Good Shepherd School for Children is a local not-for-profit led by a board of directors. According to its website, it is not affiliated with any other organization named "Good Shepherd" and has no religious affiliation. It describes its mission as helping each child reach his or her full potential.

The organization runs two connected programs under one roof:

• Early learning center — care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in what it describes as a safe, loving setting.
• Pediatric therapy — individual therapy for children up to age 18, delivered by licensed therapists.

Who it serves

Early childhood education

Children can enroll from 6 weeks old until entry into kindergarten. The center enrolls both typically developing children and children with special needs in the same classrooms.

A distinctive feature is its inclusion model: up to 33% of children in each classroom can have special needs. According to the site, these needs can include:

• Autistic spectrum
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Global developmental delays
• Other disorders

The school reports that last year it served 129 children, 60 of whom had special needs. With only 78 full-time students enrolled, it positions itself as offering more individual attention than larger preschools.

Pediatric therapy

Families seeking therapy alone — separate from enrollment — can access individual speech, occupational, physical, and developmental therapy for children up to age 18. The site notes that outpatient therapy is often covered by insurance and that the therapy team can help families navigate the paperwork.

Tuition rates

The website lists the following tuition, based on a 5-day-per-week schedule:

Two conditions matter here:

• The lower rate applies upon the child's 2nd birthday.
• Part-time schedules are considered on a case-by-case basis, so the listed rates reflect full-time enrollment only.

The site does not publish part-time pricing, so families needing a partial schedule should ask directly.

Hours, location, and contact

• Hours of operation and tours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Address: 1170 Timber Run Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146
• Phone: 314.469.0606
• EIN: 43-0955225

The site provides separate inquiry forms for general enrollment and for special needs, plus options to RSVP, schedule a virtual tour, and donate.

How to decide if it fits

Good Shepherd is worth considering if:

• You want an inclusive classroom where children with and without special needs learn together.
• Your child is between 6 weeks and kindergarten age, or you need pediatric therapy up to age 18.
• You prefer a smaller program (78 full-time students) over a large preschool.
• You want a non-religious, independent nonprofit rather than a church-affiliated or chain provider.

It may be less suited if you need a part-time schedule at a published rate (pricing is case-by-case), or if you are outside West St. Louis County and the commute is impractical.

Because enrollment is open for all age groups and capacity is limited, the practical next step is to call 314.469.0606 or submit an inquiry form to confirm current availability, part-time options, and therapy insurance details.