​program information

​In the mid-1950s, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was developed from the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, who was a devout Catholic and dedicated a lifetime to observing the natural development of the child. Maria emphasized the need for a specially-prepared environment and a hands-on learning experience to aid children’s education.

​To this day, Montessori schools can be found across the world, offering a unique approach to education. Although not carried over into many schools in the United States, Maria's original philosophy was always informed by her Catholic faith. After her death, her methods were perfected and formed into the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. CGS is used worldwide by the Missionaries of Charity, the Dominican Sisters, and thousands of parish communities as a different way to form children's faith.  

​The adult leaders assist the growth of this relationship, but are directed by God's Spirit within the child. In CGS, we give children a space of their own (called “The Atrium”) where they are encouraged to foster this relationship through the use of hands-on materials. The child is shown how to “work” (set up and manipulate) the specific materials and then given the opportunity to experience them as long as they want. In this way, they are not just memorizing information but truly pondering the mysteries of our faith. At the early childhood level (3-5 years old), the emphasis is placed on the love of God for each person represented in the image of the Good Shepherd, along with lessons on the liturgy and the Word of God, specifically in the Kingdom of God parables.

CGS meets on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Saint John Catholic School near Park Circle in North Charleston.

​ You can register your 3-6 year old student below!
There is limited space in our CGS group, so please sign up at your earliest convenience!
Email T.J. Cofield ([email protected]) for more information.