Welcome

A message from the Head of School

Welcome to The Gooden School!

It is my great joy to welcome you to The Gooden School, a place where children are known, loved, and inspired to grow into their best selves. Whether you’re just discovering us for the first time or have been part of our community for years, I’m so glad you’re here.

Located in the heart of Sierra Madre, The Gooden School is an independent Episcopal school that honors its spiritual foundation while warmly welcoming families of all faiths and backgrounds. Our Episcopal identity guides us in cultivating a school culture rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep sense of belonging.

At Gooden, students experience a rich and rigorous academic program designed to challenge and support each learner. From TK through Grade 8, our students engage in a thoughtful and well-rounded curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. We are equally passionate about developing the whole child - mind, body, and spirit.
Our beloved 3Rs, Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Respect for the World, are more than just a motto; they are the foundation of everything we do. These guiding principles shape our culture, classrooms, and how our students engage with the world around them.

What makes Gooden truly special is our nurturing and joyful community. Here, students are encouraged to explore their interests, embrace challenges, and celebrate their individuality all within a safe and loving environment. Music and arts education are essential parts of our program, and every child has the opportunity to create, perform, and express themselves through a variety of artistic disciplines.

The Gooden journey is a meaningful one, marked by deep friendships, academic excellence, character development, and a strong sense of purpose. We believe in preparing children not only for the next steps in their education, but also to lead lives of kindness, integrity, and respect.
 

I invite you to explore our website and discover what makes The Gooden School such a special place. And if you haven’t visited us in person yet, I warmly encourage you to come see our vibrant classrooms and beautiful campus for yourself. We would love to welcome you to our Gooden family.

Faithfully serving our community,
Laurie Tortell