Where Every Middle Schooler is Known by Name
Small classes. Big hearts. Zero bullying. Your child won't be just another face in the crowd at GSES.
Why Pinellas Families Choose GSES
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Every Child Seen – 6-8 students per grade means zero anonymity
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Bullying-Free Zone – Clear rules, fair enforcement, safe always
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5-Acre Campus – Twice-daily outdoor recess in Florida sunshine
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Christian Values – All families welcome, regardless of denomination
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Step Up Eligible – Most families pay $0-$250/month
Every Child is Seen, Known & Protected
At public middle school, your child is one face among 900. At GSES, they're one of only 6-8 in their grade.
What this means for your family:
- Principal Angela knows your child's name, story, and favorite snack
- Teachers text YOU directly about progress (4.89 communication score)
- Zero tolerance bullying policy – enforced fairly, every time
- Clear expectations posted, taught, and lived out daily
- Brazilian, Black, White families all feel at home
Your child will never feel invisible again.
Twice-Daily Outdoor Time = Healthier, Happier Kids
Sitting in fluorescent classrooms all day? Not here. GSES students get outdoor PE and recess twice daily on our 5-acre St. Petersburg campus.
Why this matters:
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues
- Boosts focus, energy, and academic performance
- Builds real friendships through play (not screens)
- Sunshine, fresh air, Florida nature daily
- Plus: Annual Camp Kulaqua adventure week!
"Recess twice a day! And friends who are nice." – Sofia, 6th grader
Small Classes = BIG Academic Results
You're not sacrificing academics for safety. GSES is fully accredited with differentiated instruction that meets each child where they are.
Academic advantages:
- One-to-one technology (every student, personalized learning)
- Teachers adjust lessons to YOUR child's pace
- No falling through cracks – we catch struggles immediately
- Advanced students get enrichment, not busy work
- Adventist Robotics team for hands-on STEM
"Since coming here, I feel more confident in my math and reading." – Saniyah, 6th grader
Hear From Pinellas County Families Just Like Yours
Real parents from Largo, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg
We drove 35 minutes from Largo because public middle school was too big and rough. At GSES, my kids finally feel safe. They come home happy, making real friends, excited about learning. Worth every minute of the drive.
Largo | Lucas (7th) & Sofia (6th)
Nobody pushes me around here. Teachers actually see me. I used to hide in big school, but now I'm a leader. My friends are kind and the rules make sense. I actually LIKE going to school now.
7th Grade Student
Teachers don't just teach—they KNOW your child. Angela texts me updates, celebrates wins, addresses concerns immediately. The communication feels like family. That 4.89 score? We're part of it.
St. Petersburg
"But Can We Afford It?"
Most GSES middle school families pay $0 to $250 per month thanks to Florida's Step Up For Students scholarship program.
Real Cost Breakdown (Grades 6-7):
That's less than soccer + tutoring combined. And your child gets safety, community, personalized learning, and spiritual growth.
Quick Questions Before You Reach Out?
We're here to help. Contact us the way that works best for you.
Your Questions, Answered
How far do families typically drive?
Most GSES families drive 20-45 minutes from across Pinellas County (Largo, Clearwater, St. Petersburg). Many carpool with families from their church or neighborhood—kids love the ride together.
Do we have to be Seventh-day Adventist?
No! Only 6-8 of our 23 students are SDA. Most families choose GSES for small classes, safety, outdoor time, and Christian values—not doctrine. We welcome all Christian families.
What happens after 8th grade?
Currently, GSES serves K-8. Many families are advocating for high school expansion. For now, middle school gives your child a foundation of confidence, faith, and academics that prepares them for ANY high school.
Can I tour before enrolling?
Absolutely! Tours available Monday-Thursday by appointment. Call 727-345-2141 or email [email protected]. You CAN also apply before touring—there's an application process either way, and spots fill fast!
Your Child's Best Middle School Years Start Here
Only 6 spots per grade. First-come, first-served. Don't let your child spend another year feeling invisible, unsafe, or stressed.
Contact Principal Angela Peoples
📞 Phone: 727-345-2141
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📍 Tours: Monday-Thursday by appointment
🌐 Website: gulfcoastsda.org
Non-Discrimination Policy
Florida Conference Seventh-day Adventist schools admit students of any race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation. Our schools do not discriminate on the basis of any of the aforementioned categories in decisions for admission, discipline, or application of education policies. We promote a sharp focus on learning and caring while requiring all students to adhere to behavioral expectations set out in a strict code of conduct supported by the Biblical beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.