Gill St. Bernard's School

Gill St. Bernard's is the result of the merger of two Somerset Hills schools — St. Bernard's School for boys in Gladstone and The Gill School for girls in Bernardsville. Our Mission is to provide a balanced, diverse and secure community that prepares students academically, socially and ethically for college and a meaningful life.

We affirm that a diverse community of students, faculty, administration, staff, trustees and alumni is essential to who we are as a school. We respect and value diversity, which includes but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, family structure, age, physical ability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic background, as the basis for fostering a strong sense of self, community and global understanding.

Gill St. Bernard’s does not discriminate in the admission process, its scholarship programs or in the administration of its other programs or policies on the basis of characteristics or conditions, such as race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability not related to the requirements for being a successful student at GSB. In reaching admission or other decisions, GSB may consider conditions that it reasonably believes would adversely affect a student’s or prospective student’s ability to succeed at the school, taking into account any reasonable accommodations that would not materially alter the fundamental nature of GSB’s programs or services or place undue burden on the school.

Each day we challenge our students to push themselves in new directions; to stretch their minds, to hone their strengths and develop new skills. They are encouraged to embrace personal responsibility and demonstrate honor, integrity and leadership. We expect no less of ourselves as a school and community. Ours is a learning organization that is committed to continuous improvement and growth, and our dedication to strategic planning allows us to focus on our vision of becoming the very best school possible.

Even with this exciting growth, Gill St. Bernard’s remains committed to preserving the distinct features of a small school. By design, our student body and class sizes are optimal. Everyone has something to contribute; concern, care and support for one another are self-evident.

Academically, Gill is known for its vigorous and rich curriculum as well as for the personalized attention that we devote to each student. A premium is placed on a commitment to balance in promoting the health and well-being of our students. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and we support them as they juggle multiple activities, rather than require them to specialize prematurely. While competition does have a place at our school, it is not between students and it does not set the tone for daily school life.

Our co-curricular programs are extensive and the typical GSB student is engaged in many of them. These activities provide students with valuable opportunities for leadership and success. Athletics, the arts, student clubs and community service help create a well-rounded GSB experience. Many of these programs have received state and national recognition, as is also the case for a number of our individual faculty members and students.

At Gill St. Bernard’s, character counts. We actively promote the development of personal integrity and teach the importance of connecting consequences to actions. Students were involved in the establishment of the school’s honor system and a group of seniors sit on the Honor Board. Our students advocate for countless initiatives with passion, and the unique atmosphere of the GSB community is guided by respect.

Gill St. Bernard's School believes that a school community should reflect a variety of ethnic, racial, economic, religious and social circumstances; all are fundamental to a 21st century education. Among its core values, Gill St. Bernard's affirms that a diverse learning community of students, faculty, administration, trustees, alumni and staff is an essential element to who we are as a school. Beginning with the early childhood program and culminating in the Upper School, GSB students respect and value individual differences, seeing them as the basis for fostering a strong sense of self, community, and global understanding.