Academically Gifted students are served through special enrichment classes in addition to their regular studies. All 2nd graders receive swimming lessons. The Failure Free Reading Program includes extra tutoring to ensure literacy. Early readers are taught with an emphasis on phonics.
Exceptional students participate in additional resource classes.
Guidance classes are held twice each month. All classrooms have computers that are networked and linked to the Internet. Computers are used primarily to strengthen reading and writing skills, research and to reinforce and enhance other parts of the curriculum. Character Education is an important part of the curriculum at Shepherd. Classroom activities, guidance sessions and school announcements center on each special character trait.