About Us

Gardere Community Christian School grew out of an after-school tutoring program that was founded by Nancy Zito, an experienced inner-city educator who saw the need for greater academic support in the Gardere community. Within a year, parents recognized the difference in their children’s learning and urged her to open a full-day school. In 2011, GCCS launched with just ten Kindergarten–4th grade students. In 2021, Mrs. Zito retired and Lauren Darden, a talented school leader with a heart for Gardere, became the school’s next Principal and Executive Director.

Since then, GCCS has grown into a thriving Christ-centered school serving 180 PreK3–5th grade students from more than 100 families. While 98% of students come from low-income households and over half are English language learners, the school remains committed to providing a high-quality education rooted in its three pillars - strong academics, character and faith development, and family and community involvement. The results speak for themselves - GCCS students consistently outperform local averages, with 2-3x higher percentages reaching mastery in reading and math.

GCCS is more than a school; it is a close-knit community. Families play an active role through required service hours, helping build a culture of respect, accountability, and shared investment in each child’s success. Together, students, parents, staff, and involved community members are creating lasting change—one child, one family, and one future at a time.