Initially intending to start their children Connor and Isla at the school when they each reached the Year 7 level, the couple was so impressed with what was on offer that they had an immediate change of heart.
“When we attended the Open Day, we realised that there was a significant difference between the level of work achieved in the ACG classroom compared to that in the children’s existing primary school,” says Sara.
“We quickly understood that the longer we left it, the bigger the educational gap would grow, so Connor and Isla started ACG Tauranga straight away. That was in the middle of Term 3 in 2015 – the foundation year. Connor was in Year 5 and Isla in Year 3.”
Since then, the siblings have flourished, under the support and guidance of teachers who strive to ensure each child reaches their own unique potential.
“The teachers are the core strength of ACG Tauranga, not only are they passionate about what they do but they treat the students as individuals. ACG Tauranga offers smaller classrooms and teachers are firmly focussed on your children and their academic and emotional development.
“Even though our children are very different individuals with different expectations and requirements, they have received the education, the encouragement and the guidance they each personally need to develop their curriculum knowledge and to grow as well-rounded people.”
For avid basketballer Connor (now aged 15), outstanding coaching sourced from the wider Tauranga basketball community has been an ongoing highlight. Meanwhile creative Isla (12) has thrown herself into school productions and can’t wait for her weekly speech and drama lessons.
“As parents we owe a debt of gratitude to the ACG teachers for all they have done for both of our children.”
And do the Greggs have any advice for other families considering ACG Tauranga?
“We would happily recommend this school. If you are interested in sending your children to ACG come along to an Open Day and then, to make sure it’s a good fit for your child, make use of the ‘student for a day’ system. It is a big investment but for Connor and Isla it has been worthwhile.”
