Founded by Rev. Dr. David Jhung, a Korean missionary, Good Tree International School (GTIS) was born out of a dream to respond to the needs of Christian families in the community. Initially, it served as a free kindergarten for children aged 3.5 to 6 in November 1999. However, due to growing demand, it soon expanded its horizons to become a formal educational institution for nursery, kindergarten, and preparatory levels by June 2000, with official registration under the Department of Trade and Industry.
The year 2001 marked a significant milestone for GTIS. It began operating grade 1 in June and added additional levels in 2002 and 2003. The school obtained its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2001 and received the government's permit to operate a comprehensive preschool and elementary program.
GTIS's growth wasn't confined to its educational offerings. The physical infrastructure grew too, starting with the purchase of a 1000 square meter lot in Bagtas, Tanza, in March 2003. The expansion saw the construction of a new school building and the official transition from Carissa Grace Mission School, Inc. to Good Tree International School, Inc.
Over the years, GTIS evolved into a well-equipped, multi-faceted educational institution, boasting 19 classrooms, 3 laboratories, an open cafeteria with a 100-student capacity, a small park, ample parking space, and a multipurpose covered court that can cater to 1000 people for major events. A range of facilities such as badminton courts, a volleyball court, and a small swimming pool contribute to the richness of the student's experience on campus. From starting inside a church with less than 20 students, the school now hosts more than 470 learners.
Throughout its journey, GTIS has achieved notable recognitions. These include awards like 'Best International School in Cavite' and 'Best Comprehensive Education Provider' by the Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, it prides itself on offering a diverse range of extracurricular activities such as Taekwondo, Basketball, Korean language class, chess, bonsai, table tennis, volleyball, swimming, arts, and recently, Kendo, exposing students to different fields of education.
Staying relevant and adapting to technological advancements has always been central to GTIS. As a Microsoft-certified and Google-certified school, it uses ClassDojo for teacher-student communication. It continually explores new ways of teaching, with a keen interest in integrating artificial intelligence like ChatGPT into education.
GTIS is a strong advocate of community engagement and support. This is evident in the monthly medical missions and annual Christmas donations for less fortunate people. The presence of Good Tree Church within the school premises also serves as a spiritual refuge for many.
Challenges are an inevitable part of growth, and GTIS was no exception. Starting an international school in a foreign country and adapting to the culture of the Philippines presented its hurdles. Dealing with occasional complaints from parents also added to the school's growing pains. Yet, the institution remained resilient, ensuring that its mission and vision were never compromised.
Looking towards the future, GTIS envisions expanding its educational horizons by introducing a technical college, a TESDA program, and a Christian seminary within the campus, with the ultimate goal of opening a university. All these while maintaining its reputation as a prestigious premium school offering quality education at a more affordable rate than other international schools.
Throughout its remarkable journey, Good Tree International School has remained steadfast in its original mission - to mold learners today into Christian leaders of tomorrow, preparing them for the ever-changing environment of the world. The legacy of GTIS continues to thrive, embodying the dream of its founder and the aspiration of its learners.
