Grace Episcopal Day School

While we had a wonderful experience in the 3's class, we had a very negative experience in the pre-K (4s) class last year. Children were labled early on as good or bad, and all but two of the six boys in the class were asked not to return for kindergarten. When the parents asked to meet with administrators as a group to discuss classroom dynamics and why so many of the boys had been labeled as having behavior problems and referred for psychological evaulation, the administration flat-out refused our request and we were advised that the Board supported that decision. In the space of a few months, our daughter went from a bright, fun-loving, energetic child to one who hated going to school because she was tired of always being in trouble. Notably, all of the so-called "trouble-makers" are now doing wonderfully in various public schools in the area and have not had behavior problems. Quite frankly, we feel we wasted a lot of money sending our daughter to Grace last year. It is still hard for me to comprehend how 2 teachers were unable to handle 10 children. I would not recommend the pre-K program to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Grace's lower school and our child genuinely loves it. The teachers we've had contact with have been warm and thoughtful, interested in each child as an individual. The curriculum is very well balanced, with an emphasis on play, movement, music, and all the things small children should be doing. It's refreshing to see a curriculum that's actually based on child development. We really enjoy the other children and families in our child's class; the school community is friendly and welcoming. But the most important thing is that our child has blossomed tremendously at Grace and is excited to go to school each day. This foundation for a love of school and learning is invaluable to our child, and to us as parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Grace is great -- our experience has been nothing short of wonderful. It is our 2nd year (@ Silver Spring campus). The teachers are very proactive. If there's an issue or potential issue, it's immediately addressed, and with dignity, respect, and thoughtful reasoning. We had our son tested for speech too -what harm can that possibly cause? Bullying??? If there's any whiff of it I can tell you it's nipped in the bud ASAP. Parents are encouraged, invited, and welcome to participate in various ways and are very frequently asked. Regarding academics, I can speak about it from the Nursery-Kindergarten perspective. The children who go there are bright to begin with. Not sure if that's due to intelligence testing that's done beginning with incoming Kindergarteners or due to the preponderance of kids whose parents are doctors/lawyers/policy wonks. My advice: talk to a current parent if you want information.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a miserable experience in the preschool. Awful communication. Parents are discouraged from spending time in the classroom, observing or participating. Children - and I'm talking about 3 yo's here - are constantly evaluated against normative standards and compared to one another. Because our child was shy at the beginning of the year, the teachers sent him for a speech evaluation - without so much as asking us whether he talked at home (he's a chatterbox!). When our child was involved in a physical incident at school, we learned about it from him, not his teachers. When we called his teachers, we were told this had actually happened twice that week and no one planned to tell us! Our concerns about bullying were not taken seriously. The lower school head worked hard with us but the rest of the administration was confrontational and condescending. We withdrew our child midyear.
--Submitted by a parent

We did not have a very positive experience at Grace. Our 2 kids were way behind with academics once they left.
--Submitted by a parent

We go to Grace School and we're happy! My daughter started in kindergarten and was graduated at 6th grade. My son started in the Nursery and is now in the 6th grade. It's been a wonderful place for both kids. I love to go in and see the creative art work that fills the halls and see the kids focused and engaged in their studies. Small class sizes and teachers who are willing to work to find the best way to reach each student have given my kids a very solid educational foundation and a true love of learning. Grace is a gem.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had one daughter complete K-6 at Grace, and have two daughters currently enrolled at the school. My husband and I consider the academic program outstanding and could not have imagined a more positive school community for our children. The school is clearly committed to fostering the growth and development of the 'total child,' and works with each child to realize his or her full potential. Parents are encouraged to be actively engaged in the life of the school, and the spirit of volunteerism is obvious. The school really lives by its Mission and Philosophy, and as a result the children seem very happy. We are very pleased that that school is expanding to 8th grade!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter began here in Nursery and is now in 4th grade. The teachers are ecellent. The environment is caring, and I feel good about leaving her here during the day knowing she is getting the best education possible of all schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

Grace is a wonderful school. My daughter is in Kindergarten there and always comes home with a smile on her face! She is so excited to be learning from (in my opinion) the area's best teachers. My husband and I searched for nearly a year and we are so happy with our decision. Classes are small and the teachers really go that extra mile in making sure that we know what is happening at all times. The school community welcomed us with open arms and made my daughter feel right at home. Haven't had the chance to meet many of the parents yet, but I am looking forward to the 'Back-to-school' night. I would whole-heartedly recommend Grace to anyone interested in a top-notch private education. Very excited that they are adding a 7th and 8th grade!
--Submitted by a parent