Grace Christian School

Grace Christian School is simply outstanding. The school is strongly oriented towards preparing all students for college. When many schools are cutting back on programs, GCS offers so much, and all of it is of outstanding quality. The honors options for older students are unparalleld in other similar schools. We have had three students attend GCS, and all loved the experience. The teachers and administrator are incredible.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children enrolled in Grace. My oldest is entering her fourth year. The faculty is dedicated and they truly love the students. If you want to see the value of Grace Middle School, attend graduation. One can see how much the students, teachers, and administrator mean to each other. The graduating students gave testimony about their time at Grace: it was candid, unscripted, and very sweet. What stood out to me, as a parent, is how many graduates said, as excited as they are about high school, they hate to leave because Grace is more than school, it s family. From teenagers, these words carry weight. The teachers gave good-bye messages, through tears, to students who clearly matter to them. I was incredibly touched and I am so thankful to be able to offer the blessing that is Grace to my own children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great for elementary students. They offer foreign language at an early age, and Latin as well. Their sports are increasing, but they don't have a musical band, which would round off the overall school experience. They teach at a level far above what public school offers. Children are greeted daily by loving caring staff. Your child will build confidence and definitely have a sense of Christian living and love. HOWEVER, when they reach middle school (6th) there is a more punitive environment that works well for girls but not so well for boys. Education tends to already be female centered, so more male staff would be a huge benefit this school. Additionally the school would benefit by increasing the cultural diversity in their staff to mirror the increasing diverse student population.
--Submitted by a parent

I am sad to say that I agree with the last parent. My child received an excellent education K-5th grade and I still believe that the elementary school is strong. However the middle school is lacking. Third year into the middle school, the teachers are the same and there is lack of communication with parents. I feel the middle school teachers make things up as they go and my child doesn't receive the quality education as he/she once did. There is no consistency between the middle school teachers as far as expecatations or discipline.The New York trip is an added expense and felt parents should have been asked first., much more expensive than D.C. School doesn't have same feel at all and does feel more like a business. I really don't feel that the middle is worth the cost. Save your money.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was great 6 years ago and has greatly gone down hill since. Since trying to expand the school it has been operated like a business, only in it for the money, and forgetting about the kids. Yes, the curriculum is great but the teachers care less and less and the parents are left in the dark. The only reason I would recommend it to another parent is for K and ask for Ms. Graley! She is the best I have ever seen! I have had 3 kids in the school and now am leaving to go elsewhere. I am tired of dumping TONS of money into the school where my kids are getting less and less every year ($15,000 +/year for 3 kids). They nickle and dime you for everything. We are literally counting the days until school is OUT!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Grace Christian School is the best kept secret in the city! I am so impressed with the academic excellence that the students are exposed to in Kindergarten. The students are peforming academically on a much higher level in comparison to their peers in other schools. I was a little nervous at the beginning of the year,not sure if my daughter could do the work, but the day she came home reading, I had tears in my eyes. She loves to read me her books at night time before bed, it is remarkable! The Principal is genuinely concerned about the best interest of all of the students. I am grateful how both the principal & teacher partnered with me to help my daughter transition 'emotionally' from a Reggio Emilia program where she was being labeled to Grace where she is being challenged! GCS is a strong balanced program!
--Submitted by a parent

GCS is an exceptional school. The teachers and administration love the students and value giving them a great education. The math, language arts, and Spanish courses of study allow students to enter 9th grade at an advanced level, having already taken high school courses. The technology program is a nationally recognized program designed by the Univ. of Richmond and Boston Univ. The music program is outstanding, with several string orchestras for K-8 students. The school also offers art history, Latin, trips to NYC and Washington D.C./Williamsburg, and an oudoor education program at an area retreat site where the students stay overnight.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is the best school in the world in my opinion. I was taught leadership, Godly character, and top of the line education. Amazing school, staff, and education. This school prepared me fully in my journey to high school. the educational and spiritual experience was unbeliveable. I wouldn't change it for the world.
--Submitted by a student

GCS is an excellent private school. The level of instruction is far superior to local public and private schools. I would recommend GCS to any parent looking for a high quality education for their child. There are many activities still at GCS that have been removed from other schools including: art, general music, orchestra, technology, spanish, latin, drama, dance team, state spelling bee's, math olympics, finance, and physical education. GCS supports the 'whole child' approach to engaging and teaching our children. V.H.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student at Grace Christian School, I am amazed at its growth and how it has touched the families of the children who are or have gone here. The teachers are excellent and care for the students, the staff in the office are friendly and loving, and the principal, Cynthia Phillips, is the best principal ever because of her attitude and how much she puts in to care for the students, staff, and families. I loved the academic chances the school gave me as well. As I entered middle school, because they hadn't opened it here yet, I took every honors class I could and excelled and new more than my piers as I entered because of the education I received here. I just want to thank GCS for turning me into a leader and helping me excell in today's world.
--Submitted by a student