Grace Christian School

I have two grandchildren attending.. A wonderful experience for them! The 2nd grader tested out at at 5th+ grade level on the mandated tests.. Essential moral values are included in the classroom - what a refreshing opportunity for our next generation to know there is a loving alternative to progressive drivel and soaring social problems that dominate government schools. Both of them love school...and are clearly ahead of peers in government schools when it comes to reading, writing, and math. Very little time wasted to accommodate misfits.. they are not attracted to this kiind of environment where socially acceptable behavior is valued, along with academic effort.
—Submitted by a parent

The best decision I ever made was removing her from this school. Every teacher at her Daycare center has noticed a marked huge improvement in her happiness. They can't believe the difference. My daughter hasn't had a stomach ache in the morning since the day she left Grace. Her teachers at View Acres are so wonderful and adore my child. I wish I would have given them a chance initially rather than trusting so called Christians.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this school struggles with communication and openness. It is a shame that they resist positive change and don't add parents to the board instead of the same few MEN who are on it. I agree- a few of their teachers are amazing and wonderful, but they don't appreciate them and run them into the ground. The leadership does not lead by Christian example sadly-they are rude, insensitive, deceptive and just un-Christian acting. Very sad!
—Submitted by a parent

I found this to be an extremely judgemental environment. I didn't feel encouraged to express concerns with the staff. It appears that unless you're part of the family (there are several family members) that you aren't encouraged to give your opinion. My family personally felt very judged. We didn't feel updated after large contributions and fund raisers were completed. If your looking for a welcoming non judgemental school, you will not find it here. Grace needs to move forward with the times.

I am very happy I graduated from Grace Christian School. I had been going to Grace since the 8th grade. Grace Christian School prepared me for my future education. I had a great learning experience that taught me what I needed to know. The material is Christian based and educational. The teachers are great! They are very concerned about the child's educational status. The teachers also get to know the child and help each one on projects or assignments as needed. At Grace your child will acquire new friends which will stick with him through out the years. I am still in contact with my friends from Grace. When I have children, I will bring them to Grace Christian School for their education and learning experience. I recommend that others put their children first and bring them to Grace! They will have the best educational experience, acquire new friends, and be prepared for their future growth of knowledge and education.

Poor leadership skills, the school board is ran by friends and family who are afraid of any changes to make "THEIR" school a better place for children. Poor parent, teacher involvement / participation. There are a few wonderful teachers but the rest of them, I am not sure what rock they turned over to find them. The people who are running the school have the most ill behaved children, you would think they would lead by example but that does not seem to be the case. It is sad to say at one time the school used to be a great place for children, that time has passed and it is time to move on. I would not recommend this school for my children. This is one school who does not lead by example anymore. Good luck Grace.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I have been very happy with the education our son has received while here at GCS. His reading and math have improved considerably. We plan to have our next child begin attending next fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Grace Christian School offers a second-rate education on par with public schools. The teachers lack skills, education and motivation techniques. As a parent, I have found I have to correct misinformation given to my children by the teachers. Not all teachers there have a adequate education to be teaching! Grace Christian School has difficulties with structure and discipline. HIgh school and junior high classes frequently begin late. I have seen, on numerous occasions, junior high students loitering outside of class during school. A school such a size as this should easily be able to correct this problem. Students frequently disrupt class with talking and nobody holds them accountable. Chapel times seem to be gossip times, devoid of any real spiritual content. I would NOT send children to this school if you're looking for a decent education for your children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in both elementary and high school. The classes are small but it is perfect for the students. They get the extra help if needed. I found no " holier than thou" attitudes in ANY of the teachers. As for background checks, I know for a fact that they are done and have been done. I had to have mine done the last 3 years in order to volunteer there. It's unfortunate to have such uninformed parents because they can ruin an awesome Christian School. My children have excelled in their learning at this school. Don't let 1 disgruntled parent sway your decision, go visit and speak to the principal. She will go out of her way to answer your questions and give you a tour.
—Submitted by a parent

The only Chistian values you will find in this school is the "holier than thou" attitude of most of the staff.The teachers lack experience, training and they are poorly educated. In my opinion, they are unable to adequatly meet the educational needs of students. The general belief is that they do not need to be state certified, citing goverment interference in school policies as the reason. In the past, they have not done any background checks on any staff member. Students have left the school as a result of endless harassment from peers. A student was seriously injured on the playground by a know school bully.The concept of customer service eludes them. Before you consider this school, I would advise you to speak to parents on both sides of the fence. I wish I had
—Submitted by a parent

I can only speak from my experience with my daughter's attendance there from preschool through 1st grade. Although, as a small school it has its personality conflicts and occasional policy hiccups, its overall demeanor and attention to the children is fantastic. Midway through 1st grade, our 6 year old daughter has achieved language and math skills of public school 4th or 5th graders. She has developed a natural and unforced admiration and love for God that has been consistently nurtured by her teachers. There are ample chances for friendships outside of school and all of the children at this age have shown excellent character and behavior. What can you say about a school whose Pastor greets each child every day at the door and has teachers hand deliver each student to their parent's waiting car when school is out? Thanks so much, Grace Christian School!
—Submitted by a parent

Picked up a magazine at a Dr office which graded OR schools, it gave Grace a B and said they were the least expensive private school in OR. We could not afford it otherwise. My child has attended Grace for 4 yrs. It may be largely family ran, but they have stepped up when no one else did. Some staff may not have a degree in teaching (do home school parents?). We did have trouble with a teacher, who is no longer there, but otherwise our experience has been that the teachers are there for the love of the children, they have been passionate and compassionate, dedicated, caring and intelligent. As for extra activities, much more fields trips then when we were in public, they do have dance team and support Upward basketball and cheer leading nearby. Also private school kids still pay taxes and can participate in public school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

This school used to be a wonderful Christian atmosphere. Unfortunately because of the poor leadership it is not up to standards. You will have to problem if you are a family member, or a member of their church, however. The staff needs to re-evaluate spending and use the money for what it is intended for- the children's education, not personel use. I would definately think twice about sending my children here. Find a school who puts Jesus first, children second, not one who is out for their own personel gain.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Grace Christian School! It's the perfect environment for our son. The teachers are fantastic, and the education is top notch. Our son gets a well-rounded Christ-centered education. The building could use some upgrades as it is a little old, but it's worth the affordable cost for us. --it's not at the top of the priority list. The private school teachings and education quality are......and they have that!
—Submitted by a parent

Great place for children to be for an education and a godly environment
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school and have recommended it to family and friends. The class sizes are small and the teachers are very loving yet disciplined in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with a lot of what they said on the review dated Aug. 25th. Most of it is true. I know for a fact, teachers are there because of the love for the students! They are committed to being Jesus to each student and family. That is what keeps them there. I feel this outweighs all else! They place faith in Jesus Christ that He will bless all efforts made by the teachers allowing the school to raise above all the trials.

Grace Christian is a really good school. The teachers are very loving and chapel each week is taught by an awesome woman of God. The Abeka curriculum is a little tough and over the top. I wish they would mix in other curriculum for subjects such as science and math which Abeka is known to have some kinks with. They have expanded through highschool and the new buildings are very nice. I reccommend the school because of it's Christ centeredness, good teachers and affordable cost.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who had both of my children here for 4 years I can honestly say that real Christian values need to be re-examined by the owners of this school. I have witnessed first hand much unfair treatment to staff and favortism among their own relatives who work there. Also money mis-management, secrets, and promises made that never happened. Such as working bathrooms, safe playground equipment, and fair treatment for persons who are not related to the owners. As a parent who has never missed a field trip, classroom party, or opportunity to help my children's teachers, I was very dissapointed to have to remove my children from this school. Some of the teachers here are wonderful and I can only imagine they stay for the sake of the children!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall GCS is a great school. My oldest has attended for 9 1/2 years. At times I have questioned the qualifications of choices of teachers made by leadership. I have to weigh it against the big picture. Does the good out weigh the bad? For me yes. The fact that my kids love coming to school and love learning,they have the freedom to worship God and pray in school, and uphold the values that America was founded on out weigh how fancy the school is or isn't. No school is perfect, and as a parent we should not set those demands if we are not willing to do more than just drive up to the door and drop our kids off as we complain about what the school is lacking. We have to be willing to continue teaching our kids how to give back and make it the very best possible.
—Submitted by a parent