The Grace School

Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle School (K-8)

That's what we hear from parents when they take a tour of The Grace School and see the small class sizes, high teacher-to-student ratio, and eager, happy faces of the children. School is fun for these kids because each child’s needs are met through a learning plan based on the child's individual needs, not just class goals.

Another reason kids enjoy The Grace School is because they “love their teachers.” The school is a staffed with highly trained, dedicated teachers who inspire creativity, nurture gifts, and encourage perseverance in every child. The teachers develop a Personalized Learning Plan for each student centered on a standards-based comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the whole child, and is enriched with programs in the arts, music, fitness, technology, and much more. It’s a unique school experience where all types of children thrive.

Inclusive Classrooms

“My child has learned things I could never teach him because she has kids in her class who have special needs.”

One of the most unique aspects of The Grace School is that it is one of the first fully inclusive K-8 schools in the country. Our kindergarten and first grade classrooms include typically developing kids who are learning and playing with kids who have special needs. Our typically developing kids receive an incredible individualized education experience that is based on the same standards-based comprehensive curriculum taught in public and private schools. These kids learn early in life the importance of accepting and understanding all types of people. They also experience the great joy of “helping a friend.” At the same time, the lives and learning of the special-needs children are enhanced because their classmates accept them just as they are and inspire them to be the best they can be.

An Integrated Approach

In The Grace School we use an integrated approach with each child so both the educational and developmental needs of each child are served. Classes are staffed with both general education and special-education teachers, and children who need special therapy are scheduled with our expert therapists during the day. The therapists and teachers constantly communicate so everyone is aware of a child’s therapeutic needs and progress. The team approach to the child insures that children are working on their therapeutic needs in the classroom and the teachers can monitor and report progress to the therapists.

Starting in the Fall of 2008 our second grade will also be an inclusive classroom.

The Team Approach Includes Parents

We believe that the most important people on a child’s team are his or her parents. We are in constant contact with parents so they are aware of the focus of classroom activities and therapy sessions. This way parents can work with their children at home.

Parents are the key to a child’s progress so they are involved in all decisions and approaches surrounding their child's development and education. We listen to their concerns. We share information with them on the progress of their child. And we provide support and guidance so we can face challenges as a team.

To schedule a tour or for more information, please submit this information request form or directly contact Karen Higbie, Team Leader, at 401-533-9239. Click here for The Grace School admissions information.