Grace Episcopal School Viewbook - Alexandria, VA

BEGIN • GROW • LEAD

Begin with

GRACE

Grow with

Lead with

An exceptional education for preschool through Grade 5 students.

Welcome to Grace.

The mission of Grace Episcopal School is to honor the gift of childhood.

We accomplish this mission by inspiring a passion for learning, teaching the power of goodness, and valuing every individual as a child of God. We are committed to outstanding teachers, small classes, and an intentional focus on early and elementary education.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound: of classrooms filled with engaged children, of laughter on the playground, of chatter in our Grace cafe, and of warm greetings and encouraging words. We have much to celebrate at Grace, and I am blessed to lead such a special school.

From the first time I walked onto campus, I could feel the nurturing roots of Grace Episcopal School. As I visited classrooms, I was happy to see the mission in action. With strong core curriculum in math (using Math in Focus), science, social studies and language arts, as well as a variety of “specials” in religion, technology, Spanish, art, PE, music and library, the Grace experience creates a well-rounded student. Add to this experience a strong emphasis on the character keys of respect, responsibility, honesty, courage and compassion. A Grace student is one with strong roots with which to grow and prosper.

I hope you will enjoy learning more about our fine school and then reach out to schedule a tour. You, too, will feel the pull to Grace as you meet our veteran teachers and see our hardworking students in action.

Patti Culbreth Head of School

The Preschool - Grade 5 Model

Grace is unique in our spotlight on the foundational years of learning and growth - there is no other independent Episcopal school with the same model in the northern Virginia area. Specializing in early education and the elementary years allows us to provide individual attention to each and every student in a caring, yet challenging environment geared towards children at a distinctly momentous time in their lives.

Begin with Grace. Grow with Grace. Lead with Grace.

Grow with Grace Begin with Grace

An educational program with a laser focus on the elementary years allows us to build a strong foundation in scholarship, character and confidence. We can support our teachers with the developmentally appropriate teaching tools to grow strong readers, mathematicians, scientists and artists while embracing the concept of purposeful play. From in-services on child development to matched-sized playgrounds to exhilarating assemblies for this age group, we take the time to “own” this important period in our students lives and set a strong foundation for future success.

When our students reach first grade and enter our “grader hallway”, we begin scaffolding for more growth.

Our students are reading on or above grade level, learning how to approach math problems from more than one angle and showing their incredible intellect and creativity with project based assignments. The hallways are alive with student work that showcases a true love of learning.

Lead with Grace Fifth Grade Leadership Opportunities Chapel Accolytes Grace Cafe Captains Playground Monitors “Student Ambassador” Tour Guides & Leaders STREAM Extravaganza Leaders

Grace “Buddies”: A program for peer-to-peer reading where our oldest students shine as mentors and friends.

Grade 5 paired with Grade 1 Grade 4 paired with Kindergarten Grade 3 paired with Jr. Kindergarten

Every class allows for leadership opportunities, but a highlight of this journey allows our 5th graders to step in naturally as the school leaders. The confidence students show at their graduation, when each shares a legacy speech to the student body, confirms our programs build the character and courage to support their educational journey to lifelong grace and learning.

Academics

Grace Episcopal School provides an academically challenging and developmentally appropriate education in a nurturing environment for children in preschool through grade five. Our students receive personal attention in small classes and learn to be innovative thinkers and successful problem solvers. Our strong academic program emphasizes the essential tools of learning: reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, providing a foundation for a lifetime of learning. Music, art, physical education, technology and other specials are woven throughout the core curriculum, giving students opportunities to explore interests beyond academic learning.

Begin with Grace. Grow with Grace. Lead with Grace.

STREAM

Music

Art

Spanish Language

Physical Education

Library

Science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math are combined for an innovative approach to learning that utilizes these topics as pathways to guide student inquiries and critical thinking. 1:1 technology tools begin in kindergarten with iPads, and chromebooks are introduced in third grade.

Students in Kindergarten - Grade 5 have studio art once a week. Early education students explore classroom themes through art with the class teachers. Students explore different mediums each year with a focus on creativity, imagination and visual art design principles.

While all students enjoy movement through daily recess, formal P.E. instruction begins in Kindergarten. Class is held outside, weather permitting, and stresses both fitness and fun.

Motor skills are developed through a variety of age-appropriate exercises, cooperative games and sports modules.

All students have music once a week.

Music is taught using the Kodaly Method, an interactive, collaborative, and highly kinesthetic teaching method that combines several powerful techniques for developing the core skills of musicianship.

Spanish instruction begins in Preschool with songs and games. As the students move into the upper grades, grammar and academic vocabulary are taught with the objective of acheiving conversational Spanish by grade five.

Grace houses a diverse library with a collectiong of over 5,000 fiction and nonfiction children’s books for kindergarten through fifth grade students to check out and enjoy at home. The library also seres as a quiet place for read-alouds and research.

“Grace has been the perfect place for our daughter to learn over the past 5 years. The small size of the school enables educators to invest fully in each individual child. It has been a delight to watch our daughter gain both the academic and emotional tools needed to navigate middle school with confidence.”

- GRACE PARENT

6:1

Student-To-Teacher Ratio

Character Keys

At Grace, our mission as an Episcopal school is to educate the whole child: mind, body and spirit. We believe that good character grows from acts of honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, and courage.

These five values make up our “Character Keys”, and they are a fundamental part of the Grace education, teaching skills for success in school and in life.

Begin with Grace. Grow with Grace. Lead with Grace.

What is SocialEmotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and peer relationship skills that are necessary for success in school and life.

With inclusivity and love at the center of the Episcopal faith, Episcopalian schools have been emphasizing these skills for years. As a result, children thrive.

Students learn the importance of empathy and self-regulation, as well as the tools needed to relate to one another. In this way, they are more fully prepared for the challenges, both academic and emotional, of middle school and beyond.

“Grace Episcopal is a school that lives and breathes its five character keys: honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion and courage. They are on the walls of every classroom.

They’re discussed in the course of the day, and they’re modeled by teachers and students alike. The school’s culture of kindness, growth mindset and teachers’ patience and attention to each and every child is what sets this school apart, and what makes Grace Episcopal kids welcome and successful at other schools and as solid young adults.”

- GRACE PARENT

Spiritual Development

As an Episcopal School, we strive to create a strong spiritual and ethical base using the core values and traditions of the Episcopal Church. Grace students are taught Christian values and developmentally appropriate stories of the Bible, while also embracing religious diversity and spirituality as a whole. Grace students are taught to love one another first and always.

All Grace students attend weekly chapel service on Friday mornings where songs and prayers unite us through God’s love. Additionally, kindergarten through fifth grade students engage in Godly Play religion classes once a week led by the School Chaplain.

Through the telling of stories and parables, children are encouraged to use their

Begin with Grace. Grow with Grace. Lead with Grace.

“All schools are responsible for engaging a child’s mind, many schools work very hard to keep a child’s body moving, but few schools are able to nurture a child’s spirit. At Grace, we are so fortunate to consider the spiritual growth of a child - one of the pillars of teaching the whole child.

The Grace Episcopal Church chapel, where weekly chapel services are held for the entire student body.

An early foundation of spiritual education teaches love, compassion, kindness, and most importantly GRACE. The curiosity and love of learning that is evident in the classrooms carries over into our religion classes. Our students are full of questions that touch on the very foundations of the faith, and in answering their questions in honest and meaningful ways, students learn to be seekers of their individual spiritual growth and renewal.”

- Jenni Faires, Former Grade 5 Religion Teacher and Grace Parent

Outreach + Service Learning Projects The Grace community is devoted to our mission of service and outreach.

Exposure to acts of service at a young age promotes understanding, acceptance and a desire to help one another.

These opportunities include: •

• • • • •

Non-perishable food & diaper drives for Grace Church Food Pantry customers Senior outreach services with Alexandria’s Goodwin House Carpenter’s Shelter Dinners Card making for United States’ Military Forces Winter hat and mitten drive Children’s Christmas gift drive for Grace Church Food Pantry customers

Grace students donated and bagged diapers as part of a “May We Help You?” diaper drive for the Grace Church Food Pantry.

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

- Jeremiah 29:11

Community

Our tight-knit community gives life to the true Grace experience. Through shared experiences and the development of strong bonds within our community, students are given feelings of security and belonging. Devoted and accessible teachers and administrators bring warmth and enthusiasm to everyday activities and classrooms, while students of all ages interact regularly during all school activities, buddy programs and extended care. The community extends well beyond our walls with family friendships and a dedicated, active Parent Association.

Begin with Grace. Grow with Grace. Lead with Grace.

Parents Association

Grace 365

Financial Aid

Grace Episcopal School’s Parents Association (GESPA) is the parents’ best resource for getting involved in life at Grace.

We offer a robust, flexible extended care program, with before & after school care, as well as vacation clubs and summer camp, giving parents childcare options beyond school hours.

The Financial Aid program assists qualified students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the School and Student Service by NAIS.

GESPA organizes schoolwide events that nurture our community, take care of teachers and staff on birthdays and holidays, and plan outreach activities to serve others.

In addition, we hold seasonal after school enrichment clubs, open to all students. These clubs may include athletics, music, STEM activities & more.

Diversity

Over $325,000 was awarded in financial assistance to families for the 2023-24 school year. *Requests for financial aid are not a factor in the admissions decision process.

Episcopal schools have long been known for their values of inclusivity and tolerance. Grace is no exception: students and faculty represent a variety of family structures and racial, ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds.

We celebrate this diversity and the role it plays in allowing children to learn about, and embrace, their differences.

6.6 mi

from Washington D.C.

33% 23%

of Student Body is Diverse*

of Students Receive Financial Assistance*

44% Boys 56% Girls

71%

of Current Families Enrolled in Extended Care*

We are

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o 4 sch

3-2

*202

Kindergarten PE class with Coach Palacio on the turf field.

data

GRACE

Grace at a Glance School Founded 1959 Religious Affiliation Episcopalian Grades Offered Preschool - Grade 5 Coed Yes Accreditation VA Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) Teachers with Masters Degrees 36% Hours 8:30 am - 12 pm (Early Education) 8:30 am - 3:15 pm (Elementary) Extended Care Hours 7:30 am - 6 pm After School Clubs & Activities Seasonal; May include Drama, Music, Art, Cooking, Yoga, Soccer, Running and Robotics Language Arts Phonics + Balanced Literacy Foreign Language Spanish

Outdoor Playgrounds and Learning Spaces Top to bottom: Chris Stegmaier Byrnes Amphitheater, Basketball court, Early Childhod Playground

Technology Interactive SMART Boards in all Classrooms; 1:1 Technology Tools Beginning in Kindergarten Admission Age Requirements (by Sept. 1)

Preschool: 3 years old Jr. Kindergarten: 4 years old Kindergarten: 5 years old Uniforms Yes Campus Features 5 Acres; 2 Playgrounds; Turf Field, Basketball Court, Amphitheater

What comes next?

Moving on to Middle School Preparing our graduates for the academic demands and social challenges of middle school is a top priority at Grace Episcopal School. We work very closely with our Fifth Grade families to help each student find their right match for the Sixth Grade.

Grace Episcopal School students have been accepted to the following independent middle schools during the years 2006 to 2024: Alexandria Country Day School • Basilica School of St. Mary • Browne Academy • Burgundy Farm Country Day School • Commonwealth Academy • Congressional • Flint Hill School • Green Hedges School • Heights School • Holton-Arms School • Holy Trinity School • Landon School • Maret School • National Cathedral School • Oakcrest School • Potomac School • Sidwell Friends School • St. Anselm’s Abbey School • St. Mary’s School of Piscataway • St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School • St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School • Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart • Westminster School

“Grace prepared me both academically and socially. Academically it taught me a lot about time management and how to stay on top of different things, which has been helpful in middle school. Grace taught us the character keys and about responsibility and leadership and all different things that are important in a good student.”

- Former Grace Student

Tuition and Fees Early Education Program: Preschool & Jr. Kindergarten Elementary Program: Kindergarten through Grade 5

$12,880 $25,250

GraceSchoolAlex.org 703-549-5067 | admissions@graceschoolalex.org 3601 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22305