A Capital Campaign for GRACEPOINT's Next Chapter

A Capital Campaign for GRACEPOINT’s Next Chapter

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

or sometimes even stop trying altogether. Many students go undiagnosed in traditional school settings. These brilliant minds are often labeled

as low achievers, unmotivated, and class clowns.

HOW IT began

For as many as 1 out of 5 students, dyslexia seemingly closes the book before the story even begins. In early 2012, this statistic became real for two Cobb County mothers, and so the story of GRACEPOINT begins . . .

After seeing their sons struggle in the traditional school system, Molly Holm and Angie Strack, found themselves simultaneously beginning a journey to find the right educational t for their children. Both of their sons had just received a diagnosis of dyslexia, and they quickly discovered they had a feeling of panic in common. Not knowing how to help their children, they joined forces to find a school to meet the educational needs of their very bright, yet frustrated dyslexic learners.

FACTS ABOUT DYSLEXIA

• Dyslexia is very common affecting approximately 20% of the population. It is highly hereditary.

• Dyslexia in not just about getting letters or numbers mixed up or out of order.

• People with dyslexia are often more creative.

• Dyslexia is not related to low intelligence and does not impact a child’s thinking and reasoning.

• Dyslexia is not tied to IQ - Einstein was dyslexic and had an estimated IQ of 160

A STEP

of faith

Stepping out in faith, Molly and Angie pursued a crazy idea to start a school for dyslexic learners on the northside of Atlanta. As overwhelming as the pioneering work of starting a school seemed at the time, under the guidance of Brenda Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Georgia Educational Training Agency, the doors of GRACEPOINT opened just 6 months later with 4 students. Within just a few weeks, enrollment increased to 8 and the rst of cial class of GRACEPOINT was established. Their mission was de ned, and so the story continues.

Our Mission

GRACEPOINT School began with 4 students in August of 2012 at Riverstone Church in Kennesaw.

By October,enrollment had increased to 8.

The mission of GRACEPOINT School is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and con dent learners, through sequential, systematic, and multisensory instruction. Our goal is to instill in each child a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may ful ll God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.

minutes

Pictured above, left to right, Paul Holm, Sawyer Strack, Jake Lashley, Alex Fitzgerald

When we are obedient to what God is calling us to do, it can change a person’s life. God takes our dreams and makes them so much more.

-- Molly Holm Co-Founder of GRACEPOINT

CHANGING

lives

Carson Groulx, an inquisitive and gregarious child, began a pre-K program at a local church at four years old. He loved school, made friends quickly and his smile brightened the classroom. Kindergarten was a new exciting year, and Carson could not wait to arrive at school every day.

However, as the years passed, Carson began to display signs of frustration at school. His teachers were surprised to see him meltdown during the day, often with angry outbursts. Carson’s mom and dad quickly became discouraged as they could not pinpoint the source of his frustration. Why would such a bright child with so many friends be unhappy at school? What had changed from the days when he could not get to his classroom fast enough to having a dislike for school, accompanied by anxiety and worry?

His teacher shared that his intellect and curious brain did not match up with a child who could not read sight words, recognize letters consistently or read books on grade level. He could tell a story, full of detail and creativity, but when it came to reading someone else’s words, he was at a loss. Fascinated with the world around him, Carson looked forward to watching science programs, but when his mother realized he could not read the menu guide on the television, her concerns grew.

In hopes of bringing him up to grade level in reading, Carson’s parents enrolled him in vision therapy and hired a Wilson reading tutor. The vision therapy did not appear to produce any results, and although small improvements were seen with tutoring, it became clear that Carson needed more than just a few hours a week of help with reading. Carson was moved from public school to homeschool to hybrid school during his early elementary years as Mr. and Mrs. Groulx continued to search for the answer.

Meanwhile, GRACEPOINT School had just opened its doors in August of 2012 all in hopes of opening a whole new book for dyslexic children with a teaching style to meet their academic and spiritual needs while bringing out their God-glorifying brilliance. This was perfect timing for Carson, and he became one of the rst 8 students to attend GRACEPOINT.

Carson (5th grade) with his friends Jake, Elijah and Henry.

Pictured left to right, Jake Lashley and Elijah Spruill (both currently at Kennesaw State University, Carson Groulx and Henry Kirkman (both currently at The University of West Georgia).

CHANGINGlives

Carson nds his place…

Within just a matter of weeks after enrolling at GRACEPOINT, Carson’s parents noticed a big change. Carson no longer said “I’m bad at things”. His angry outbursts diminished, and he started to read. Being surrounded by peers who also learned differently, Carson felt at home. School became enjoyable again, and the little boy who could not get to his classroom fast enough reappeared. During his 4 years at GRACEPOINT, Carson grew into the strong leader God created him to be. He continued his education at North Cobb Christian where he graduated in 2021, receiving the HOPE scholarship to attend college.

Fast Forward 10 years…

Carson is currently a sophomore at The University of West Georgia, where he is studying Business Marketing. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career working with automated software. During a recent visit, Carson shared with us why GRACEPOINT was such an important part of his life.

“Learning to read was just the beginning of what GRACEPOINT taught me. I am a better speaker and can organize and communicate my thoughts so much better. I am not afraid to talk with my professors about the way I learn. GRACEPOINT showed me what it means to have a relationship with God. I would not know Him as well if it weren’t for GRACEPOINT. “

Quote from Carson about the move:

“GRACEPOINT has always been focused on working for the few, making sure kids truly receive one-on-one attention to ensure they can succeed. With the growth of the school and the knowledge acquired over the past 10 years, I feel it is now time to move to a bigger location and undoubtedly assist more students along with educating the public more about dyslexia and how to help with it!”

GRACEPOINT currently has 164 alumni, some of which have reached the age of high school graduation. These high school graduates are continuing their education at colleges and universities such as:

Kennesaw State University

Texas A&M

University of West Georgia

Life University

University of North Georgia

As parents, we were ill-equipped to handle Carson’s meGRACEPOINTneeds.educated as a parent of a dyslexic child, helping me advocate for my child. We knew GRACEPOINT was the answer.

-- Natasha Groulx Carson’s mother

Carson and his friends in Middle School

Pictured left to right, Athan Ribley (Life University), Zack Hayman (University of North Georgia), Henry Kirkman & Carson Groulx (The University of West Georgia).

STEADY

growth

The need for a school like GRACEPOINT became evident in the growth of the school year after year. Increasing from 4 to 46 students in a mere 4 years, GRACEPOINT outgrew the space at Riverstone Church. In August of 2016, after a summer of renovations, the school moved to a 15,000 sq. ft. building at Piedmont Church, centrally located in Marietta.

Time for the Sequel

Since moving to Piedmont Church 5 years ago, GRACEPOINT has grown over 100% to a current student population of 134. Having reached full capacity in the current facility, GRACEPOINT’s potential for growth and ability to serve more students with dyslexia is stagnant. Every possible square foot of the current space is in use. Larger classrooms have been split into two spaces causing students to have to cut through one class to get to another. Staff have to alternate working from home due to lack of of ce space. Lunch is eaten at student desks or outside because there is no room for a cafeteria. There is simply no more wiggle room.

However, instruction does not suffer. The school community nds creative ways to come together in worship each week and in prayer daily. A ve to one student-teacher ratio with seventy ve minutes of Orton Gillingham instruction daily is a hallmark of the GRACEPOINT curriculum. Space restrictions have not stopped this school from doing all that they can, but with more of it, so many additional doors could open.

134 students

GROWTHopportunity

At just the right time, GRACEPOINT found itself presented with an opportunity to purchase a building on an independent campus within 4.3 miles of its current location, maintaining easy access for existing families and staff while providing close proximity to I-75. This building is double the size of the present facility and will allow GRACEPOINT to serve up to 50% more dyslexic students who could bene t from this life changing specialized Christian education.

This opportunity allows the school to expand by moving into this 30,000 square foot building located at 1407 North Cobb Parkway.

THEplan

When presented with this opportunity over a year ago, a 3-phase plan was developed, with the rst phase being the purchase of the building. The GRACEPOINT Board of Directors and Development team have been working diligently behind the scenes to raise the funds necessary to provide GRACEPOINT with a home of their own.

PHASE 1 - e Purchase

EXCITING NEWS! $4,200,000 has been secured, allowing the purchase of the building.

lowing

GRACEPOINT School is going to have a new home in January 2024!

The Next Chapter!

1407 Cobb Parkway, Marietta

THEplan

PHASE 2 - e Interior Renovation

This move will address a myriad of existing challenge points and provide for the following opportunities:

• Increased square footage of classrooms for multi-sensory learning while maintaining current student-teacher ratios

• Designated indoor eating space

• Indoor PE/gymnasium

• Two division speci c science labs

• Training area for teachers and educational opportunities for parents

• Welcoming Front Lobby and Dedicated of ce space for administration

• Large area to accommodate all students and staff for chapel, worship and family gatherings and events

This new facility will increase the typical student classrooms size, add a STEAM classroom while also increasing the square footage of the art and music classrooms. In addition, there will be two Speech Language rooms, a middle school “hangout” room, and a GRACEPOINT News-technology lab. The children can spread out and learn to read, write, and decode. They can also celebrate all of their creative dyslexic strengths like never before in unique designated spaces.

THEplan

PHASE 3

Exterior Renovation and Greenspace

The front of the new GRACEPOINT School building will face a new, beautiful greenspace with Kennesaw Mountain in the background. The back of the school faces Cobb Parkway, with an access road providing safety for the school as well as a means for ef cient dropoff and dismissal procedures.

GRACEPOINT’s new campus sits on 4.45 acres with a view of Kennesaw Mountain from the front of the building. 74,000 square feet of the property is currently a parking lot that must be converted into a green space for the children to enjoy and play.

THE NEXTsteps

PHASE 1

The GRACEPOINT Board of Directors and Development team have been working diligently behind the scenes to secure the funds necessary to provide GRACEPOINT with a home of their own. In April of 2022, the building was purchased!

GRACEPOINT School is going to have a new home in January 2024!

PHASES 2 & 3

Now with a building to call our own, we are tasked with funding the next 2 phases of the project. To complete these phases, $2,600,000 needs to be raised.

We Need YOUR Help!

With $4.2 million secured, we now need $2.6 million to complete the project. In order to meet our goal, we are seeking funds from the following:

• Individual Donors (cash and stock donations)

• Individual Pledges (pledges to be ful lled over a period of 2-5 years)

• Community & Family Foundations

• Corporate Sponsorships

• In Kind Gifts

RESTORINGhope

The Kidd Family

“Dyslexia is our superpower” is a motto at GRACEPOINT, but don’t mistake this as a boast. Rooted deeply in its culture is the creed that the dyslexic mind is a gift from the Creator to be cherished, celebrated, and purposed for loving our neighbor. There’s a palpable, con dent sweetness exuding from this little school that we love dearly! It is truly a breath of fresh air for those weary from the dyslexic journey and a breath of fresh air for our culture at large. (And literally a breath of fresh air…the students spend a lot of time outside!)

Our boys have really bene ted from the Orton-Gillingham training that happens in their very small reading groups every day. Their dyslexic minds are nurtured very creatively in every subject and the whole student is cultivated with lots of physical activity integrated into the day.

The Hicks Family

GRACEPOINT has been a miracle worker for our daughter! She has gained con dence and is no longer embarrassed by her dyslexia; she embraces it and is proud of who God made her to be. She talks about her future with excitement, knowing that with God’s help, she will accomplish the plans He has for her. It means so much to us that Kylie’s teachers are praying for her and guiding her biblically. We were thrilled to nd a place that not only meets her individual academic needs but also encourages her spiritual growth.

The Coyne Family

The moment we walked into the school, GRACEPOINT felt like home exuding warmth and kindness. We were embraced and supported by the faculty and staff, and their encouragement meant the world to us. Learning we were not alone in our journey lifted a weight from our shoulders.

Grayson now embraces his dyslexia as a superpower, and the con dence he has is indescribable. We truly believe that being with other kids that share his gift has allowed him to see himself as who God created him to be.

Colby and Mary Lynn Kidd, sons Jackson and Riley

Daniel and Heidi Hicks, daughter Kylie

Chad and Julie Coyne, son Grayson

OURroots

GRACEPOINT welcomes families from all faith traditions, believing that God has given each of us talents and abilities to use for His glory.

• At GRACEPOINT we are dedicated to educating dyslexic students in a Christ-centered environment.

• With God’s grace, we are committed to loving and glorifying God in everything we do.

• We will work to develop each student’s God-given spiritual, physical and mental gifts to the fullest.

• Our students progress by incorporating a multi-sensory approach to learning and being prescriptive in planning for each individual student.

• After completion of the program we believe that our students will be more than able to transition back into public/private educational opportunities.

BOARD of trustees

Owen Prillaman, Chairperson Owner TechConnect Sales & Distribution, Inc.

Dr. John Crooks Executive Consultant Solution, Inc.

Ansley Knox Daniel, Ph.D. Head of School GRACEPOINT School

Dr. Deborah Davis Founder Kinship Coaching and Consulting

Donna Downs

Owner/Principal Consultant The Reverb Group

WE BELIEVE

We believe there is one God who is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ, God’s one and only son, is our Lord and Savior.

We believe the Bible to be the authoritative Word of God.

We believe that all students given the right opportunities and techniques can be successful learners.

We believe that students can develop their talents and leadership qualities while learning.

We believe in being open to the power of the Holy Spirit as we instruct our students in truth and love.

Brenda Fitzgerald (Founder) President Georgia Educational Training Agency

Chris Hanson (alumni parent) Hybrid Cloud Specialist Red Hat

Molly Holm (Founder and alumni parent) Owner/Chief Creative Officer Glory Haus

Dr. Brian Kennerly Assistant Head of External Affairs Whitefield Academy

Ron King Market President Capital City Bank

Austin Mann (current parent) Owner/Lead Designer Austin Mann Interiors LLC

Angie Strack (Founder and alumni parent) Science of Reading Facilitator Marietta City Schools

Brian Strack (alumni parent) Project Director Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Bob Strickland (alumni parent) Director of Travel, Central Zone, NAOU The Coca-Cola Company