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“The facility is great, but is still second to the staff, who are not only highly-trained educators, but people who truly care about the development of their students,” said Ken Garber, the school’s board chair and parent to a Grace Academy middle school student.

All programming at Grace Academy has both an academic and spiritual dimension. Academically, Grace Academy is accredited by three separate agencies. These include the Association of Christian Schools International; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; and the Maryland Department of Education. To maintain accreditation status, it requires both diligence and focus. Grace’s graduating seniors have a distinct advantage through these accrediting agencies. The students are making application to prestigious post-secondary schools and often gain early acceptance.

However, as important as academics and knowing they must never be overlooked, there is “more” to consider. An emphasis on the development of a student’s moral character and personal virtue must be incorporated. A student without a strong belief system is much like a ship without a rudder in this world. Grace Academy curriculum espouses a biblical world view which stresses the “why” we believe more than just rote knowledge. Students know what they believe and why. Emphasis and focus is given in every classroom in every subject to its development.

Grace Academy’s mission is to produce the strongest academic student possessing a solid fundamental core. Many local schools focus on one or the other but Grace’s mission is to grow both that is the “more” that Mary Michael focused upon many years ago.

The public will have a chance at a sneak preview of Grace’s programming and facility at its annual Spring Open House on Tuesday, March 12. If you want to see the “more” for yourself there is no better way than to come to Grace when it is in session, walk the halls and see for yourself. If the open house time is not convenient, a personal appointment. can be made through the school’s office at 301-733-2033.

A sampling of Grace’s programming will highlight the school’s successful international program. Grace currently has 38 international students enrolled from eight different countries. These students are enrolled in grades six through twelfth. The school’s headmaster, Jack Appleby calls the programs “a special blessing as we live in a global economy.”

“The international exposure makes our students much better prepared for the future. Also unique to our international student exchange program is our reverse approach to the Great Commission. Each year we send a team of students and adults to South Korea to teach and assist in camps using the Good News of Christ to learn English. Soon we hope to have our American students going overseas for a semester or two of academic study,” he added.

Appleby continued, “Preparing our students to take their role in the world after graduation is a critical role we take very seriously. We believe our students must leave Grace Academy only after reaching their highest academic and personal potential.”

Grace students can earn college credit simultaneously as they complete their high school course requirements. Three of the school’s high school staff possess college adjunct status which provides advanced academic possibilities for all students.

“With the escalating cost of higher education, this is a tremendous advantage to you and your family. It is not uncommon for our seniors to leave Grace Academy with a semester’s worth of college credits,” Appleby added.

“As much as all of this is important what makes us different is the “more” which cannot be written about in a newspaper article or story, it must be experienced! Come to Grace Academy and experience it. See and feel the difference for yourself. We are producing spiritually strong graduates who will be the leaders of the future.”

It is just barely the start of the second semester, and we are well into planning for next year. It already looks exciting. We are taking the initiative to share with you our plans in regards to building leadership, as there will be some changes. This sharing is to lessen the rumor and speculation that always exists in any change and to serve as an assurance to you that we most definitely have a plan and it is absolutely future focused.

As was announced at a recent Board meeting, Mrs. Bowers is stepping down from her current position to a consultant position as of May 31, 2013. Mrs. Bowers’ focus will be grant writing, professional development, teacher evaluation and curriculum writing. Next year Mrs. Bowers will be working the equivalent of a one day a week schedule. However, this second semester she will be pulling back a bit in the elementary and Pastor Cole will be stepping in more.

Pastor Cole will be the “building” principal with responsibility for all grade levels. Mrs. Bowers will be in a supportive role to his position. Pastor Cole’s strength is student programming and athletics. His initial focus will be to give the athletic program, which has been long overlooked, its due attention as well as working on a creative, yet solid master schedule. However, during this 2nd semester, you will see him more visible in the elementary wing. If you have yet to meet him, please introduce yourself. His gift is talking to parents and connecting with students. He is a great addition to our staff.

Mr. Appleby will remain as Headmaster, but his work week will be reduced from 3 to 2 days/week. As Headmaster, his work focuses on new funding strategies, leadership realignment, local Christian school collaboration, growing the international and college program connections, as well as being the direct liaison with the Grace Board.

All of the administrators are gearing up for the upcoming ACSI re-accreditation visit. This will be an exhaustive process during which all organizational areas will be reviewed, culminating with an onsite evaluation team visit. When completed, (multi-year experience) Grace Academy will have a renewed certification with Association of Christian Schools International and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

We ask for your prayers and understanding as this transition takes place. Over the next 24 to 36 months, we will be transitioning to a smaller leadership team structure and will be utilizing specialty help where and when needed. There is no plan to limit or curtail what we do, but it will have a different feel and look than you have become accustomed.

We ask for your prayers and understanding as this transition takes place. We are working together to make this a smooth and beneficial transition.

Respectfully,

Jack Appleby
Headmaster

In this photo, Mrs. Carver uses the smartboard to instruct students about algebra using Hands-on Equations.

Waiting for your call!
304-886-4936
castoa@graceacademyapps.org

Click here for our International brochure