Frequently Asked Questions

TEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes a child a good candidate for Grace?

A good Grace candidate does not fit any particular model. We seek children and families who bring a wealth of differences in terms of culture, interest, ethnicity, religion and race. A good Grace candidate is excited about our mission and supports our philosophy which envelops academic excellence in a caring, moral environment, and has the benefit of a family who works cooperatively with our school, and understands that children achieve more when home and school goals are compatible.

What is the application process at Grace?

A complete application consists of the following: a completed application form, a teacher recommendation form (if applicable), an official copy of transcripts from a previous school (if applicable), and standardized testing (the WIPSSI III, WISC IV, or SSAT, if applicable.) Once an application has been received, the Admission Office will call to arrange a school visit for your child who is applying to 2 nd through 7 th grades. Children applying to kindergarten and first grades will be scheduled for school visits upon receipt of an application for admission. Parent interviews will be scheduled for the same day as the child’s school visit. Children applying for Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten will be invited for a school visit on a Saturday in January or February, 2008. Parent interviews for these children will be held throughout the fall. Admission decisions will be released in early March.

What is Grace’s Episcopal tradition, and what is the mission?

 While proudly an Episcopal school, Grace embraces a wide variety of cultural and religious heritages among its students, faculty and staff. All children are encouraged to worship God, and to explore their own faith while learning to respect the faiths of others. Weekly chapel incorporate hymns, scriptures, and homilies, and provide time for quiet reflection. Our values based education provides training for life, encouraging all children to become responsible, caring citizens.

What is enrollment at Grace?

2006 -2007 enrollment is 247students. Each class from First through Seventh grades has an enrollment capacity of 36 students. Each grade from First through Seventh has two sections with equal numbers of students, therefore class size currently ranges from 11 to 18 students. Kindergarten has an enrollment capacity of 32 students divided in 2 equal sections. Pre-Kindergarten has an enrollment capacity of 32 students with 16 in full day and 16 in half day. Nursery options limit the number of children to 12 per class. At all grade levels, the student to teacher ratio is quite favorable.

What are the age guidelines for children attending Grace in 2008-2009?

 Nursery students must be 3 years old by September 1, 2008. Nursery students must also be toilet trained.

Pre-Kindergarten students must be 4 years of age by September 1, 2008.

Kindergarten students must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2008.

First grade students must be 6 years of age by September 1, 2008.

What is the cost of tuition and fees?

2007-2008 tuition and fees are as follows:

Application fee $75

3 Day Morning Nursery $5,894

5 Day Morning Nursery $9,831

5 Day Full Day Nursery $16,382

Half Day Pre-K $9,831

Full Day Pre-K $16,382

Kindergarten $16,382

First – Third Grades $16,382

Fourth – Sixth Grades $16,591

Supply/Activity Fee $165

Does Grace offer an extended day program?

Grace offers both before and after care programs at additional charges. Before school care begins at 7:35 am and after school care ends at 6:00 pm. Grace offers After Class Enrichment Programs such as, science, art, computer, dance, scouting, soccer, chess and literary clubs which meet for six sessions during a trimester.

Where is Grace located?

We serve children on two bustling campuses. Nursery through Kindergarten children attend our Silver Spring campus located at 9115 Georgia Avenue, close to downtown Silver Spring and the Capital Beltway. First through Sixth grade children attend our Kensington campus located at 9411 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, MD close to Chevy Chase and the Capital Beltway.

Does Grace offer Financial Aid?

 Financial Aid is available to qualified Kindergarten through Seventh grade applicants. Grace awards financial aid solely on the basis of financial need as determined by School and Student Services for Financial Assistance in Princeton, NJ. Applicants’ parents complete a Parental Financial Statement (available in the Admission Office), and submit the form and nominal processing fee directly to SSS by February 15, 2008. Parents must also submit a copy of the previous year’s 1040 tax form(s) and any schedules, and a copy of the previous year’s W-2 form(s) directly to the Admission Office at Grace by March 1, 2008. Once SSS has analyzed the data submitted to them and has conveyed the analysis to Grace, the Financial Aid Committee reviews all information and begins the process of determining the financial aid awards and sends a written notification to those families who completed the process.

Where do Grace graduates go upon graduation?

Grace graduates leave with proven academic skills and the self-confidence necessary for success at many independent schools in the greater Washington area. Our graduates can be found in schools such as: Bullis, Connelly School of the Holy Child, Edmund Burke, Field, Georgetown Day, Holy Redeemer, Holton Arms, Landon, Maret, McLean, National Cathedral School, Newport, Norwood, Sandy Spring Friends, St. Albans, St. Anselm’s, St. Andrew’s, St. John’s Episcopal, St. Patrick’s, Sidwell Friends, Stone Ridge, Washington Episcopal School, Washington International School and Woods Academy.