ounded in 1960 by the Women of Grace Church (http://www.graceepiscopalchurch.org/index.html), Grace Episcopal Day School is an independent school, self-governing, and self-financing. Grace is known for its diverse student body, inclusive atmosphere, high levels of parent involvement, ability to accommodate different learning styles, and modest tuition relative to the high quality of its academic programs.

Diversity

Grace Episcopal Day School is one of the most inclusive and diverse independent schools in the Washington metropolitan area. Approximately one-third of Grace students are non-Caucasian or foreign nationals, and approximately two-thirds of Grace families report religious affiliations other than Episcopalian.

Graduate Placement

94 percent of Grace graduates enroll in a wide variety of private middle schools (see Graduate Placement).

Faculty

18 Grade-level Classroom Teachers and 5 assistant Teachers; Reading Resource teacher; Math Resource Teacher; Art Teacher; Chaplain; Computer Teacher; 2 Music Teachers; 2 Physical Education Teachers; Science teacher; Spanish teacher; Spanish/Latin teacher; Librarian; Part-time School Psychologist

75% of full-time faculty hold advanced degrees or have completed substantial coursework toward advanced degrees.

Administration

Mrs. Carol Franek, Head of School
Appointed Head in 2000 after serving 1 year as Acting Head; 10 years at Grace as Assistant Head , Admissions and Graduate Placement; 19 years experience as a classroom teacher

Chris Heim, Director of Academic Programs, taught fourth grade at Grace for three years prior; a graduate of Wake Forest University and Master of Science in Education with a concentration in School Administration and Supervision at Johns Hopkins University

Donna Harshman, Lower School Head, Silver Spring Campus
Came to Grace from Lowell School;  received a B.S. in Elementary Educationand Masters as a Reading Specialist from Kutztown University , Pennsylvania

 

Previous Heads of School:
Mrs. Jane Wood, 1960-1986
Mrs. Carol Hjortsberg, 1986-1999

Locations & Facilities

Two campuses, approximately 4 miles apart and located along major commuter routes. Nursery through Kindergarten are located at the Silver Spring Campus, adjacent to Grace Church. First through Sixth Grades are situated at the School's own 11-acre Kensington Campus. See maps for detailed directions.

School Hours & Extended Day Programs

Half-Day Nursery & Half-Day Pre-K: 8:45 AM to 12:00 Noon

Full-Day Pre-K and Kindergarten: 8:45 AM to 3:00 p.m.
On-Site Early Arrival, by contract: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
On-Site Extended Day Care, by contract: 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.

Grades 1-6: 8:30 AM to 3:15 p.m.
On-Site Early Arrival, by contract: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
On-Site Extended Day Care, by contract: 3:15 p.m. until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.

Governance

Grace is governed by a Board of Governors composed of current and former Grace parents, members of the Grace Church Vestry, Chair of the Parent Teacher Organization, and members of the community at-large. Ex officio members include the Head of School and Rector of Grace Church. Standing committees include Buildings & Grounds, Development, Finance, Long-Range Planning, and School Life.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Grace is a member of and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS). Grace's early childhood program is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Other affiliations include:

• Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW)
• Bethesda/Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce
• Black Student Fund (BSF)
• Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education
• Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA)
• Latino Student Fund
• Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association (MAESA)
• National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES)
• National Society for Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE)
• Parents Council of Washington
• Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce
• Wheaton-Kensington Chamber of Commerce