PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

www.Grace-Academy.comAccredited by:

The National Private Schools Accreditation AllianceMember of the Association of Christian Schools International

  

Published: February 9, 2011

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Location21 Shorthill Ln.

Erlanger, KY 41018

Phone Number859-727-3469

Administrator/DirectorMs. Valerie Domaschko

Websitewww.Grace-Academy.com

EmailGrace@Grace-Academy.com

School Verse“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ.”- 2 Peter 3:18

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Grace Academy, Inc.21 Shorthill Dr..Erlanger, KY 41018Phone: 859-727-3469 2

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Grace Academy! Our school was founded in 2002 as a non-denominational Christian school providing an alternative to other private and public schools. We provide an excellent education within a Christian setting. Grace Academy offers a challenging and enriched curriculum for all students K-12. We use innovative teaching strategies that enable children to learn successfully. Our methods are based on the latest and most insightful research, and implement all methods of learning; visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

We seek to identify each child’s unique learning style and teach to that style. We are able to achieve this due to the fact that our class size is very small and the classroom setting is very intimate. This format enables children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties to excel in a regular classroom setting.

In addition, we encourage and even coordinate community service activities for our students to participate in and teach the qualities and importance of good Christian character.

In His Service,

Valerie DomaschkoSchool Administrator/Director

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Mission Statement

The mission of Grace Academy is to offer all children, regardless of their learning style and ability, the opportunity to be successful in their education, to explore their God-given talents, and to reach their potential.

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Statement of Philosophy

Grace Academy offers "Excellence in Christian Education" as an alternative to the existing public and private educational programs in the Northern Kentucky area. The school is not affiliated with nor does it adopt the tenets of any particular religious, political, or social group. Instead, Grace Academy serves as a model of Christian unity for the family, church, and community. The school provides a program of excellent academic education in an atmosphere that makes Christianity a natural, practical, and enjoyable part of life.

Grace Academy is not an exclusive or elitist institution; it exists for every student whose needs can be met by the school. It strives to make its educational program available and affordable to all. The doors of Grace Academy are open to every family regardless of social, economic,

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educational, ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds. Grace Academy encourages this diversity in backgrounds as a practical means to a better education for all and as a practical demonstration of Christian oneness, love, and respect.

The students of Grace Academy are being taught by loving, creative, Christian teachers who are guided by the curriculum to provide a solid foundation and to build upon this foundation with innovative, individualized, and ability-based instruction. The curriculum is based on learning theory that: (a) allows an appropriate depth and breadth of learning, (b) results in the mastery of basic skills, (c) encourages individual creativity, and (d) appreciates the individuality of each child and the special characteristics and talents that God has given to him/her. Hence, the school strives to take students from where they are and to help them develop their God-given talents and reach their God-given potential.

Grace Academy seeks to provide our students with the academic and spiritual preparation that is necessary for them to fulfill the will of God in their lives.

Statement of Faith

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21)

We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30)

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We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9), His Resurrection (John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:4), His Ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), and His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11)

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28).

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18)

Admission Policy

Non-Discriminatory Clause

Grace Academy of Creative Learning accepts students without regard to race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.

Admission Requirements

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Final approval is based on the credentials outlined in the following paragraph. All prospective students must be present during the interview. Incoming students are automatically placed on 60 days probation.

Normally, students are admitted to Grace Academy if (a)They are in good standing with their previous school,(b)If their academic progress and ability is average or above average,(c) If the parents agree they want to work in partnership and

cooperation with the school and(d)The student successfully completes the entrance exam.

If there have been academic problems at a child’s previous school, the admissions committee reviews the application to determine if accommodations can be made and to determine the probability of success at Grace Academy. Grace Academy will not accept a child who has left another school because of discipline problems.

The requirements for kindergarten is as follows:The student must be 5 years old on or before October 1 of that

school year.The admissions committee reserves the right to review a highly

gifted child and recommend an earlier start if it is deemed necessary.

Parents are required to sign a Parent Cooperation Agreement expressing their support of the school’s program. A family that does not cooperate or agree with the purpose and program of the school will not be permitted or allowed to remain in school.

Admission Policy

Procedure for Enrolling

Students must re-enroll each year with a current enrollment form. The current registration fee must accompany the registration form. Please be aware that your child(ren) will not be considered enrolled until the full

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registration fee has been paid. We will not be able to guarantee your child a spot if you choose not to register your child when enrollment is first offered. In house students are given an opportunity to register before the general public.

Procedure for Withdrawal

In order for Grace Academy to best serve the needs of all students registered in the school, we must strongly discourage withdrawals once your application is signed and registration paid. The only acceptable occasions for a child to withdraw are as follows:

1. The transfer of the family more than 30 miles from their current home.

2. The loss of the wage earner’s job.In the event that either of these occurrences necessitates the withdrawal of the student, Grace Academy will employ the following formula to determine the balance due to the school: The current year’s total fees minus the enrollment fee divided by 175 (school days) times the business days enrolled before the official withdrawal of the student.

The official date is defined as the last school day attended or the day the administrator is notified of the withdrawal, whichever is later. If the child is withdrawn for any other reason, the position of the school is that any fees for the balance of the school year will become due immediately and payable. Fees must be paid to the administrator at the time of the exit interview

Financial Policy

All families are expected to abide by the financial policies outlined below.

Tuition ScheduleFor those parents using the monthly payment schedule, the following will apply.

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- Tuition is due on the first of every month- Monthly payments will be the remaining tuition due after payment

of registration fees and optional prepayments of partial tuition. These monthly payments will be divided into 10 monthly equal payments, the first due on August 1.

- All tuition owed for the school year must be paid in full by May 1or the student(s) final report card will not be released.

Late PaymentsA late payment of tuition is defined as a payment received after the first business day of the month in which it is due. Unless other arrangements have been made with Grace Academy, a late payment fee of $20 will be assessed after the 10th day of the month in which it is due. An additional $20 fee will be assessed on the 10th day of each additional month that the payment remains outstanding.

Non-PaymentNon-payment of tuition is defined as a payment that has not been received by the school by the 15th calendar day of the month in which payment is due. It is subject to all fees disclosed under the “late Payment” section above. Furthermore, the first occurrence will be presented to the Board of Directors for purposes of collection. The family will be contacted and reminded of their obligation of payment. At that time, the board, at its discretion, may offer alternatives to the family, based on whether or not the non-payment is perceived as a temporary or persistent financial problem. Unless other arrangements have been made with Grace Academy, an additional late payment fee of $20 will be assessed on the 10th day of additional month that the payment remains outstanding.

All other terms of the Financial Policy of Grace Academy of Creative Learning, Inc. shall remain in full force and affect.

Chronic Non-Payment

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After two consecutive months of non-payment, beginning on the 15th calendar day of the second month, the student(s) will not be allowed in school until the overdue tuition is paid in full. The board will not, under any circumstances, offer deferred payments that will result in an unpaid balance at the end of the current school year.

Tuition Payment Schedule

Tuition for the school year will be $3,600.00, for full-day students, to be paid in ten monthly installments of $360.00. The first payment is due August 1st and the last payment is due May 1st. The schedule is as follows:

August 1 $360.00September 1 $360.00October 1 $360.00November 1 $360.00December 1 $360.00January 1 $360.00February 1 $360.00March 1 $360.00

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April 1 $360.00May 1 $360.00

Families with more than one child enrolling in the school will follow the tuition schedule below:

First Child: $3,600.00 ($350 per month for 10 months)Second Child: $3,400.00 ($330 per month for 10 months)Third Child: $3,200.00 ($310 per month for 10 months)

Families with four or more children enrolling in the school will pay the third child tuition for all children after the first two.

Our half-day kindergarten tuition is $1,900.00 for the year, with the monthly payments being $190.00. The hours for half day kindergarten are 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A non-refundable registration fee of $200.00 is due at the time of registration.

Members of Erlanger First Church of the Nazarene receive a 15% discount on tuition.

School Information

School Hours

The school hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Parents/Guardians, you must pick up your child no later than 3:15. There will be a fifteen minute grace period until 3:30. After 3:30, you will be charged a late fee of $5.00 every half hour. Exceptions can be made only if you call ahead. At that time, it will be up to the teacher’s discretion.

Absences

Pre-Approved Absence: Grace Academy does recognize the authority of the parent and parental privilege of requesting a student be absent from school for reasons outside of those defined as “excused” under school policy. Therefore, we have provided a procedure for pre-approved absences not covered under the definition for an excused absence. The procedure is as follows:

1. Parents are to give written intent to the school at least two weeks in advance giving the reason and number of days that will be missed.

2. Parents are to get the school work of their children in advance.

Excused Absences are as follows:1. Illness2. Death in the family3. Medical or dental appointments (non-school appointments are

recommended)4. School approved activity (i.e. Girl Scouts, 4H, etc.)5. Two Personal Days (to the parents discretion)

Un-excused Absences are as follows:All absences that do not meet the definition of an “excused” or “pre-approved” absence will be considered un-excused.

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TardiesExcused Tardies:If your child is tardy, you must walk them into the school and sign them in, or send them in with a note explaining the tardiness.Excused tardies include:

1. Doctor appointments2. Severe road conditions3. Car trouble4. Non-contagious illness5. Any situation in which circumstances are out of the parents control

Unexcused Tardies:1. Oversleeping, forgetting to set the alarm, sleeping in, etc.2. Forgetting something at home and having to go back3. Eating breakfast out4. Heavy traffic (unless it is severe)5. Any situation in which parents have failed to plan ahead

*NOTE: Three unexcused tardies make an absence. Any student arriving after 8:15 AM must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them in the building to be signed in.

IllnessWe encourage all children and staff to practice good hand

washing with liquid soap. All children should wash their hands after recess, before eating, and after they use the restroom. Staff should wash their hands frequently, especially after helping with ill students, giving medications, and wiping noses, etc. eating surfaces should be cleaned before and after eating.

In effect to contain the spread of communicable diseases, we ask that you send your child to school only if they are healthy. Children should not come to school if they: have had a fever within the last 24 hours, have any eye irritation, redness or drainage (not due to injury or allergies), have any drainage from the nose that would be yellow or green in nature; diarrhea within 24 hours; or vomiting within 24 hours. Please be sure your child is no longer contagious and free of any of these symptoms for 24 hours without medication before they can return to school. All illnesses

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should be reported to the school office by calling your student in the day of the absence. A parent or doctor’s note must accompany the child when they return in order to have the absence excused. All infectious diseases need to be reported to the teacher. Parents will be notified of exposure when appropriate. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be notified and expected to come to school and pick them up.

Discipline PolicyWith increased independence for secondary students, some actions requiring disciplinary actions are character development issues while others are issues of the heart. Character development issues (level 1) tend to be accidental and indicate the student’s need for self-discipline. On the other hand, more severe disciplinary issues (level 2) are those actions that are deliberate and reveal a heart issue. The resulting discipline policy shows Grace’s efforts to encourage students toward self-discipline while providing consequences for deliberate behaviors of insubordination.  

MINOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES  The following types of behaviors may result in a discipline referral being submitted to the administration.

● Repeatedly breaking classroom rules (first/second contract)

● Disrupting a classroom 

● Violation of uniform/dress code

● Throwing objects (e.g. papers, erasers, etc. that are not an extreme safety hazard)

● Running in classrooms, hallways, or sidewalks

● Being in hallways without permission/loitering

● Horse playing

● Disrupting lunch room or assembly

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● Use of or bringing personal items from home without permission (toys; roller blades, skateboards, scooters, laser pointers, cologne/perfume, etc. – item will be held by teacher)

● Use of cellular phones or electronic devices without permission (items will be held in office until picked up by parent during the instructional day)  

● failing to return parent letters, progress reports, etc. after reasonable reminders and chances have been given

● Misbehavior for a substitute teacher (if first offense, administrator may assign a two page written report based on list of student responsibilities in this handbook)

CONSEQUENCES FOR MINOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES 

1st offense - 3 days of lunch detentionContinued offences begin consequence hierarchy at 2nd level for Maximum Offenses Other consequences might include written assignments and/or lunch duty with a custodian, or other consequences the administrator and/or teacher feel are appropriate based on their knowledge of a situation.       

LUNCH/RECESS DETENTION RULES: 

● Students must report on time to room designated for all days assigned and sign in.

● Students are expected to bring their lunch as usual.

● No candy, carbonated drinks, or snack foods may be eaten in detention.

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● No talking during detention.

● Students must remain seated.

● Students must bring work or independent reading. NOTE:  Failure to comply with lunch detention rules will result in additional consequences at the discretion of the lunch detention staff or the administration.  Generally one day additional detention will be given for each day missed UP TO two days.  On the third missed detention, the administrator will assign 3 days of ISS /In-School suspension.

MAJOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES MAJOR behavior offenses result in a contract and include: 

● Inappropriate language, materials, gestures or behavior

● Attendance problems

● Defiant or disrespectful behavior

● Bullying (threatening, extorting)

● Excessive horseplay

● Throwing objects (e.g. rocks, sharp items, etc. that pose an extreme safety hazard)

● Deceitful behavior (false accusations, forgery, plagiarism, lying, cheating, etc. – restitution will be arranged)

 Contract (student will be subject to the following disciplinary contract:)Step 1 - a note home to parent to be signed along with no recessStep 2 – 3 days suspension (step 2 will take place when any misbehavior occurs after entering the behavior contract)Step 3 – expulsion ( after going through step 1 and 2 any continued misbehaviors will result in expulsion)

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Prohibited Items

Tobacco, alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, knives, guns, matches, lighters, and explosives of any kind are not permitted on school property. These items will be taken away and the student may be immediately expelled.

All policies apply to students attending school-sponsored functions.

Student Information

Grading Scale

Report cards are tools to aid students in the pursuit of academic achievement. They serve as a measurement of accomplishment for the student, parent, and teacher. The following is the grading scale that Grace Academy uses.

A+ (99-100) A (95-98) A- (93-94)B+ (91-92) B (87-90) B- (85-86)C+ (83-84) C (78-82) C- (76-77)D+ (75) D (71-74) D- (70)F (69 – Below)

Student Expectations

1. Come to class prepared. (Having all supplies)2. Have all assignments completed3. Treat others with respect. Being respectful includes the following:

a. Being in your seat on time.b. Being polite.c. Having a positive attitude.d. Listening when another is speaking.e. Raising your hand for permission to speak.f. Following instructions promptly.

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g. Getting out of your seat only with permission.h. Leaving the room clean, neat and orderly.i. Sitting up straight in your chair.j. Having the required school supplies.k. Use your time wisely. (If you are finished with your work, find

something else to work on.)l.

Classroom Rules

Although each teacher will have specific classroom procedures that he/she expects to have followed in the room, as a school-wide standard, we expect adherence to these basic rules:

1. The student should not speak out in class without first securing permission from the teacher.

2. The student should not leave his seat without permission.

3. The student should always give the teacher his full attention while he/she is teaching.

4. The student should always address and reply to the teacher with respect. All students are to address adults as Mr., Mrs., or Miss; never by first name.

5. Negative attitudes and responses will not be tolerated.

6. The student should not engage in running, shoving, yelling, and other boisterous behavior or “horse-play” inside the buildings or during inappropriate times outdoors.

7. No “bullying” or mistreatment of fellow classmates.

Any student not complying with the above standards is subject to immediate removal from class, and any student consistently in conflict with any policy of the school will be asked to withdraw.

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Grace Academy uses both positive and negative discipline to instill in students behavior patterns and attitudes that will produce self-disciplined lives. Discipline is administered in love as a preventive or corrective measure, and each student is dealt with according to his grade level. Please refer to the “Discipline” heading of the handbook for complete details.

Use of Cellular Phones, Electronic Devices, and Laptops

Cell phones are allowed to be used only before or after school hours. If a student has a cell phone at school during school hours it must be turned off and in their bookbag. Electronic devices, including but not limited to PDAs, IPods, cameras, and video cameras, are not allowed on campus without otherwise being noted in their instructional modifications. If an electronic device is seen on campus, or a cell phone is seen in class, it will be confiscated and held in the principal’s office. Only a parent of the student may retrieve the device.

Laptops, IPods, and MP3 players may be used at school only for academically-related tasks. They should not be used for video games during classes or breaks. Any student who uses his laptop for any reason other than an approved academically-related task will lose his privilege for the remainder of the semester. All laptops must have internet capabilities disabled.

Student Drivers

Students who plan to drive to school must obtain permission from the school office in advance. Driving to school is a privilege that may be revoked at any time that the student demonstrates an unwillingness to assume the responsibility of that privilege. The following regulations must be observed:

1. All student driven cars are to be registered in the school office.

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2. Students are to park in the school parking lot, and the cars are not to be moved until the student leaves for the day.

3. Cars are to be locked while parked on school grounds and may not be occupied during school hours.

4. As soon as the student arrives at school, he (and all riders) must leave the car and go to their designated waiting area.

5. Students may not go to their cars during the school day without a pass from the faculty or administration.

Student Relationships

Students should be above reproach in their relationships in and out of school. This is particularly important between boy-girl relationships. Holding hands, embracing, kissing, or any other form of physical contact is not allowed anywhere on campus. Students are not permitted to be alone in an unobserved location. Any infraction of these policies will result in a conference with the students and parents involved. Appropriate disciplinary action will result including suspension or expulsion.

Lunch Code Policy

Grace Academy does not offer a hot lunch program. Students are required to pack a lunch daily as well as a snack for the morning. We do have refrigeration available if needed. We also have a microwave available for the students to use if they are able to do so unassisted. Please be considerate and do not send items requiring more than 4 minutes cook time.

The food regulations listed below were selected with the intent of maximizing student behavior and performance. Eating “healthy” is an important factor, but is a parental choice. Choosing foods that do not

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trigger behavior problems and that do not cause lethargy is a school choice. Therefore, these guidelines were not chosen on the basis of how “healthy” they are, but on the basis of whether or not they contribute to behavior issues or lethargy.

Grace Academy’s food regulations are as follows:

- No red or blue food dyes (in yogurt, Jell-O, drinks, etc.)- No soft drinks- No red, blue, or orange colored drinks (except orange juice, etc)- No chocolate (including milk)- No sweets (a maximum of 12 grams of sugar per serving is allowed

for granola bars, 100 calorie packs, etc.)- Juice must be 100% juice (orange, apple, grape, etc.)- Milk and water allowed and encouraged (water bottles may be

kept at the student’s desk if done so responsibly)- Clear and lemon/lime Gatorade allowed- We encourage fresh fruit and vegetables, whole foods,

unprocessed foods, and foods high in protein (Brain Food!)

Breakfast: We do not offer a breakfast program. However, we do encourage a “no Sweets, High Protein” breakfast.

Parents, please follow the regulations specified above. We have selected these regulations based on years of experience. We want your child to be at his/her best during the school day.

Parents are invited to join their children for lunch any day. Due to Kentucky State health regulations, fast food may not be brought in to the lunchroom area. If you would like to bring in fast food to share with your child for lunch please take it to one of the empty classrooms and have lunch there.

Dress Code Policy

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Grace Academy requires a uniform dress code. The following are the guidelines:

Shirts:Polo (long or short sleeved), turtle necks, uniform blouses (short or

long sleeved); shirts should have a collar, with the exception of turtle necks. Tops should come below the waistline; but not beyond the pocket.

Colors: White, light blue, navy blue, redSlacks:

Dress pants, not too baggy, not too tight, may be corduroy; hidden pockets and cargo pants are allowed

Colors: Khaki or navyShorts:

Follow the same guidelines as for slacks; students should wear shorts that are no shorter than one inch above the knee; shorts may be worn after spring break and before fall break.

Colors: Khaki or navy(When wearing socks and/or tights with skirts, skorts, jumpers, and

shorts they must be solid in color and follow the uniform colors.)

Skirts, skorts, jumpers: Should be uniform in style and be no shorter than one inch above

the knee.Colors: Khaki or navy(When wearing socks and/or tights with skirts, skorts, jumpers, and

shorts they must be solid in color and follow the uniform colors.)

Sweaters: Cardigan type, sweater vests, crew or v-neck sweaters.

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Colors: Solid gray, white, light blue, navy, redSweatshirts/Hoodies:

Solid and plain, no logos. Hoods may not be worn during the school day in the building.

Colors: Solid gray, white, light blue, navy, redClothes: No form fitting outfits or holes in clothes.Belts:

Required if slacks or shorts have belt loops (if wearing a sweatshirt or sweater over the belt loops, a belt is not required because it would not be seen)

Colors: your choice, no cartoon characters, nothing flashy or visually detracting in any way.Shoes:

Should be comfortable; gym shoes preferred; sandals allowed before fall break and after spring break.

Colors: Your choiceNOTE: At no time during the day are students allowed to go

barefoot or without shoes. Socks and shoes must be worn at all times. Students may bring a change of shoes for gym or recess.`Hats or Bandannas: None allowed of any kindJewelry/Tattoos: No distracting appearance permitted.Field Trip Days: Blue pants/shorts and white shirts are mandatory on field trip days. Red sweaters and sweatshirts optional according to weather.

NOTE: The Board of Directors, Administrator, and Staff reserve the right to determine what is appropriate and allowed in individual cases.

Curriculum and Special Learning Programs

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Grace Academy strives to utilize all forms of learning; visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. We seek to identify each child's unique learning style and teach to that style. In order to achieve this, we use a solid Christian curriculum, enhanced with several unique learning programs designed to utilize the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic aspects. These are outlined below.

A Beka Book Curriculum offers a treasury of textbooks and teaching materials that reflect the very best in scholarship, design, practicality, and Scriptural fidelity. The A Beka book approach to Christian education keeps learning lively, interesting, and memorable. The materials reflect sensible theory that is firmly anchored to practicality. A Beka Book materials have been developed as a result of more than 45 years of actual classroom experience in Pensacola Christian Academy, one of America's largest and most respected Christian day schools. Grace Academy owns all the teaching materials, reading books, and student textbooks for the A Beka Book Curriculum grade K-12.

Spelling Power is an eight-level series that teaches spelling skills as a developmental process within a total language program. Spelling Power utilizes 1,825 high frequency words over the course of the program to improve spelling accuracy in everyday writing. Exercises are designed to help students meet the phonetic, visual, and semantic demands of expert spelling, as well as developing proofreading and dictionary skills. The ultimate goal is to integrate spelling with listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking.

The Shurley Method is an interactive English curriculum that uses grammar to teach students the structure and design of their written language. The interactive daily lessons include practice of old skills while new skills are being added. The Question and Answer Flow as well as Jingles teach how all the parts of a sentence fit together. Students are constantly exposed to the "see it, hear it, say it, do it" activities that meet the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The Shurley method provides the tools for excellent writing, higher order thinking skills, and heightened self-

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confidence in grasping the English language, which carries over into other academic studies. The Shurley Method is used in the intermediate and middle school grades.

The Scottish Rite Reading Program teaches basic literacy skills to children who are exhibiting symptoms of dyslexia. The program was developed by the Luke Waites Child Development Center at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The program is clinical in nature and takes at least two years to complete. Research shows that it has been highly successful in assisting students who are struggling in Reading. Grace Academy offers this program during the school day, four days a week, to those students who qualify.

Math-U-See is a multi-sensory math curriculum that focuses on learning mathematical concepts that are critical to problem solving. The program utilizes hands-on manipulatives and a "build it, see it, write, it, say it" approach in order to engage students whether they learn best kinesthetically, visually, or auditory. Students learn their math facts, rules, formulas, and how to apply them to everyday situations. Math-U-See begins at the foundational kindergarten level and continues through pre-calculus. The goal is to produce confident problem solvers who enjoy the study of math. Math-U-See is used as a supplement to the traditional A Beka math program.

Davis Learning Strategies provide children with the conceptual skills needed to develop reading fluency and comprehension. At its heart are techniques for focusing attention and understanding the meaning and roles of the most commonly encountered symbols and function words of language. The most important technique is the use of clay to model letters and words. These research based strategies also help children develop excellent visual memory of key words, which complements and enhances phonetic decoding skills. This approach will enhance the classroom learning experience in the primary grades, and pave the way for success in later years. The Davis Learning Strategies are used with our students with dyslexia.

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See It Right! is a program which uses colored overlays to reduce visual distortions or discomfort that often accompanies looking at black letters on white paper. Colored overlays can help students with eye strain, headaches, comprehension, and general reading difficulties. Grace Academy also implements the use of as much natural light as possible, as opposed to all fluorescent lighting. We also seek to use font texts and font sizes that are easy to read and non-distorting.

Accelerated Christian Education. On the surface, most schools look alike – buildings, personnel, curriculum and budgets. The A.C.E. program is different. For over 40 years, it has been the trendsetter in Biblical educational reform. Its philosophy is built on basic principles of the Word of God. Students are taught to see life from God’s point of view, to take responsibility for their own learning, and to walk in Godly wisdom and character. Accelerated Christian Education is not just a publisher but a comprehensive Bible-based program that serves both the campus-based school and the homeschool.

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