Frequently Asked Questions about Grace Prep

Where is your school?

    Classes are held at 2202 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Stafford, at Stafford Baptist Church.  Stafford Baptist is located on Route 1 just a quarter mile north of the Stafford Courthouse.

Who teaches the students?

     We employ professionally qualified Christian teachers on a part-time basis to teach classes. Teachers must meet a defined set of criteria, first and foremost of which is a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and also a love for teaching children.  More information is available on our Teaching Opportunities page. 

How big are your classes?

     The University-Model school guidelines for academic class size (elective classes may vary) are limited to no more than 20 students per class at the high school level, 18 students per class at the junior high level, and 16 students per class at the elementary level.  Average class sizes at GPS tend to be about 10 to 14 students - large enough for stimulating group interaction and small enough for plenty of care and attention from the teachers. 

What classes do you offer?

    At each grade level we offer academic classes in Math, English (language arts), Social Studies/History, and Science. We also offer elective classes for secondary students in Bible, Spanish, Latin, Health, Art, Computer Applications and Keyboarding, Praise Team, Chorus, and Physical Education. For elementary, elective classes are offered in Music, Computers, Phys Ed, and Spanish. 

What textbooks do you use?

     The textbooks that we use for our classes have been selected very carefully to be certain that they fit within the mode of the University-model style of classes that we are offering. What works well in some traditional school classes may not be as teacher- and parent-friendly as we would like, just as some home schooling texts may not fit well in a group classroom setting.  We are committed to using texts that are academically excellent and consistent with a Biblical worldview. For a list of texts that we use, click here.

How long is your school day?

     Classes for secondary students begin at 8:30 am and the last electives are over at 4:00 pm. Academic core classes are earlier in the day and electives are mostly at the end of the day. Keep in mind that schedules vary from student to student. Students can take as many or as few classes as they wish to register for, so arrival and departure times of students will vary. For elementary students, classes begin at 8:10 am  and are over at 3:30 pm. Elementary students may attend half-day classes, in the morning or afternoon. 

What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time student?

     Secondary students are classified as being full-time if they take four academic classes plus at least one other academic or non-academic class*.  Elementary students are classified as full-time if they take a full day of classes, and part-time if they take only morning or afternoon classes.  Part-time students may take any one or more classes. Preferential placement is given to full time students in the event that a class fills to maximum capacity. Part time students would be placed on a waiting list for that class.   

    *(An academic class would be a class that has home assignments, quizzes and tests, and sometimes labs or projects, for example, English, Math, History, Science, foreign language, Computer Apps. A non-academic class does not typically have tests and has minimal home assignments and includes classes such as Praise team, Music Appreciation, Chorus, Art, Phys ed.)

Is Grace Prep like a home school Co-op?

     We are not a homeschooling cooperative, and yet we are not a traditional school. We combine the best aspects of home schooling with the structure and accountability of a traditional private school into a sort of new hybrid model:  University-Model Schooling. 

Do your students wear uniforms?

     Yes, students wear a basic uniform of khaki chino or cargo pants or shorts for boys; khaki chino or cargo pants, skort or skirt for girls; and for both boys and girls - long or short sleeve interlock Polo shirt in six color choices, and various styles of sweaters and polartech fleece jackets for winter.  Shirts, sweaters, and fleece jackets must have the Grace Prep logo embroidered on. The very good thing about our schedule is, with classes every other day, not as many changes of clothes are necessary!  Our uniform provider is Lands End School Uniforms. 

How much is the yearly Tuition per student?

     Tuition fees vary from student to student depending on the number of classes taken. We are pleased to be able to offer a flexible tuition rate that can fit into your family's budget, at whatever level of enrollment you can afford. If your home schooled child needs only one math class, for example, the tuition is as low as $87 per month (on a 9 month payment schedule)  for a three hour per week class. For full-time secondary students, tuition and registration costs are as low as $4,000 per year*, or $400 per month*. For elementary students, tuition is $3,000 per year* or $300 per month* for the full-day program and $1,800 per year* or $180 per month* for the half day program. University-Model schooling is an economical private schooling alternative!

*prices quoted are for the 2008-09 school year.

Do you have a monthly payment plan?

    Yes, tuition can be paid in installments due on the fifth of each month, beginning in July. Installment payments are handled by FACTS Tuition Management Services.

What other fees are involved?

     For first time applicants, there are various application, entrance testing, and registration fees. For details, click here for Admission process.  A yearly registration fee and textbooks are an additional cost to each family. These fees vary with the number of classes taken. School uniforms are also additional.  Basic school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, calculators, etc. are also required. 

Do you have sibling discounts?

     Sibling discounts are available for full-time enrollment: 10% discount for first full-time enrolled sibling, 15% for second full-time enrolled sibling, 20% for third and subsequent full-time enrolled siblings.