Academics

Preschool (VPK)

Preschool (VPK)

VPK students are active learners, and our 9:1 teacher to student ratio provides individual attention in a loving environment. Our Early Learning Coalition readiness rating is consistently among the highest in the East Arlington area. 

Preschool students at Grace will be prepared for Kindergarten as they learn to work cooperatively with friends, develop appropriate classroom behavior, and explore beginning literacy and math skills. Play based learning fosters excitement as students put into practice important social skills like problem-solving, showing kindness, taking turns, and listening. 

Students in our preK program are involved in all aspects of campus life including resource classes and chapel. Field trips throughout the year extend learning into our community, and school sponsored activities provide opportunities for the whole family to be involved in campus life.

Elementary School

Elementary School

The elementary years are exciting as children become independent and responsible learners, confident readers, focused writers, and thinkers who dive deeply into the concepts of math. Our elementary teachers know that learning comes through a series of successes and mistakes, and they encourage students to take risks, experiment, explore, and thoughtfully reflect on process and results. Students come to believe that challenges are opportunities to grow, and they know that they have supportive, loving teachers on their side. 

Teachers in our elementary school are supported by an assistant with an average class size of 17. Core classes consist of religion, reading, math, science, and social studies. Student centered curriculum and differentiated instruction leads to academic achievement for all learners. Students also participate in art, music, PE, library time, and chapel. Field trips, science labs, special projects, and STEM activities extend learning beyond the typical classroom lesson.

Middle School

Middle School

Middle school begins with 5th grade at Grace. Core classes are departmentalized and students have the opportunity to graduate with several high school credits. Students discover their unique gifts and talents by participating in a wide array of electives and extracurricular programs. Highlights of the middle school experience include overnight field trips, dances, and a back-to-school retreat to develop leadership skills and build relationships across the grade levels. 

Social and emotional growth is critical in middle school, so our teachers intentionally design curriculum to develop skills in collaboration, problem solving, persistence, and overcoming mistakes. High expectations, a consistently enforced code of conduct, and effective teaching strategies engage students and allow them to thrive, not just survive, their middle school years. 

Graduates from Grace excel in private and public high schools all over Jacksonville. Our students are prepared for the challenges of high school. They leave Grace with the skills to advocate for themselves, stand up to social peer pressure, and handle the academic rigour of advanced high school programs including the IB program, the Early College Program, AICE, and AVID.

Special Activities

Grace Lutheran School offers a variety of special activities that enrich our students' educational experience, including field trips, music programs, athletics, academic competitions, and faith-based service opportunities.

The entire Grace family comes together every Tuesday for chapel. To build relationships and foster friendships, our oldest students are paired with our youngest students as chapel buddies. Each class will lead chapel once during the year, and parents are always invited to join us. PreK and Kindergarten meet quarterly for a special praise service geared for young children, and middle school students meet for devotions and praise every Friday.

We believe in a well-rounded education that strengthens the mind and body. Students participate in art, music, library, health, and P.E. Technology is integrated into the curriculum, and computers are used daily. All resource classes are taught by teachers who specialize in their field.

Quest is a pullout enrichment program for students who excel academically, demonstrate responsibility, and think creatively. Students meet once a week and participate in a project- based curriculum that encourages teamwork while allowing students to pursue individual interests.

Starting in elementary school, students can participate in afterschool clubs and intramurals. Led by teachers and volunteers, clubs meet monthly and allow students to try new activities and find new passions. Middle School students can run for a position on Student Council or join Excel, a service club sponsored by the Downtown Exchange Club of Jacksonville. Advanced art classes and a spring play presented by the Middle School Drama team allow our students to grow through the fine arts.

Starting in 4th grade, students can show their leadership and love for service by joining safety patrol. Patrol members work with the principal to help our youngest Eagles arrive safely in class.

5th and 6th grade students have an opportunity to join GLOW, a worship team that takes a leadership role in our chapel services. Members of GLOW work together to enhance our worship by presenting skits, creating videos, and using blacklight performances to share the love of Jesus.

School begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:00. Morning care is available starting at 7:00 a.m., and our afternoon extended care program closes at 6:00 p.m. Parents of VPK students who need a full day preschool program can enroll in Encore. Monthly rates apply.