Grace Christian School

4410 Southeast 3rd Avenue

Ocala, FL 34480

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 01, 2017

First and foremost the teachers for the most part are too young and not close to qualified. The schools administration can not be trusted as to how to handle behavioral situations especially those of extreme nature. Certain middle school teachers will not help after school as they claim they're not paid enough for extra time and feel they do enough. There's no real sports programs, band is a disaster, pe coach seems very unhappy, as do most of the teachers, kids and parents. The moral at this school is near rock bottom. They're extremely petty over discipline. Rather than deflect they antagonize and always assume the worst. If the teachers aren't writing enough referrals, they're instructed to be more strict. Very negative place. Teachers and secondary teachers, enrollment is dropping like flies. It's very sad because I hear this was once a loving exceptional school.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

Grace exemplifies what a Christian School should be. It's curriculum is top notch and it's living curriculum, "the faculty and staff" are unparalleled . It's not uncommon for teachers to give of their personal time to remain after school to assist students. The admin team manages by walking around and visits classrooms frequently. Grace has and always will be the very best choice for your child's private education .
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

Grace is the best private school in Marion county. I feel that my child is prepared for high school and beyond. Not only is he academically prepared, but he has also had the unique opportunity to be a part of a close school community that reinforces volunteerism and becoming a responsible citizen. What Grace has is unique, you won't find it at other private schools--we are a family.
Submitted by other on March 03, 2015

2 of my grandkids attend Grace and my wife is a volunteer. The kids and parents are very happy with the school...the teachers and school leadership are truly professionals and provide excellent academics in a Christian environment. Several of my friends have their children or grandchildren in Grace and have the same impression and confidence in the school and the quality education the children are receiving . my wife and I highly recommend Grace !!!!! Paul & Cathy Clark
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

I can't imagine our daughter going to any other school. The education she is receiving in a Christ centered environment is just simply the best. I would highly recommend Grace Christian School to any Prospective parents.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2015

GCS offers an overall balanced approach to education for the 'whole child'. The school is more that just a building with people, it is a community that works together to sow and reap great things within its walls and beyond. Moving to Ocala, Florida from another state in the middle of a school year could prove to be a devastating change for later elementary and middle school children, yet GCS enveloped our entire family and provided academic, spiritual and social encouragement that has continued to prove great success for our children.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2014

Grace Christian School is the best! I have 3 children who attend GCS and they love going to school and like their teachers. The teachers at GCS have been working there for many years and truly love the Lord. It shows in their work and it shows in my kids. The Head of School, Mr. Raymond, and the Assistant Head of School, Mrs. Alexander, both lead by example. GCS is the best school in Marion County...I only wish that they had a high school.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

My school is awesome! Mr. Raymond and the teaching staff at Grace are second to none. Strong education is my primary focus when it comes to picking a school for my daughters and that is the area where Grace excels. All of the children at Grace are pushed academically but nurtured at the same time by caring and loving individuals. I can't imagine a better learning environment for my girls. Thanks Grace.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

If you are a parent that is looking for a Christ centered inclusive school with superb academic achievement, then seriously consider Grace Christian school. The students and staff all welcome new children and make them feel appreciated. My wife and I didn t know anyone at the school just a few years ago when we decided to enroll our child, and the experience has been wonderful. Being a single income family (typical middle class I assure you), I appreciate how we can volunteer to make a positive difference at the school, too. The academic progress, especially since Mr. Raymond took over as head of school in 2012, has been outstanding.
Submitted by other on March 04, 2014

I am currently an 8th grade student at Grace Christian School. I've been at Grace since k-3. All my life I have known all of these kind and gentle staff and teachers, and even new ones too, that always will go the extra mile to give students the help that they need. When I have children of my own, I am certainly going to have them go here, to Grace Christian School. -Student at Grace Christian School
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2013

God has big plans for Grace Christian School. The Administration and Teachers are the best. While many schools are cutting programs, Grace knows the importance of Physical Education, Fine Arts and Music. The award winning Band program is very special. If you want your child in a Christ-centered environment of Academic Excellence, Grace will prepare your child for life and teach him or her to honor and glorify God.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Grace Christian School is a big family where your child is nurtured, academically challenged, and spiritually developed. The school offers band, Spanish, art, chorus, music, physical education, and much more. Grace has been "raising up" children to become our future leaders for 56 years! This coming school year Grace is adding a gifted program called Quest and will have a differentiated program that meets the needs of the individual student. I am very excited about the 2013 -14 school year, with Mr. Raymond at the helm Grace Christian School will soar!
Submitted by teacher on May 14, 2013

I came to Grace School, now Grace Christian school, as the new Head of School, in August of 2012. I was impressed with not only the high academic standards but also the atmosphere at Grace. For the past 11 years I had been the principal at the 4th highest performing school in the state. I did not expect what I found. The school has worked hard to develop a diverse population. Although the economy had reduced the student population slightly, far from the 40% I read about on this site, that tend has stopped and during the course of this year we are beginning to grow again. I found a dedicated staff that was more concerned with how to meet student needs then their own needs. I found parents that were supportive in helping us provide the best possible education in Marion County. We have made some significant changes this year and will have a differentiated program designed to meet individual needs as well as a gifted program in August. With parent help we are striving to have a program that values each child and that will help children be supportive of one another. We recently passed our five year accreditation review and will set the standard of excellence for others.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2012

My two boys have attended Grace School for about 3 years now, one is currently in 3rd grade, the other in 2nd grade. Both have attended since Kindergarten. I can't say enough great things about Grace School. My sons are treated as individuals and the teachers and staff care for them and are totally committed to their education. The school has a family feel and we've developed strong relationships with other parents that have kids at Grace. Courtyard is a special time of day and an important tradition at Grace - every day all kids assemble in the morning to hear the messages of the day and to pray. On Friday's one child from every grade is singled out for his or her display of that week's Fruit of the Spirit. In Kindergarten and 1st grade the kids have a 'big buddy' in 7th or 8th grade and it s a special bond and friendship that lasts for years. Academically, Grace School is strong with a focus on achievement and individualized education. With my own two sons, I've seen that each child is given the opportunity to perform at their highest ability. My wife and I both love this school - it s a special place for our children and our family. I highly recommend Grace School.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2012

Grace School has done it again! Another great year and my children are sad to be leaving for the summer. Grace School provides a wonderful environment for it's K-3 thru 8th grade students. The students continue to excell in all areas when compared to other local and national students. For example, out of over 600 essays that were turned in county wide for the recent Memorial Day Essay contest in Marion County, Grace School placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd! Way to go Grace! I can't wait to start a new year in September with our new Head of School, Don Raymond.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2012

I have been so impressed with this school! They really work hard to produce a well-rounded individual that is more than prepared for high school. I have spoken with many public high school administrators who literally "fight" for the students that graduate from Grace. They all agree that Grace students are the most prepared kids in the county. It has the perfect balance of academics and christian education that my family is looking for. We will be here for many years to come!
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2012

Run, don't walk from this school. Poor administrators, bad teachers and a low academic environment. This school has lost 40% of its student body in the past 3 years for these reasons, while other private schools are thriving and have wait lists. I have moved my kids to another Ocala private school and have been amazed at the difference. They tout themselves as a "Christ centered environment" but I have seen nothing Christ like at Grace school,
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2011

We have had 3 children go all the way through Grace School (K-3 - 8th) and have seen the many changes that have taken place there for over a decade. My children were well taken care of and properly prepared for a competitive HS environment. I'm sorry that someone felt like it was an elite school, there are certainly some that are wealthy, but most struggle to make the financial/educational choice for their child to attend. The preschool and elementary teachers are nurturing, caring and prepare the children well. The middle school is better than most and seems to keep the kids engaged in extracurricular activities while maintaining high academic and personal standards. The teachers, staff, parents and students become like family and overall, our experience at Grace has been wonderful. I will forever be grateful for the positive Christian environment they provided and how they loved and took care of my children.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2011

I agree with the parent who posted on Feb 27. Grace School's primary strength is in it's ability to connect your children to Ocala's elite. Academically, when my child left Grace School they were substantially behind public school children, most pronounced in core subjects like math and science. They were "less" behind in other areas, but still behind. As for Grace School consistently out preforming public schools, I think that has more to do with parents of Grace who can afford to to hire the best tutors and support network rather than Grace's superior academic standards or faculty's acumen. In fact, with wealthy parents like Grace's, I would expect them to out preform less advantaged children. So, trumpeting Grace's academic prowess rings a little hollow and misplaces the true source of it's student testing success.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2010

Academically this school is behind the local public schools though the faculty are kind hearted people and try very hard. What Grace offers the most of is connections to the upper crust of Ocala. So, if your goals include being seen and known, this is the place to go. There is no question: Grace School is THE elitist school of Ocala.