The School of Grace
Parent Participatory Preschool in North Raleigh
A non-profit ministry of Grace Lutheran Church, The School of Grace Preschool in Raleigh was incorporated in 1994 and has been educating children since 1995. The preschool serves typically developing children, children with special needs and children from refugee families, ages 6 months to 5 years. As a Christian program, children learn and play in a Christ-centered environment. As a Parent Participatory Program, parents are actively involved in the education of their children.
Our mission statement clearly states, “The purpose of The School of Grace is to empower children and families to reach their greatest potential and to enjoy the richness of the preschool years.”
The school offers a safe, nurturing, Christian environment for young children. The curriculum is enhanced by a multi-cultural focus, guided by the knowledge of how children learn. The child-centered philosophy aims to facilitate positive self-esteem and a joy of learning. The intentional blending of children of diverse neighborhoods, cultures, religions, races and abilities will promote understanding and acceptance of differences. Each child’s faith will be nourished through the exploration and celebration of the world which God created.
We believe that God has called us to serve, not just the children in the neighborhood, but all of the children and their families, whom God brings to our door. As Teachers, we feel blessed to serve this calling.
Welcoming Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs must have a current Individual Education Plan or an IFSP through Wake County Public Schools. The School of Grace has previously served children with spina bifida, bipolar disorder, Down Syndrome, Autism, a seizure disorder, hearing and/or language impairment, and developmental delays.
Welcoming Children from Refugee Families
The School of Grace has served children from many countries, including Haiti, Burundi, France, England, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Children from refugee families are referred to our program through Lutheran Family Services. The preschool provides scholarships and transportation. Typically, children and their families, who enroll in our program, speak little or no English when they arrive.
The children, who become immersed in play with their new American friends, are often speaking in complete sentences within a short time.
Refugee Families Learn about Their New Community
Parents assist up to twice a month as the Helping Parent in their child’s classroom. Through this experience, parents can better communicate with the teacher and other adults in the program. They are enabled to spend time learning about their child’s educational environment.
Sharing Cultures and Celebrations
One of our favorite annual events at The School of Grace is our Thanksgiving Feast. Families frequently bring their child’s favorite food to a family style meal with the entire community. The sharing of food brings families together as they compliment each other’s creations and swap recipes. Often times, an admired Thanksgiving Feast dish becomes a requested snack by the children.
Scholarship Fund Donations are Tax Deductible
The School of Grace and Grace Lutheran Church raise funds on an ongoing basis in support of the preschool’s Scholarship Fund. All donations are tax deductible, always needed and appreciated to support these truly remarkable children as they begin their education.