About us

Grace today, great tomorrow!

Welcome to The Grace School, a truly one-of-a-kind K-8 independent school that helps each child reach their full potential. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, The Grace School provides robust academics, small-class sizes, and an inspiring variety of extra-curricular programs in a fun, breathtaking, state-of-the-art facility.

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The Grace School believes.

We believe that education is about more than achieving grade-level standards. It’s about nurturing a child’s gifts, inspiring creativity and curiosity, and fostering perseverance and compassion as the foundations for leadership. The Grace School brings our philosophy to life through five key areas:

Academics should be rigorous.

Our curriculum combines the best in evidence-based practices from across the academic landscape to ensure students meet-or-exceed grade-level standards while developing their individual strengths and passions. 

Our core curriculum includes: Language Arts (reading, writing and word study); Math; Science and Social Studies. Special subjects include: American Sign Language; Art; Digital Media Studies/Library; Music; Physical Education;  Social-Emotional Studies and Spanish.

Class size as it should be: small.

The average classroom at The Grace School is comprised of 18 students. Additionally, each classroom is staffed by highly credentialed educators who employ the Responsive Classroom® instructional model. This evidence-based approach combines social-emotional learning with individualized academics that promote higher student achievement.

We really are all in this together. 

The Grace School believes student success is a partnership between educators and families. We believe in and foster a year-round, globally minded learning community that encourages parents and students to take an active role in shaping school culture, academic offerings and more.

This place is incredible.

The Grace School offers an unparalleled physical learning environment for our students. Recently named a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, our 90,000 square feet of learning space was completely refurbished in 2019, and each spacious classroom features natural lighting, climate control, flexible workspace, WiFi and leading-edge SMART board technology. The Grace School is also a 1:1 device school, providing each student with their own iPad to ensure the highest quality of learning

Additional facilities include: an Apple-powered computer lab; fully staffed library; indoor salt-water pool; a full-sized gymnasium; an outdoor track and artificial turf field; a multi-sport outdoor court and more than 20,000 square feet of playgrounds and green space.

Inclusion really is a big idea.

The benefits are not just incredible, they’re tangible. The Grace School is the only fully inclusive K-8 school in the nation. We believe diversity is our greatest asset. Unlike traditional educational models that segregate children with special needs, The Grace School places children of all needs and abilities in the same classroom each and every day.

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We have been so incredibly impressed with the ways our children, who are two very different learners, have thrived academically at The Grace School. The small class sizes and dedicated teachers have provided them both the opportunity to go beyond their grade level in a variety of subjects, while paying attention to their individual learning needs and interests.”

– Jordan White, MD, MPH and Jeff Manning, MD

History of The Grace School.

Teaching compassion since 1946.

Building upon Meeting Street's history of teaching to the individual student since 1946, The Grace School opened its doors in 2006 bringing to life the nation’s first fully inclusive K-8 school in Rhode Island’s first LEED-certified educational facility.

In keeping with The Grace School’s belief in community-mindedness and global citizenry, the creation of our campus transformed nine acres of blighted property into a one-of-a-kind learning destination.

The school began with just one kindergarten classroom, adding one grade level each year thereafter. Today, The Grace School graduates one eighth-grade class per year, with our students being accepted into high schools such as The Wheeler School, St. Andrew's School, Providence Country Day School, Rocky Hill Country Day School, Bishop Hendricken, Classical High School, LaSalle Academy, St. Raphael’s Academy, and Bay View Academy.

Frequently asked questions.

My child has special needs, can he/she attend The Grace School?

The Grace School offers customized educational and development services to meet the needs outlined in a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). To learn more about our programs, please click here. Please note: The Grace School is not appropriate for children with intensive behavioral needs.

Does an inclusive classroom model reduce the overall academic rigor?

No. Education is not “one-size-fits-all” at The Grace School, and so while students share a classroom, a teacher and a curriculum, content and assignments are modified to meet the individual needs of each student. Small class sizes allow our educators to know each child individually, understand their strengths and challenges, and utilize the tools of the Responsive Classroom to meet varying needs.  

What is your annual tuition? Do you offer financial aid?

For families applying privately to The Grace School for a student without an IEP, tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $13,068. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify through the FACTS Management Company.

For families being referred to The Grace School at Meeting Street through their public school district for a child with an IEP, we ask that you contact your district for further information.

What is the average class size?

Our average class size is 14 with a maximum of no more than 18 students per classroom. 

Does The Grace School offer athletics?

Yes! We offer a middle-school (grades 5-8) athletics program that includes cross-country, soccer, basketball, track, and baseball! Additionally, children in grades K-4 have access to our indoor pool, as swimming is part of their physical education curriculum.

Does The Grace School offer any non-athletic extra-curricular activities?

Yes. The Grace School offers the following after-school programs at various times throughout the school year: Digital Media (grades 5-8); Robotics (grades 5-8); Student Council (grades 5-8) and a Theatre Arts Club (all grade levels). There are no additional fees to participate in these programs, and so many more!

How do I communicate with school staff about my child?

At The Grace School, we believe one of the biggest factors in a child’s achievement is the active engagement and support of their family in the learning process. We encourage all parents/guardians to communicate with their child’s teachers and school administrators on a regular basis. We utilize a variety of daily communication technologies, like e-mail and applications, that allow school staff and families to directly communicate and share information.

Does The Grace School provide transportation?

Daily bus transportation is provided to certain communities within Greater Providence. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.  

Does The Grace School offer a meal program?

Yes! The Grace School offers breakfast and hot lunch daily through our food preparation partner, Aramark. Free/reduced lunch pricing is available to qualifying students. This information will be covered during the application process

What is The Grace School’s connection to Meeting Street?

The Grace School is one of the programs and services for children and families that comprise Meeting Street, the beloved 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in Providence in 1946. The Grace School is located on Meeting Street’s 12 acre Eddy Street campus, which serves as the southernmost gateway to the capital city. 

Inspirational leaders who both think and do.

Why settle for anything less than instructional excellence? The Grace School requires all educators have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a specific curriculum subject in addition to holding a teaching certificate from the RI Department of Education (RIDE). Most of our faculty members hold a master’s degree, or obtain this credential within three years of hire. 

Margaret Knowlton

Superintendent of Schools
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Heather Boccanfuso

Head of School
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Questions?

Contact our team here
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John Kershaw

Director of Special Education
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I believe that all children have the right to a high-quality education provided in a safe, caring and nurturing environment. It is also important for me to work with a group of professionals who learn together so that we can be innovative and provide the best possible educational opportunities for our students.”

– Margaret Knowlton, Superintendent of Schools

Why did you choose Grace?

Erin Houle
1st Grade Educator

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I teach at The Grace School because I believe in inclusion and the positive effects it has on each of our learners. The Grace School provides a friendly and unique learning environment that promotes caring and support of all abilities.  I appreciate the supportive team of professionals that I have the privilege to work so closely with. It makes teaching here a positive, enjoyable experience.  This is my 9th year teaching at The Grace School.”

Emily Griffith
4th Grade Educator

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I work at The Grace School because here, every student receives a fair opportunity to learn while maintaining their individuality. Every child is capable of achieving great success, and being a teacher at The Grace School allows me to join them on this journey. At The Grace School, we get to know the student as a whole person and then make proper accommodations to help each student develop and grow. Our students develop not only as learners, but also as caring and compassionate human beings. The Grace School is one of the few flexible learning communities willing to meet the child where they are, opposed to having to change the child to fit in with the community. I’ve never felt more welcomed than at The Grace School.”

Amy Bergeron
Math Curriculum
Coordinator

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Since working at The Grace School, I have found that kindness and compassion run rampant. Staff, faculty, and students all work together to create a cohesive classroom environment where all students learn to the best of their ability.  It is fantastic to watch the excitement in a student’s eyes who has just successfully completed a challenging task. The Grace School does 'education' right!”