Academics
Academic opportunities and Grace.
The Grace School is committed to ensuring each student meets-or-exceeds grade-level learning standards while nurturing their creativity and individuality to create tomorrow’s open-minded and thoughtful leaders.
The strength of our core curriculum.
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies: These are the building blocks of a Grace School education.
Literacy
At The Grace School, Language Arts includes reading, writing and word study, explored through the workshop model (i.e. focused group lessons, guided practice, independent study, conferencing and sharing).
At the heart of our literacy program is the Lucy Calkins Workshop Model, which helps every child grow as a reader and writer. Each day begins with a short mini lesson, followed by time for students to practice in pairs, small groups, or one-on-one with their teacher. This approach allows every child to learn at just the right level for them. Students dive into fiction and nonfiction books, write stories, informational pieces, and opinions they’re proud to share, and celebrate their accomplishments at the end of each unit.
In grades K–2, students build strong reading foundations with UFLI Foundations, a hands-on phonics program based on the Science of Reading. They practice hearing, blending, and changing sounds in words and apply their new skills in short, engaging reading passages. In grades 3–4, UFLI continues as extra spelling and phonics support tailored to each student’s needs.
Math
At the Grace School, we employ the Eureka math curriculum created by the state of NY also known as Engage NY, or Great Minds. Lessons are designed to support deep understanding of concepts and procedures by using critical thinking skills where students go beyond rote memory to develop fluency and flexible thinking. Students are encouraged to think deeply in order to discover and develop multiple pathways and procedures to solve real-world problems.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum at The Grace School embodies a commitment to learning about people and their cultures, civics, and social justice. Using an inquiry-based framework, essential questions are posed and answered throughout each unit. These units put students at the center of their learning, honoring their ability to devise questions, analyze materials, and find solutions.
Science
Our science curriculum, utilizing the FOSS Program, gives students the opportunity for a hands-on science experience. Students are able build an understanding of science concepts through individual investigation and analysis, using age-appropriate readings, lab equipment, and interactive technology. Each lesson brings science to life!
“My son attended The Grace School for nine years. I believe this is one of the primary reasons for his current success, both academically and personally.”
– Christine McCaffery
Special Subjects
To complement our strong academic curriculum, The Grace School offers a variety of special subject areas.
Students develop a love of reading and an understanding of digital media and technology in our Library and Digital Studies classes.
During Music, students learn how to read music, they study music history and music appreciation – and they even learn to play the recorder and ukulele!
Physical Education/Health class develops students’ minds and bodies. Students learn to develop a healthy practice of regular exercise and healthy eating. They also learn to exhibit good sportsmanship and respect for others whether it is in our gymnasium, our indoor pool, our outdoor track and multi-sport turf field, or on our outdoor basketball court.
Water Safety is provided to all of our students in K and 1st grades. We believe every child should have a foundation in water safety, especially in our beautiful Ocean State!
Spanish is offered for students to broaden their linguistic skills and develop an appreciation for those who use dual languages to communicate.
Lastly, students benefit from a school-wide mission of developing Social & Emotional Skills tailored for each class, and individual students, as the need arises.
The Grace School: An Inclusive Model.
What makes The Grace School’s approach to inclusion unique? Fully inclusive classrooms – all day, every day. At The Grace School, students with and without special needs learn and play together in the same environment. This strengths-based approach to education not only yields higher achievement, it fosters compassion and the belief that every person has potential, a purpose, and a gift to share with the world.
So, what is inclusion?
At The Grace School, we describe inclusion as a flexible and dynamic approach to learning in which students of all abilities work together to achieve developmentally appropriate social and academic goals. Effective inclusion programs such as ours include:
- Raising academic, social and behavioral expectations for all students;
- Practicing understanding, independence, patience, and diversity;
- Nurturing a culture of differentiated, intuitive and responsive instruction that imagines greater possibilities for all students’ learning;
- Understanding the whole child and challenging each student to meet their maximum potential; and
- Fostering effective communication between co-teachers, therapists and support staff.