We’re Here to Help
When it comes to choosing a school for your student, the options can be overwhelming. Public or private? Religious or secular? Charter or magnet? Arts, academics, or athletics? Acceleration or learning support? College prep or running start?
Whether you’re local or thousands of miles away from home, Grace Community School would love to be part of your search for the best place for your student’s education. We’d like to learn what’s important to you and your student; offer some answers for your questions; tell you about our school, staff, and programs; and pray with you for God to direct your family’s steps
“My husband met a few GCS high school students when our children were young, and he told me that he wanted our children to turn out like them! There is just something special about a Grace student.”
Greg & Leann Strnadel
GCS Parents
100%
seniors accepted into colleges
8,425
community service hours every year
16
students per classroom
11
National Merit Finalists
56
sports teams
24
athletic state championships
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What’s Important to You Is Important to Us
No one has thought more than you have about your child’s education and future; and no one is more aware than you are that each year more of your child’s and family’s life is connected to school. Your dreams for your son or daughter are big, and the opportunities you desire are both specific and infinite. You need to be able to trust and partner closely with those whom you share so much of your student’s formative learning, development, and time.
Grace is proud that students have matriculated at the following colleges and universities
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We Know How You Feel
It’s why we choose our staff with precision and keep our class sizes small. It’s why we encourage parent involvement and invite conversation. It’s why we do everything we do, from academics and athletics to arts and spiritual formation, with a view toward preparing our students for university and the lifetime ahead of them—not just teaching to a test or a single year’s objectives. It’s why we have prayed for your student and your family long before we’ve even met, even before you read these words.
We at Grace Community School count it an invaluable privilege to assist Christian families across the globe in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ. You can trust us!
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International Students
We believe that international students bring to our school community a richness of culture that enhances the learning experience of all. Also, through the education of international students, the influence of a Christ-centered education is spread throughout the world and among different cultures. Therefore, we welcome students who meet our admissions qualifications from around the world.
Grace Community School is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Please note that I-20’s can only be legally issued once the student and family have completed the admissions process and the student has been accepted to the school.
To apply to GCS or if you have any questions, please contact Emily Neuhoff, Associate Director of Admissions, by email at eneuhoff@gracetyler.org or phone at 1-903-566-5678.
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Affording Grace
Families just like yours have their kids enrolled at Grace right now. Why not yours?
Admissions FAQs
Grace Community School is jointly accredited by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) and AdvanceEd, as well as being certified by CESA (Council on Educational Standards and Accountability). Grace Community Elementary School was awarded the 2017 National Blue Ribbon School and Grace Community High School was awarded the 2015 National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, recognizing academic excellence and high student achievement. Less than 1% of all schools in the nation are awarded this designation.
The faculty of GCS is one of our greatest assets. Our teachers have an average of 15.3 years of experience and 32% have advanced degrees. At the elementary level, every family meets with their child’s classroom teacher for a personalized discussion. Junior high teachers are available daily for study hall from 2:55 p.m.- 3:25 p.m. for academic help. The high school campus teachers are available every morning at 8:00 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. for small group tutoring and review.
Grace Elementary
- Half day: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Full day: 8 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.-3:20 p.m. (staggered according to grade level)
- Fridays: Early release from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. (staggered according to grade level)
Grace Middle School
- Full day: 8 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
- Full day: 8 a.m.-3:25 p.m.
- Fridays: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Grace High School
- Full day: 8:55 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
- Fridays: 8:55 a.m.- 12:35 p.m.
Our goal remains to offer a student to teacher ratio that fosters students’ success. Our Junior Kindergarten is limited to 16 students. A Kindergarten class is limited to 18 students. During 1st-8th grade, the class size is 24. High School Advanced Placement and Honors classes may have as few as 10 students.
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
This verse sums up our desire for spiritual life at GCS. From classroom learning to high-intensity athletics, from art exhibits to community service projects and mission trips, we strive to LOVE our Lord and glorify Him in every possible way. Academics at Grace are taught through the lens of the Bible, and curriculum is biblically based for every single class.
GCS has made an intentional effort to grow in our diversity as evidenced by annually increasing percentages over the last five years. In 2015, GCS became a certified SEVIS school and is admitting International students on a limited basis.
Enrollment Fee (one-time)
- $400, upon acceptance
Junior Kindergarten (2, 3, and 5 full or half-day options)
- $3,190 – $6,776*
Kindergarten (5 full or half-day options)
- $6,303 – $8,305*
Grades 1 – 4
- $6,127 – $12,254*
Grades 5 – 8
- $7,210 – $14,421*
Grades 9 – 12
- $7,469 – $14,938*
Grace University Grades K – 6
- $2,835 – $5,670*
Grace University Grades 7 – 8
- $3,400 – $6,800*
*Exit range tuition amount for parents who don’t qualify or chose not to apply for Variable Tuition. Through generous donations and shared facilities with Grace Community Church, no one pays 100% of the cost to educate each student. Instead of passing on the full cost of education, Grace families pay no more than 85% per student, which is the exit range.
Grace Community School proudly offers Variable Tuition. Tuition at Grace is not a one-size-fits-all. It’s a range. A range that spans from 45-85% of the full cost of education. Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s unique financial position.
Variable Tuition is available for new and current students. The school strictly safeguards the confidentiality of all financial information supplied by the family. Families who apply for variable tuition should know that both the admissions and the financial aid committees make decisions independently. Variable Tuition awards are based on a recommendation from an independent consulting firm (FACTS), which considers income, assets, debts, and medical and other family circumstances. Click here to apply.
Yes! We offer 7 Advanced Placement courses in the High School, and students can earn up to 33 semester credit hours through our Dual Credit courses.
Historically, over 90% of our graduates attend 4-year colleges and universities, with the other 10% attending 2-year colleges or technical schools. The class of 2016 achieved a 100% college acceptance rate and was offered a total of $3.4 million in scholarships averaging $59,000 per student.
No, GCS does not require uniforms but does adhere to a dress code policy of modesty.
After School Care Program for students in Junior Kindergarten-4th grade is offered at the Elementary School. For more details and fees, please contact the Elementary School.
We offer a catered lunch program from local restaurants. Parents have the option every six weeks to choose from the lunch menu or send a lunch from home.
No, STAAR tests are mandated for public schools. We do administer standardized tests in the 2nd-8th grades once per year so we may measure our student’s progress and compare their performance to public and private schools across the nation.
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Admissions Team
Amber Bowler
Upper Campus Director of Admissions
Amber Bowler
Upper Campus Director of Admissions
M.B.A., UT Tyler
Amber joined Grace Community School in January of 2022 as the Director of Admissions – Upper Campus. Amber received both her undergraduate degree and MBA from UT Tyler, where she was on the women’s golf team. She and her husband married in 2015, and they have two little girls at Grace. Amber and her family are members of Flint Baptist Church and enjoy playing golf together and serving others.
Tonya Boyd, CPA
Director of School Accounting
Tonya Boyd, CPA
Director of School Accounting
Tonya has been with Grace Community School since 2017. She is a certified public accountant with 22 years of banking and regulatory reporting experience and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Tonya and her husband, David, have three children, including a Texas Tech University graduate and two daughters who attend GCS. They attend Clearview Church in Lindale and enjoy fishing, camping, and spending time at home.
Kayla Franks
Admissions Coordinator
Kayla Franks
Admissions Coordinator
B.S., University of Texas at Tyler
Kayla joined Grace Community School as the Admissions Coordinator in January 2022. Previously she worked at the Refinery Chiropractic as a chiropractic assistant and has worked for Grace Community Church and Grace Early Education in the past. Kayla moved to Tyler from Columbia Missouri to attend UT Tyler and graduated from there with a bachelor’s in Business Management. Kayla has lived in Tyler since 2017 and attends Grace Community Church. When she’s not working, Kayla enjoys being outside and hanging out with friends. She also trains dogs and takes Krav Maga self-defense classes in her free time.
Ijeoma “EJ” Unegbu, Ed.D.
Director of Community and Culture
Ijeoma “EJ” Unegbu, Ed.D.
Director of Community and Culture
Ed.D., Dallas Baptist University
Ijeoma “EJ” joined Grace Community School in June 2022 as the Director of Community and Culture. She is an alumnus of Grace and attended from kindergarten to eighth grade before there was Grace High School.
Ijeoma worked for Tyler Junior College for almost 14 years, serving in various roles as professor, interim director for faculty development and professional development coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communication from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, gardening, and the family pet, a chiweenie, named Luna.
Ijeoma and her husband, Robert, have three children, Naomi, Abigail, and Daniel. They are members of Rose Heights Church in Tyler.
EJ has written several blogs while at Grace, including: Getting Back to the Genesis of Diversity and Imago Dei Week
Amber Wallace
Family Care Coordinator
Amber Wallace
Family Care Coordinator
Amber joined Grace Community School in 2019. She is married to CJ, and they have three sons that attend Grace Community School. She and her family love the outdoors, sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Shari Wilson
Lower Campus Director of Admissions
Shari Wilson
Lower Campus Director of Admissions
B.S., University of Arizona
Shari has a deep love for Jesus and for those who come seeking the hope He has to offer. Her background includes years of experience in education and programming for children and adults. She has taught in the classroom, worked as an Education Specialist with the Arizona Supreme Court and spent countless hours coaching and encouraging women, parents, families, and students. Her passionate love for Jesus and the principles in His Word give her a unique perspective on how the choices we make are so critical to living the lives we deeply desire. Shari is a ministry leader, speaker, and life coach, but the real truth is she’s a lover of chocolate and strong coffee. She has been married nearly thirty years to her best friend, Scott. She’s an avid University of Arizona Wildcat fan and mom to Ethan, Garner, Torrey, Sydney, Riley, and Reagan, and one beautiful daughter-in-law, Julianna.
Admissions Process
What to Expect
The admission process involves completing an
1) online application,
2) student assessment, and
3) family interview.
The online application will ask for parent and student information and several recommendations. The online application fee is $75 and includes the student assessment. A student assessment will be scheduled when a completed application and supporting documents are received. Family interviews are the final step in the admissions process for those students recommended for admission to Grace Community School.
If you have questions about our admissions process, please email admissions@gracetyler.org or contact the Grace Admissions Office at 903-566-5678, ext 114.
Admissions Criteria
Faith
- At least one parent or guardian has a personal testimony of a relationship with Jesus Christ. In grades 9-12 the student must also be a professing Christ follower.
- Families are actively participating and regularly worshiping in a local church in which the Bible is sincerely believed to be the inspired word of God and is, therefore, the basis for all life and learning.
Academic Profile
Each student gives evidence of a commitment to the learning process based on:
- Teacher recommendations and report cards that indicate the student is an independent learner and can be successful in a traditional school environment.
- Admissions assessment that indicates the student is equipped to succeed in a rigorous academic climate.
- Satisfactory conduct records and personal references.
School Partnership
- There is an understanding and an agreement with the statement of faith and mission of Grace Community School to provide children with a Christ-centered education which means Jesus Christ is acknowledged in every area of life.
- Families and, when age appropriate, students, agree to support and live in accordance with the Grace Community Lifestyle Agreement and the Grace Community Position on Marriage and Human Sexuality.
Parent and Student Handbook
- To request a copy of the handbook, please contact our admissions office at admissions@gracetyler.org.
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Non-Discrimination
Grace Community School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.