Hear from GRACE Head of School Eric Bradley

GRACE Families,

Few events in the life of a school community stir up as many varied and powerful emotions as the start of the school year. The return to school is both a communal and a personal event. The parents sending their TK student to school for the very first day and those sending their senior to the start of their last school year may both be in tears, but for very different reasons. The coming weeks will bring new friendships and discoveries in the classrooms, hallways, stages, and athletic fields, as well as unforeseen challenges and opportunities. There is excitement and fear in all of this. Each person who sets foot on our campuses is navigating the hopes and uncertainties of starting something new. When I write “everyone”, I mean everyone, as the range of emotions is not simply something experienced by students or parents, but also by our staff as we step into a new year.

 

However, through all of this, our united goal and greatest hope is that every child at GRACE would come to understand that they are known, valued, and loved by Jesus Christ, and accept Him as Lord and Savior. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and every GRACE employee, thank you for providing us the opportunity to walk alongside your family on this journey. 

Our 2025-26 theme is “Love God; Love People”, taken from Jesus’s response in Matthew 22:36-40 when a group of Pharisees asked Him, “which is the greatest commandment”. The theme aligns wonderfully with our mission to be “a loving community that spiritually and academically equips, challenges, and inspires students to impact their world for Christ.” The passage is foundational to our faith and our identity as followers of Christ. As we prepare to welcome approximately 930 students to campus in August, it is exciting to consider the many opportunities God will provide for us to live out the truth of this passage each day. 

Throughout the following document, you will find detailed information surrounding the start of the school year, as well as guidance surrounding upcoming events, opportunities to serve, hot lunch ordering, Blackbaud, carpool (Please be patient -It gets better after the first few weeks!), and other areas of school life. Please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate individuals with any questions. Also, in the coming weeks, I will share an update on the progress surrounding our new Apex campus. 

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! 

Blessings,

Eric Bradley

Head of School