Message from Head of School, Robbie Pennoyer

Grace is a school inspired by some big ideas.
 
Our talented faculty promote academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that stress isn’t the fuel of academic achievement but that joy is, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission. Believing in the importance of reflection and growth, not only for ourselves and our students but also for the school’s program, we develop, structure, and fine-tune the curriculum to feed the intellects of our students, broaden their curiosity, stretch their imaginations, and equip them with the knowledge, skill, and desire to live lives of purpose, integrity, compassion, and fulfillment. 
 
Knowing that the health of our community is not a separate concern from the learning that takes place within it, we work hard to take good care of one another so that this may be a diverse and resilient community of broad welcome and deep belonging. We hold fast to kindness, humility, generosity, and joy while resisting the cynicism, scorn, selfishness, and stress that often fester within the cultures of elite schools like ours. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity. 
 
Powerful though we have found them to be, Grace’s big ideas are ultimately less important than the program and community they inspire, which is why we invite you to visit us and see how we translate these ideas into the daily experience of our students. If you do, I expect that you will get a firsthand sense of the enthusiasm for learning, warmth of spirit, and energy and excitement that make Grace such a wonderful place to work, learn, play, and grow.
 
Sincerely,



Robert M. Pennoyer II


© 2022 Grace Church School
Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for nearly 800 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.