ABOUT GCS
Message from the Head

Mission Statement

Episcopal Identity

Dignity & Belonging

Long-Range Plan 2025-2032

Grace at a Glance

History

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Directions to Campus

Response to Reports of Abuse

Grace Church School aims to establish in its students firmly rooted confidence in themselves and their abilities.
ADMISSIONS
Welcome

Meet the Team

How To Apply

Tuition & Financial Aid
ACADEMICS
Early Childhood

Lower School

Middle School

High School

Libraries

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The traits that make Grace Church School special are evident in every classroom or activity: pleasure in learning, seriousness of purpose and genuine affection and respect for others.
PROGRAMS
Arts

Athletics

International Exchange

Community Engagement

The fullness of a Grace Church School education develops in students a strong sense of self, the ability to think clearly, function well academically, and to embrace coming challenges with confidence.
GIVING
Ways of Giving

The Annual Fund

Make Your Gift Today

Make a Recurring Gift

Campaigns, Endowed Funds, and Planned Giving

Toy Play Deck Fund

2026 Auction Benefit for Financial Aid

A gift to Grace Church School builds community, strengthens the institution and enhances the experience of the children we educate.
ALUMNI
Welcome Alumni

The Alumni Association

Alumni Events

Grace alumni are a part of our school community for a lifetime.

JK-12 Spring Admissions Events

Grace Welcomes New Director of Middle School

Grace has appointed Dr. April Thompson as its new Director of Middle School, beginning in July. An experienced independent school leader with nearly two decades in education, she currently serves as Director of Lower School at The Calhoun School. Dr. Thompson holds degrees from Howard University and American University, including a doctorate in sociology. She is recognized for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to dignity and belonging, and experience guiding school communities through change, and looks forward to fostering a middle school environment where students are both challenged and deeply supported.

From Head of School Robbie Pennoyer:

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. April Thompson as Grace’s new Director of Middle School. Dr. Thompson is an experienced independent school leader and educator with nearly two decades of experience in school communities and will be joining the Grace community in July, working closely with Elsa Hepner in her new role as Head of JK–8 and with our other divisional leaders.

Dr. Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree in education policy from American University, and a doctorate in sociology from Howard University. She currently serves as the Director of Lower School at The Calhoun School in New York City, overseeing academic programming, faculty development, and student support for the division. Throughout the search process, the committee was impressed by her thoughtful leadership, her deep commitment to dignity and belonging, and her experience guiding communities through change.

In expressing her excitement to join the Grace community, Dr. Thomspon wrote: “What inspires me most about Grace is its clear sense of purpose, cultivating sharp minds and strong character within a true community of belonging. I look forward to leading the Middle School in a way that honors tradition while embracing thoughtful innovation. My role will be to help ensure that every student feels both academically stretched and deeply supported as they grow into confident young people who know their voices matter and who feel genuinely valued by the community around them.”

She is eager to begin building relationships with our students and families, and we are grateful for the leadership, warmth, and expertise she will be bringing to our community. Please join me in welcoming her to Grace.

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Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for over 800 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grade.