FAQ

Q. Does the school provide special needs accommodations?

The school seeks to meet the needs of all students; however, there may be some physical, behavioral, and/or academic difficulties that need specialized support that is not available at Grande Ronde Christian Academy.  In order to determine educational need, the Administration will review achievement tests, academic records, and other records presented by the parents.  Any and all records from academic, behavioral, and/or social development testing (or referrals) must be disclosed to GRCA prior to acceptance.

 Q. Does GRCA require families to volunteer?

Yes.  Families are required to volunteer 15 hours during the school year; there are many ways to fulfill those volunteer hours.  We encourage you to get involved, our families are one of the greatest strengths of our school and greatly enhance the quality of education at GRCA! 

 Q. Is there a system for student discipline and misconduct?

We use a discipline system called Conducting Conduct, which consists of a series of non-verbal hand signals used for gaining attention, warning a student about their behavior, giving a second warning to students in 3rd grade and younger and time outs when needed. Our teachers are expected to relate to students in a positive, respectful manner, maintaining a Christ-centered, orderly learning environment. Please see the Student Handbook for specifics on discipline and misconduct. There may also be disciplinary structures that are classroom specific and age appropriate which are explained in the classroom Parent Handbook distributed by individual teachers at the beginning of the school year.

 Q. Are there any fees that are not listed?

No. All significant fees are listed on our Tuition/Fee Information sheet.  There are small incidental fees for Hot Lunches, Swim Lessons and After School Enrichment Programs and Clubs. Classroom Supply Lists are provided for families to purchase supplies for their student.

 Q. Is Grande Ronde Christian Academy associated with a specific Christian denomination?

Grande Ronde Christian Academy is inter-denominational.  We have more than 10 Christian Churches represented in our school community.  We do not take positions on doctrine, but adhere to our Faith Statement and the Scriptures as the foundation of our understanding of the world and our Christian duty.

 Q. Is there a dress code or uniform requirement?

There is a child-friendly dress code, but we do not require a specific uniform. All clothing must be in good condition, modest and honoring to the Lord. We recognize the subjective nature of determining acceptable standards for clothing and appearance so please review the Student Handbook for specifics regarding the dress code.

 Q. What is the drop-off procedure?

You may drop off your child as early as 7:45 in the morning.  There will be staff members to welcome and provide supervision for your child before they head to their classrooms. The school day is 8:00-3:05. Parents have until 3:30 to pick up students. If your child arrives after 8:00 am, please have them check in at the front office to pick up a tardy slip before going to class.

 Q. Is the curriculum challenging to advanced learners?

We offer a challenging and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of most of our students.  Due to our smaller class sizes our teachers are also able to individualize lessons to stimulate our high achievers and encourage them to delve deeper into subject matter.

Q. Does the school provide lunch?

Hot lunch will be available most Friday's for students to purchase.  The lunch typically includes main dish (e.g. pizza, pasta or sandwich depending on the week), fruit, vegetable, and dessert.  Everyday students can purchase milk to accompany their sack lunch.  Parents can pay for lunch and milk at office and staff will notify families when the balance is low.  Staff requests that students are packed lunches that contain meals that your child is able to open and eat within time provided.  

Q. What is the process for parent-teacher communication

The teachers at Grande Ronde Christian Academy are committed to their students education and realize that parents play a key role in education. Communication is formally done through parent/teacher conferences at the end of each trimester.  Each week a packet is sent home with official school communication, class work assignments, and detailed communication from the teacher about the upcoming week. Our teachers have open lines of communication and work to be available for their students and for parent concerns, we encourage parents to speak directly to the teacher(s) to find out their preferred means of communication.

Q. Is there a transportation system available through the school?

While many of the families participate with carpool, no official transportation is offered through the school.  For those students going to Heidi Ho for after school care, Heidi Ho has a bus that will pick up at GRCA.

Q. What is the pickup procedure?

Pick-up is at the back side of the building. Dismissal is at 3:05.

Many families have children who ride in car seats or booster seats, which can make for a longer loading process. Because of this, we have designated the pick-up line closest to the grass to be for these families (see picture below). Also, we realize sometimes situations arise that can cause last minute changes but, if possible, please pre-arrange play dates or alternate transportation and notify the office by 12:00 p.m. or send a note with your child. For the sake of safety, kids are only released to those designated on their pick-up list unless the office has been notified by phone or, preferably, in writing. This includes letting middle school aged students walk home.

Q. Is the high school program accredited?

GRCA is offering a hybrid high school program in partnership with Pensacola Christian Academy to offer a solid academic foundation with an emphasis on Christian character. Students have flexibility to move at their own pace yet enjoy some of the benefits of a traditional brick and mortar environment. Students who choose this program will receive a diploma from Pensacola Christian Academy who is fully accredited and has been providing Christian education to students for over 60 years. Please reach out to our staff at 541-975-1147 if you are interested in having your student in the GRCA high school using a different web-based program/curriculum.