The Academy Advantage

The Academy advantage goes beyond the strong academic foundation each child receives. It lies in the sense of community at the heart of the school, and in the personal touch and individualized attention that is the hallmark of quality teaching and drives individual achievement. It begins at morning arrival, when the Head of School, a principal or a fifth grader personally opens the door for each child, extending a greeting and a smile; and it continues well beyond the close of the school day with an AfterCare program for working families and such after-school activities as intramural and interscholastic sports, chess club and cooking class. It is fostered by the buddy program, for example, in which younger students are matched with older students to march together in the vocabulary parade, do a community service project, or simply share a book on the school lawn. It is enriched by the ethical, moral and spiritual development students receive at Monday morning chapel assemblies, Christian Life class, and Early School "peace corners," and by an atmosphere that welcomes and respects all religious beliefs and cultures. It is furthered by a tuition assistance program that makes an Academy education affordable.

The Academy advantage continues into high school, college and beyond, when graduates, equipped with a strong academic foundation, solid study skills, and firm character growth, continue to excel in their chosen areas of study and to grow as decent, caring human beings who have developed during their early education a true desire for learning, and a core sense of confidence and personal purpose.

The Academy advantages include:

. Certified Montessori Early School for ages 2 1/2 to 5

. Lower and Middle Schools Grades 1-8

. Small class size with individualized instruction

. Recently renovated school building with media center, state-of-the-art science labs, new computer lab and third floor art loft

. Tuition assistance program

. Foreign language offerings (French from age 3; Spanish and Chinese from Grade 4)

. All teachers in Early School through grade 5 trained in F.A.S.T. reading techniques

. Environmental science curriculum

. Christian Life program

. Array of arts offerings including creative movement, visual arts, and a variety of performance opportunities

. Leadership and community service opportunities for Middle School students

. Interscholastic athletics including soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, boys’ lacrosse and cross country

. Recognition of academic achievements for Middle School students through academic awards assembly and National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony

. Geographic, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic diversity

. 20-acre campus with lakeside setting

. Before and after school activities including strings, chess club and intramural sports

. Before and After Care programs

Voices of Our Alumni

"My pursuit of higher education unquestionably began at the Academy. I am in a field now that is firmly rooted in science, and it all started in sixth grade biology and eighth grade honors chemistry."  -GPA alum, Class of '94

"I don't think I would be the person I am today if it hadn't been for the Academy. There is really no way to describe it. It was cool to do everything and anything and as much of it as you wanted. Not every kid can be good at everything, but that was okay too, and you were exposed to things in a very comforting way. I wasn't particularly musically inclined, for example, but I participated in the eighth grade play and I loved it. Everyone supported each other."  -GPA alum, Class of '92 (Johns Hopkins University '00, Wayne State School of Medicine)

"My teachers fostered the idea that it's okay to be pushed hard, and that when you are pushed and do well, it's all the more rewarding."  -GPA alum, Class of '94

"The Academy prepared me academically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. It was by far the best educational experience I've had so far - including Harvard."  -GPA alum, Class of '96 (Harvard '04)

"I was not an outdoorsy, wilderness type of person. Those Academy Adventures trips totally opened up the outdoors for me."  -GPA alum, Class of '97

"I always hoped I'd get into a good school and I know the Academy gave me an excellent start. I felt so much more prepared than other students in high school. I'm really grateful to my parents for sending me there."  -GPA alum, Class of '97 (Princeton '05)

"The Academy does a superb job in fostering moral and ethical education and cares more than any other school I know about developing the whole person. In pursuing a career in law, a strong ethical sense is key. In fact, it is mandated in the profession."  -GPA alum, Class of '89 (University of Michigan School of Law)

"I trace back my acceptance to Princeton to training I received at the Academy, in particular my facility with language and my intellectual curiosity."  -GPA alum, Class of '89 (Princeton '97)

"I have been a racial minority in every educational institution I have attended since second grade. I have never felt so comfortable as I felt at the Academy."  -GPA alum, Class of '89 (University of Michigan School of Law)

 "The trip to Washington, D.C. in fourth grade was the best trip I have ever gone on. It really opened my eyes to the world."  -GPA alum, Class of '04

To request an appointment or for further information, please fill out our Online Admissions Inquiry form or contact our Admissions Director, Molly McDermott at (313) 886-1221 ext. 146 or mmcdermott@gpacademy.org.