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
• Advanced curriculum and enrichment
• Learning specialists for advanced and emerging learners
• Licensed therapist Sean Hogan-Downey on staff to help with social interaction
• Recently renovated school building with media center, state-of-the-art science labs, new computer lab and third floor art loft
• Scholarships and tuition assistance program
• Foreign language offerings (French from age 3; Spanish and Chinese from Grade 4)
• All language arts teachers in Early School through grade 8 trained in F.A.S.T. reading techniques
• Environmental science curriculum
• Christian Life program and Monday morning Chapel assemblies
• Array of arts offerings including creative movement, visual arts, and a variety of performance opportunities
• Daily gym classes
• Leadership and community service opportunities integrated into the curriculum
• Interscholastic athletics including soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, boys' lacrosse and cross country
• Competitive chess team (three-time state winners)
• Award-winning forensics team
• Recognition of academic achievements for Middle School students through academic awards assembly and National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony
• Outdoor learning adventures and educational trips
• 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
"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 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.