Frequently Asked Questions

When does the school day begin?
The instructional school day begins promptly at 8:25 a.m. Students will be allowed in their classrooms beginning at 8:10 a.m. and may be dropped off at the main school and Early School circle drives. Administrators, faculty and students are on hand from 8:10 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. to assist children in getting out of their cars.

Are there before and after school programs?
We seek many ways to make an Academy education enriching for our students as well as convenient and manageable for our families. The Academy offers both a Morning Care program and an After Care program for children ages 3 through Grade 8. A fee will be charged for both programs, with all billing handled by the Business Office. The Morning Care program begins at 7:30 a.m., and any students who arrive before 8:10 a.m. report to the Morning Care director in the cafeteria. The After Care Program provides an after-school learning program for children ages 3 through Grade 8. Parents can arrange to take advantage of this service on a regular or occasional basis.

Is lunch provided by the school?
A nutritious hot lunch is included in the cost of tuition for all students in Grades 1-8. No school lunch is offered in the Early School. Children who remain for the afternoon bring their lunches daily. Milk or juice and a snack are provided for each student daily.

Is there bus transportation?
At this time, The Grosse Pointe Academy does not provide transportation to and from school. The Academy does provide bus transportation to and from athletic games and meets or for any Academy sponsored field trip or outing at no additional cost.

Is there a school uniform?
The Academy requires all students to follow specific uniform requirements that vary depending on grade and gender. Formal dress is required on Mondays, and there is a warm weather uniform for fall and spring. Information on uniform requirements and vendors is available on-line under "Students/Parents". You may also request a uniform requirement sheet from the Admissions Office.

What are your application deadlines?
We do not have specific deadlines for application but encourage families to apply during the fall/winter before they wish to enroll. We will continue to accept applications even after a grade has been filled and will notify applicants that they have been put on a waiting list.

When can I tour the school?
You may arrange a private tour with the admissions office at a mutually agreeable time or attend one of the Open Houses that are offered throughout the year.

Does the school have a nurse on staff?
The safety and well being of our students is our first concern. The Academy employs a full-time nurse who will administer first aid and notify parents or guardians immediately should illness or injuries occur during school hours. The school nurse will administer any medication prescribed by a physician, monitor illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, and teach CPR to families and students at request. In addition, the school nurse follows all procedures in accordance with OSHA. The school has three defibrillators on campus and every staff member has been certified in its use.

Does the school employ a counselor?
The Academy's school counselor and staff consultant, Sean Hogan-Downey, A.C.S.W., is available to students at the request of a family or faculty member to provide guidance on a one-on-one basis to discuss school, community, family or adolescent concerns and to seek solutions and professional insights. Guidance on high school placement for eighth graders is provided by the Middle School principal and faculty members.

Does the Academy have any gifted students or students with special needs?
The Academy is committed to the success of every one of its students. Our learning resource specialists work with children on an individual and small group basis to make sure all of their needs are met, from enrichment to reinforcement. The learning resources specialists also work with teachers to help design individualized programs to meet specific student needs.

How are students' academic achievements recognized?
Middle school students achieving exemplary grades in their schoolwork will be eligible for academic Honor Rolls. To qualify for High Honors, students must have an A- average with no grade below a C-. Honors can be achieved by earning a B+ average with no grade below a C-. Middle School students are also eligible for membership in the National Junior Honor Society if they maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above each trimester and demonstrate leadership, service, character and citizenship. Students meeting the academic requirements will be asked to complete an information form to give evidence of these qualities. A Faculty Council, appointed by the Principal, will carefully review the information sheets submitted by eligible students and make the final decisions for membership in the National Junior Honor Society.

Are students recognized for good citizenship?
Since all Academy students are expected to demonstrate good citizenship and follow the school's code of behavior, recognition is given only to those students who receive an evaluation of outstanding or excellent in every area of their citizenship reports. Students who achieve both academic and citizenship honor rolls will become part of the Head of School's Honor Roll to further recognize their overall excellence as outstanding members of the school community.

Is there a Student Council?
Each year the Middle School holds elections for Student Council officers. Nomination and candidate speeches are made during Monday morning Chapel assemblies and all sixth through eighth grade students are eligible to vote. The four elected officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer - and elected representatives from each grade direct student activities and serve as a clearinghouse for ideas. The council works in conjunction with the Middle School Principal, the Head of School and the faculty advisor. Leadership opportunities are provided and encouraged in these groups as well as in numerous programs.

What is the school's policy regarding technology?
The Grosse Pointe Academy has established a school-wide network with access to the Internet. The Academy's goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence through communication, resource sharing and connectivity. We believe that the World Wide Web offers vast, diverse and unique resources for learning and that this potential far outweighs the possibility that students may procure material that is inappropriate or inconsistent with the educational goals of the Academy. Students are responsible for their good behavior on the network and Internet just as they are throughout the rest of the school. Access to the network and Internet is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.

Are cell phones or other electronic devices allowed at school?
The Academy bans the use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, Gameboys, etc. during the school day. Use of electronic devices during after school sports or field trips is at the discretion of the coaches and teachers.

If my child enrolls at GPA, is there a parent organization I can join?
A strong parent organization is essential to the success of our school. Every Academy parent is a member of the Parents' Coordinating Council (PCC). The purpose of the PCC is to provide opportunities for you to become involved in the educational experience of your child and to make you feel a part of The Grosse Pointe Academy family. The PCC acts as a critical communication link uniting parents, faculty, administration and the Board of Trustees. PCC meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every other month. These meetings provide an opportunity to learn about upcoming events and programs; a structured forum for parents to talk to and learn from one another; and education for parents on a variety of important topics including parenting issues and children's health and welfare.

The PCC also coordinates volunteer activities throughout the school year. The high level of parental involvement at the Academy contributes significantly to the success and excellence that we have come to expect at our school. Volunteer opportunities exist in many forms and, as an Academy parent, you will be informed of those opportunities in school mailings.

Will I be asked to participate in fund-raising activities or make monetary contributions to the school?
Nationally renowned independent schools like The Grosse Pointe Academy are faced with the challenge of attracting top students and teachers. Tuition is kept lower than the educational cost to keep an Academy education more affordable to a greater number of students. Tuition revenue covers only 80% of the school's annual expenses. The difference is made up with fund-raisers like the Annual Fund and Action Auction, which make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost to educate each child. As an Academy parent, you will be given opportunities to participate in these and other fund-raising activities at whatever level you are most comfortable.

For more information, please call the Advancement Office at 313-886-1221 ext. 181 for a "Ways to Give" brochure.