Grace Christian School in Columbia, South Carolina

“I am a parent of a child that has been at Grace for several years and I can honestly say that Grace is the only place that I would put my child for their education. Grace offers a wide variety of extracuricular activites for the students, many fine arts opportunities as well as numerous athletic programs. They provide a loving and safe environment in which the children can learn effectively. It is disappointing to read such negative reviews but please understand that these are the minority not the majority. In a time of economic struggles Grace provides a great education for your money.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a former student of this school. I enjoyed grades 1-6 but hated every minute of Jr. high and high school. I was on the honor roll most years but I am now taking classes that I should have taken in high school at college. The principle is biggest problem. He continues ruin the school and the school board does nothing. Many parents are upset but are afraid to say anything because fear of retaliation towards their children. My younger sister recently has been taken out of the school is doing much better in public school where they treat her very kind. Stay away from this school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I attended grace from kindergarten through high school graduation. I loved my experience there, and overall am thankful I attended, but there are some things I didn't like throughout the years. The school is very legalistic, implying (but not directly saying) that you're not a Christian if you a) attend a different denominational church, b) wear pants if you're a girl, c) don't adhere to all of their rules (which they in turn are able to profess that all such rules come directly from the Bible (their interpretation of it). If you do not attend their church, you (as a student) will feel very left out and looked down upon as GBC students are given preference in many things (although no one would ever admit to this - i watched it first hand for over 13 years). Just be wary of their strict rules and condescending outlook on all things”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think grace is too strict and they want to control every aspect of your life.The teachers are careing but the administration is not.I would not send my kids here.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Having had two children graduate from GCS I can say that I have been pleased with educational, social and spiritual training my children have received. Their transition into college was smooth and their academic background made the transition much better. No school is perfect but I selected a school that would best mirror our world view and help us in the training of our children. Grace did that and more. My wife and I highly recommend GCS for your educational needs.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am pleased how this school year is going so far. My children enjoy going, but mind you it is still the first few weeks of school. The administration seems to be friendlier this year, which is a breath of fresh air. The teachers seem to be more open to suggestions and less moody.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I just came informed of this website, and I am a little disturbed. I have been involved with this School for many years and have had few problems. I think you should take everything with a grain of salt and come to see Grace for yourself. The school is structured and loving. The teachers and administration are willing to help. Every school has problems, but I have never had a problem or concern which was not handled quickly. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for an upscale private Christian School with wonderful, loving and compassionate teachers and staff. You feel the love for God and knowing that your children are not acceptable to drugs, profanity and overall worldliness is a big relief.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a child still at Grace and one who has graduated. I have been involved with this Christian School for 15 years and can say there have been some rough times, but mostly the school is a good one. The teachers are human and have had some problems, but overall they are compassionate to the students and the parents. The school is built on biblical views and that is reflected in the teaching of the students. They are ready for college and seem to get a really good education. I do think they should offer more electives in the high school, not just music and choir.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With a new Pastor in charge,maybe now the direction of the school will be more straight forward. The school has had some hard changes the last year, and the teachers and staff seem lost. I know that ANY school you send your children to this day will have problems, but knowing that I will have a say in how my child is taught and not taught is a great comfort. I just hope that the students will along with their parents not abandon Grace.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent of 2 Grace graduates I have to say I would not recommend this school. The administration is more concerned about the 'outward appearance' of the students than the inward condition of their heart. It's all about looking good on the outside regardless of the struggles teenagers go through in their daily lives. There is not much grace at Grace. Some academic departments are outstanding: HS Math and Music. The HS English department is lacking in teaching how to write papers. Literature takes precedence. They teach the Bible but don't apply much love and compassion. Too judgmental and inconsistent in their discipline. Overall it was a very distasteful and hurtful experience for my children”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have my children at Grace and we are looking forward to this comming school year. Each year is new changeles, but with the help of the teachers and staff I am sure things will go well for our daughter. I would not send her anywhere else. The friendships she has made are great and knowing that teachers can keep the problems to a minimun makes one less concern I have to deal with. Until Grace goes off the the deep end with their beliefs or policies we will continue to seen our child to this school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent, I have found that Grace is a wonderful place of education based upon Biblical principles. I really appreciate their stand in a lost and dying world. When other schools conform to the ways of a humanistic society, Grace holds to the standards that have worked and will continue to work with the support of the parents. My child has recieved a great education at Grace. Unfortunately, there are problems in every school, what should matter is how we as parent's handle dealing with them. The teachers show a great deal of concern for the students and as a parent I feel as though I am involved in many different aspects of the educational process. I have seen too many parents fall prey to the desires of their child and pull them out instead of taking a stand and doing what is right in God's eyes.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had four children attend and graduate from this school. All were accepted at four year colleges and did well. I think Grace has a strong academic program and is a good school. Standards are pretty high, may be a problem for some.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Good school overall. There are some problems and concerns I as a parent have, but the love and dedication most of the teachers show is appreciated. Some improvements could be made as with any school, but for the most part we have been satisfied.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have my children at Grace and even though there are problems at times, I would not send them anywhere else. I do feel they need more electives in the jr/Sr high, but they are working on that. They have improved in the sports and now offer girls softball again. If you are involved with your child and keep up with what is going on then things go smooth. I feel that I am well informed when it comes to the teachers and I can ask any questions or concerns that I may have. There are not a lot of turn around in the teachers which should tell you how much they are dedicated to the school and the children. My child will stay at Grace as long as the Lord will provide.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a former student,I loved the elementary part of the school. Mr.J was great and so were all of my teachers. The love I was shown is well remembered. I started to have a lot of problems in the Jr/Sr High part of the school in my 7th grade year. The sarcasm from the teachers was almost unbearable. If you did not go to church at Grace Baptist then you were an outcast. The Principal Mr. Stevens was very distant and unapproachable. I had great grades and did well in all of my classes,but if you did not conform to rules outside of school you were 'blackballed'. The love I felt in elementary school was not shown in the Jr/Sr High school and made me wonder, if this is what Christ is all about I do not want any part of it. I would not send my child to the High School.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“As an employee of Grace, I have had doubts about returning to the school. I have noticed that the whole school is suffering in the discipline department. I can see how parents and students get frustrated when rules do not apply to all. Our Principle over the Jr/Sr High is not a people person and shows two different sides of himself. He is not interested in the personal lives of the students or staff unless it will benefit him. A large number of students have been pulled out of Grace this year and unless the new Pastor steps in and makes some much needed changes in the leadership of the school, it will get even more worse. Our students are not seeing the Christian love needed to survive, and if the school doesn't get back on tract we will lose even more of the kids to the world.”
This review was posted by a staff.

“After many years at Grace, the last few have been awful. The leadership in this school has been going downhill for the last 3 years. Many students have exited this year making you wonder what is the problem. The staff do not seem unified and the administration lacks consistently. Maybe a new man in the leadership position who can run a school fairly and with compassion would help.We will not return to this one time great school until changes are made.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had 2 kids to attend K-4 thru 12th. They received a good educ./prepared for college.BUT,as far as the RULES, they are to legaliast.What a child does away from school is the PARENTS choice. This school wants to control every aspect of your child's life. The present HS administrator is not in touch w/the students. There is not a lot of 'Grace' shown at Grace Christian School. I am not saying this because my kids got in trouble there, they did'nt. I have observed this over the years.If I had to do it over again I would put my kids somewhere else for Jr/High and HS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family has been aquainted with this school for many years. It is not the school is used to be, and we are concerned about it's downward turn. We are considering pullingout.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Having a child who has been at Grace since the daycare, I have to say the last two years have been hard on her. She is in the elementary part of the school now, and I have noticed an attitude change in her teachers. The patience once shown is very limited. The supervisor in the elementary department is very willing to help, though the teachers often do what they fell is right, even when they were told not to do it. My child felt as though she could do nothing right in her teachers eyes. When you see a lack of compassion and love for the students, it makes you wonder where is Christ in this. Check the school out and ask a lot of questions.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think the school is good overall. Kids who apply themselves are for the most part ready for college life upon graduation. Not very many choices in elective classes for jr/sr high unless your child is involved in music. This is an area that the school needs to reconsider. Music and study halls are just about all the choices the students have, esp in jr high. Teachers are for the most part caring and devoted. Administration comes across as cold and uncaring at times and at times does not want to talk with parents concerning issues their child may be having. Costs per year seems a bit high considering what is offerd, but we are limited to Christian School choices in the area. Overall I would recommend the school. I felt this was a safe invironment for my child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a child in the elementary part of Grace. I have notice that most of the teachers in this department have a love for the children and will help in any areas needed.I have questioned the teacher that my child has, and have been made to feel as though I have not had the right to do so. I have gone above to the administrator and have had luck in resolving the problems.This is a strict school setting and if you are not prepared to conform to Grace standards you are at times look down at. You will have at least two to three hours of work four days a week and that can be overwhelming to a fifth grader. The bible is thought and if you are wanting this for your child, then Grace is good. You have to be involved with your child for them to excel.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school in whole is a good Christian school. The concern I have overall is the need for fairness in the high school. The school handbook is not followed through. There are not many classes offered other than what is needed. If your child is not into music, such as band or choir than there is not any classes to fill their free period. They will be in study hall or a teachers helper. This is the only Christian school in the West Columbia area, so your choices are limited.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent of two who have and are at Grace I have noticed a downward decline. The K-3 to K5 programs are pretty much the same. The main concern I see here are, lack of a supervisor who is available at all times.Other than that it is about the normal for a church kindergarten program. The elementary department is super, I would recommend it highly. I have some great concerns as to the 7th thru 12th grades. As my child was going thru Grace there was a lack in communication with the administration. The handbook, though intended to help, was mostly not followed. Requirements and rules were largely bents in the favor of the school and regulations were at times not followed. Respect for the family was questioned and the administration often tried to enforce school rules into the home life. I would pray hard about sending my child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Grace is a good school. The principal and teachers seem to be sincere for the most part. In the high school at least, there does seem to be some rigidity among the faculty and an unwillingness to change or bend. Overall however, I think the academic standard is pretty high.”
This review was posted by a parent.