Understanding Grace Christian Academy Tuition and Affordability

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, encompassing academic, spiritual, and financial considerations. Grace Christian Academy (GCA) understands this commitment and strives to make its private, Christian education accessible to as many families as possible. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of GCA's tuition structure, financial aid options, and related policies, drawing upon available information to offer a clear understanding of the investment involved in a GCA education.

Tuition Model: An Affordability Index

GCA employs an Affordability Index Tuition Model, designed to make Christian education accessible to a diverse range of families. This model utilizes a sliding scale to determine the out-of-pocket tuition and fee costs for each student, taking into account the family's financial status. The school's leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that GCS is accessible to all families.

To get an estimate of tuition costs, families can use the "Calculate Your Estimated Tuition" tool. This estimate considers the information provided by the family and the student's status concerning the NC Opportunity Scholarship. It includes Base Tuition, Base Fees, and Capital Facility Fees. It is important to note that failure to re-enroll during closed enrollment may result in the student's seat becoming unavailable.

Payment Options and Plans

GCA offers flexible payment plans to make education more affordable. Tuition can be paid in full by August 1st to receive a 5% discount. Alternatively, installment payments can be automatically debited by FACTS Tuition Management System on either the 5th or the 20th of each month (or the next business day after). FACTS assesses a $30 fee for each failed draft attempt. All tuition contracts with FACTS for the 2025 - 2026 school year will end May 24, 2026, therefore, payment plans will not extend beyond the end of school.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

GCA is committed to providing various financial aid and scholarship opportunities to assist families in affording a quality Christian education.

NC Opportunity Scholarship

Tuition Assistance is available to every enrolled student. To qualify, it is required first to apply for and accept, or renew, the student’s NC Opportunity Scholarship, offered through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA).

ESA+ Grant

In order for GCS students to be awarded an ESA+ Grant, they will go through an evaluation through Lee County to receive an IEP Eligibility Determination. This is approximately a 90-day process.

It is important to note the NCSEAA Parental Endorsement Policy: GCS begins disbursing funds well ahead of the academic year. However, funds provided by the NC Opportunity Scholarship & ESA+ are only distributed twice per academic year. All families are required to endorse these funds twice per year (each semester) as directed by GCS.

Aubrey Renee and Walker Wayne Buchanan Scholarship

The Aubrey Renee and Walker Wayne Buchanan Scholarship was created to honor the lives of two beloved Grace Christian School students who were tragically killed in a plane crash. This endowment provides scholarship assistance for students attending Grace Christian School, with a special preference for families working in agriculture - those whose hard work and dedication are foundational to our community.

Pastoral Scholarship Program

In an effort to support Pastors and Military Chaplains, GCS is honored to provide up to a 50% base tuition scholarship to full-time pastors and military chaplain families who meet the qualifications of our Pastoral Scholarship Program. A Pastoral Scholarship Form must be submitted with prior year tax returns and verified by Church/Military Leadership.

GCS Financial Aid

Additional limited financial aid is available directly from GCS for families who apply and qualify. Any student accepted for GCS enrollment may apply for GCS Financial Aid. The Priority Application deadline for returning families is March 31st. To apply for GCS Financial Aid, you must first apply/accept or renew the NC Opportunity Scholarship. Once you have submitted an Opportunity Scholarship application, you may apply for GCS Financial Aid using the button below and selecting “Create an Account.”

Family Plan

Tuition is calculated from oldest to youngest child in the same family. The second child discount is 10%, the third child discount is 20%, the fourth child discount is 30% and each additional child enrolled in the same year is tuition free. No relatives other than brothers or sisters may be included in the family plan.

Enrollment and Withdrawal Policies

Understanding the enrollment and withdrawal policies is crucial for families considering GCA.

Enrollment Fees

Application and entrance test fees are due before testing. Registration fees officially reserve the student's spot for the school year.

Withdrawal Policies

Students are considered enrolled for the entire school year; therefore, budgets and teacher contracts are set accordingly. Application and Enrollment Fees are Non-refundable. Any annually-awarded financial aid is forfeited, in its entirety, upon withdrawal. Withdrawal fees are based on the grade of the student. Academic records will not be released until all balances, including withdrawal fees, are paid.

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Discounts apply only to tuition, not to other fees. Students entering during the school year will be charged a pro-rated amount for the portion of the first month they are enrolled. Students withdrawing from the school will be required to pay a withdrawal fee and the pro-rated payment based upon the number of days the student was enrolled for the final month. There will be no refunds of any kind for a student who is expelled from Grace Christian School.

If any payment is not made by the date due, the student(s) will not be permitted to class, and the school will be under no obligation to provide educational services or activities after payment becomes past due, including report cards, transcripts or diploma. All withdrawal fees go into effect the day after the students registration is completed.

The withdrawal deadline is July 31. Any withdrawals after July 31 will incur a withdrawal fee of 10% of the remaining tuition contract. If a student withdraws after the start of school, tuition is charged on a monthly basis. A 10% withdrawal fee of the remaining contract will be due. Requests for the transfer of student transcripts or records during the academic term will be processed only when a student’s account with Grace Christian School is current.

Additional Fees

Textbook Fees

Textbook fees are due by the first day of school. Any students registering after the first day of school will be required to pay the textbook fee at the time of registration.

Other Fees

Family Registration Fee $150Security Fee 1 CHILD $30 2 CHILDREN $253 OR MORE CHILDREN $75Annual Re-Enrollment $100CURRICULUM FEES 2 Year Olds $110 3 Year Olds $135 4/5 Year Olds $150Late Payment Fees $25 (due on Wednesdays)Late Pick Up Fees $3 (per minute)School Breaks & Summer Camp Includes Field Trips. $175 WeeklyDaily Drop-In $50 Daily

Tuition for Different Age Groups

Full Time Enrollment

WEEKLY FEE MON-FRI, 6AM-6PMInfants (6 weeks - 12 months) $235Toddlers (18 - 24 months) $2352 Year Olds $2103 Year Olds $2004/5 Year Olds (Junior Kindergarten) $190

Part Time Enrollment

MONTHLY FEE MON-FRI, 7:30AM-3:30PM. ONLY FOR JUNOR KINDERGARTEN AND 3 YEAR OLDSMonthly $600

Before/After School Care

WEEKLY FEEPublic School Students After School only $80Grace Christian Academy Students Before School only $40After School only $70Before & After School $90

After Care is available for students in all grades from the end of school until 6:00 pm. Additional fees for participation in the Learning Enrichment and Achievement Program are based upon individual assessment and services provided. Tuition for international students is $19,645 (first-year international students are also required to pay the $125 application fee and the $1,000 enrollment fee).

How to Sign Up with FACTS Tuition Management

To manage your current FACTS account or to create a FACTS account, click the "FACTS" logo below. After linking to the tuition management page, please follow these instructions: If you are a NEW MEMBER FAMILY, under ‘New User’, select ‘Get Started’ to begin, then follow the directions given. If you are a RETURNING MEMBER FAMILY, you are already enrolled by FACTS for 2025-2026 tuition and ancillary payments. and update your account. If you desire a different payment plan, please contact the finance office at 706-323-9161. If you need any help throughout the process, you may direct your questions to the FACTS Management Company at 866-441-4637, or you may call the School Office at 706-323-9161. online message.

Additional Information About Grace Christian Academy

Grace Christian Academy is located at 14325 CRESCENT LANDING DR HOUSTON, TX 77062. According to Niche, Grace Christian Academy is an above average, private, Christian (General) school located in HOUSTON, TX. It has 185 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1. Tuition is $8,350 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 60% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college. The average graduation rate is 100%. The student diversity grade is A. 50% of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive. 60% of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy, and 90% of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic. The teacher-student ratio is 7:1, while the national average is 16:1. 57% of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. 57% of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need. 71% of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.

Reviews

While the school generally receives positive ratings for being good for families (A+), some reviews present a mixed perspective. Some former and current students mention issues such as favoritism, bullying, and a lack of diversity. However, others highlight the comforting nature of the student body for new individuals. It's important to consider these reviews as individual experiences and weigh them alongside other factors when making a decision.

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