Grace Christian School (GCS) has dedicated over 1,000 hours in research, planning, and deliberation to develop a plan for its students. Over the summer, GCS’s leadership has consulted professional organizations, including the Association of Christian Schools International, Virginia Council for Private Education, VA Department of Health (VDH), the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, medical professionals, and others in developing the plan. 

On July 23, 2020, the CDC published a paper that addresses the importance of reopening America's schools this fall. Some of its key points entail:

•  COVID-19's impact on children

 According to the CDC's report:

"The United States reported that children and adolescents under 18 years old account for under 7 percent of COVID-19 cases and less than 0.1 percent of COVID-19-related deaths. So far in this pandemic, deaths of children are less than in each of the last five flu seasons." The CDC also states that "children are unlikely to be major drivers of the spread of the virus."

• Negative effects of extended school closures

The CDC reported that:

"Following the wave of school closures in March 2020 due to COVID-19, academic learning slowed for most children and stopped for some," also adding that "school closure disrupts the delivery of in-person instruction and critical services to children and families, which has negative individual and societal ramifications."

• Importance of in-person school environment

The CDC concluded that:

"Schools provide critical services that help meet the needs of children and families . . . through supporting the development of social and emotional skills, creating a safe environment for learning . . . and facilitating physical activity."

Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics is strongly advocating that all policy considerations for the coming school year involve having students physically present in school. GCS stands in agreement with these professional institutions and acknowledges that in-person learning will not only give students the opportunity to thrive academically, but mentally, socially, and spiritually as well. Our holistic educational approach ultimately prepares our students to grow into confident Christian leaders and life-changers. When students are on campus, we have the opportunity to disciple them well. 

GCS has invested over $100,000 in training, staffing, acquiring additional technology, new policies and procedures, and additional cleaning supplies/protocols. We look forward to beginning the 2020-21 school year on campus on August 20 in a learning environment that challenges students to reach their full potential. In every circumstance, both planned and unforeseen, our faculty and staff are wholeheartedly devoted to seeing our students succeed.