Why is a private school education important?
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make in the course of raising your family. As a member of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools, Grace-St. Luke’s is one of Shelby County's leading private schools. As such, we are able to provide a very special and safe environment that nurtures and encourages every child. Our mission is to provide an excellent education for each student we accept, and we believe that in fostering the unique, individual talents and strengths of every child, we can help each one chart the best course for lifelong success. We intentionally aspire to guide each child to develop to his or her fullest potential. We are building lifelong learners who graduate from GSL prepared to participate fully in their high schools and colleges, and with the 21st century skills necessary to become engaged and productive citizens of the larger community.

How competitive is admission to your school?
Admission to GSL is competitive and does vary by grade and division level. With four sections of prekindergarten, we always have approximately 64 spots available for our youngest students entering school. After that we offer spaces as available in junior kindergarten through grade 8. Siblings of current GSL students are given priority in admissions, as are children of GSL alumni. All prospective students entering GSL undergo an admissions assessment by a current teacher, and the admissions committee reviews academic records and recommendations from the students’ current day care or school. Students seeking a spot in grades 5-8 must take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) to be considered for admission.

Why a co-ed school?
The greatest benefit of co-ed schools is their ability to provide a real-world learning environment, where students share experiences, develop friendships, and learn to work together with students of the opposite sex from day one. In this way, students can learn to interact appropriately and develop respect for the inherent intellectual abilities, talents, and personalities of all of their classmates, regardless of gender and stereotypes. At GSL, both female and male students are equal and active participants in academics as well as extracurriculars such as art, athletics, theatre, music, clubs, student government, and much more. On a daily basis, our students get to know each other as individuals, study together, compete, share both joyful and difficult times, and, along the way, grow into young men and women of good character. School spirit also seems to be heightened in a co-ed school, as athletic and other school events offer opportunities for socialization and an outpouring of shared pride in fellow classmates’ accomplishments.

How large are your classes?
Our student-teacher ratio is 9:1; in the Preschool our classes average 16 per section, and range up to 18 and 20 in Lower and Middle School. Our relatively small size and tight-knit community gives teachers the chance to become well acquainted with every student and each one’s individual talents and strengths.

Do you have a dress code?
Yes. While students in PK, JK, and SK are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to play in, students in Grades 1-8 are required to wear a uniform. Grade 1-8 boys have the option of pants or shorts, with a GSL polo shirt. Grade 1-8 girls have the option of a jumper, skirt, pants, or shorts, with a GSL polo shirt or blouse. The rationale behind the dress code is simple. We want children to focus on learning about themselves and the world around them, not on who is wearing what. Uniforms are, in the long run, less expensive. We want our children to represent the school when we travel off campus and to be identified as GSL students. Finally, we hope your mornings will be less stressful at home because the clothing options are limited.

Do you offer financial assistance?
Financial assistance is available for students entering senior kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents must apply annually to receive this assistance, and applicants must complete and submit the Parents’ Financial Statement application from the NAIS School and Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid. Applicants must also submit a copy of their current federal income tax report to the school’s Financial Aid Office.

What opportunities are available for parental involvement?
We are fortunate at GSL to have a very engaged, active community of parents who work well in partnership to support the efforts of the school. We consider parents integral and active members of the school community. Every parent is a member of the Parents' Association, which is active in sponsoring and hosting many school events. There are numerous opportunities for parents to volunteer to help with different events that advance the school’s mission and efforts. Parents are also frequently seen in Preschool and Lower School as special guests and readers in the classroom.

Is there a focus on character education?
As an Episcopal school, our mission includes caring for the whole child in a setting that reflects the faith of the Episcopal Church. We are proud to supplement our students’ first-rate education by continuing to teach and reinforce the valuable lessons they learn at home. Our weekly class meetings and chapel services are dedicated to the development of character. Through the Lower School’s Tips for a Happy Life chapel talks and the Middle School’s Traits for Success program, students learn responsibility, caring, trust, honesty and respect, and how to apply each of these concepts to their own lives. Emphasis is also placed on problem and conflict resolution skills. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of good citizenship and service to others from the beginning of their education at GSL.

Why is GSL committed to a PK-8th grade configuration; why not add a high school?

At GSL, we believe that the PK-8th grade configuration provides an extremely important benefit--the ability to focus on the needs of a smaller range of ages, 3 to 13, and provide these students exactly what they need at this stage of development. Without the pressures that a high school brings, we are able to provide very authentic, age-appropriate leadership opportunities that range from third graders serving as SK reading buddies, to the 4th grade Citizenship Breakfast, to 8th graders delivering chapel talks about their GSL experience in front of the whole school. What's more, by the time our students graduate from 8th grade, they have a very good idea of who they are and how they learn best. In this way, we can give parents the ability to make a very informed decision about what kind of high school will best fit their child.