Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing a school is a big decision, and we want you to have the information you need. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from prospective families. If you don't see your question here, we'd love to hear from you. Just reach out and we'll be happy to help.
General Information
GRCA welcomes students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Pre-K students must be 3 years old by September 1st of the incoming year and fully potty trained. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1st.
Great Rock Christian Academy is a ministry of Great Rock Church in Danvers, Massachusetts. While the school operates under the church, GRCA serves families throughout the North Shore and beyond.
GRCA is officially recognized by the Town of Danvers as a private school as of November of 2023. We are not currently accredited, though accreditation is a long-term goal. Our students receive a rigorous, biblically integrated education using established curriculum, and our graduates have gone on to attend a range of colleges and universities.
We use the Abeka curriculum across all grade levels. Abeka provides rigorous, biblically integrated academics with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also participate in art, music, and physical education.
Admissions & Enrollment
Getting started is simple. We encourage families to begin by scheduling a campus tour so you can see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and get a feel for the community. From there, you'll submit an inquiry form and someone from our admissions office will follow up with an application. Once your application is processed, we'll work with you on class placement, tuition arrangements, and everything else you need to get started.
We encourage families to apply by April so we can plan for the upcoming school year. However, we do continue accepting applications through the summer and into the school year. If you're considering GRCA mid-year, don't hesitate to reach out. We accept mid-year enrollments and are happy to discuss how to make the transition smooth for your child. Contact our admissions office for specific dates and details.
Academic Program
Faith isn't an add-on at GRCA. It's woven into everything we do. Scripture is central to every area of learning, and students gather daily for chapel, which includes worship, prayer, and age-appropriate teaching. Our goal is to help students develop a Christ-centered perspective that shapes how they see every subject and every area of life.
Yes, we have several students with IEPs. While we do not have a formal special education program or licensed special educators, we do have a Student Support Department that works to support students with the resources available to us. IEP documents are extremely helpful to our team as they provide insight into a student's learning needs, accommodations, and goals. We encourage families to connect with us directly so we can discuss your child's specific needs and how we can best support them.
Homeschool Co-Op Program
Our co-op program allows homeschool families to enroll their students in specific classes at GRCA while maintaining their primary homeschool curriculum at home. Students enrolled through our homeschool enrollment pathway receive the same instructional program and course offerings as traditionally enrolled students. Families remain responsible for registering with their local school district as homeschoolers and for submitting any documentation required by their district in accordance with Massachusetts homeschool regulations.
There is no difference in the education your child receives, both pathways offer the same instruction and classroom experience. The key distinction is related to athletics. Students enrolled through the private school pathway may not be eligible to play sports for their town of residence. Students enrolled through the homeschool enrollment pathway may be eligible to participate in municipal or public-school athletic programs, though eligibility is determined by the student's local district and the governing athletic association. Families are responsible for confirming and maintaining any such eligibility. Homeschool co-op families must also register as homeschoolers with their school district and meet any documentation requirements their district requires. Individual courses through the co-op are available at $1,500 per course.
For middle and high school students, core subjects meet three days per week. If classes are strategically chosen (no more than two core subjects), your child could attend as few as three days per week. For elementary students, subjects meet daily, and while our co-op is designed to work with homeschool families, we are not able to accommodate customized weekly schedules at the elementary level. We're happy to discuss what might work best for your family.
Many homeschool-pathway students pursue participation in local town sports, subject to the eligibility policies of their district and athletic association. Families are responsible for confirming these requirements. For questions about sports and eligibility, you can contact our Head of School at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 781-307-2802.
Daily Life & Logistics
The building opens at 7:00 AM with free breakfast provided until approximately 8:10 AM. Class hours vary by level: elementary students (Pre-K–6th grade) attend from 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM, and middle and high school students (7th–12th grade) attend from 7:30 AM to 2:15 PM. Every Wednesday is an early release day, with dismissal at 1:30 PM for all students.
GRCA offers an optional hot lunch program. Families can choose from daily lunch service or a Pizza Fridays option. Details and pricing are available through the admissions office. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home.
Yes. Students wear GRCA apparel (t-shirt or sweatshirt) as their visible outer layer, paired with khaki, navy, or black pants, shorts, skorts, or skirts. The dress code is designed to promote modesty, neatness, and a focused learning environment. Full dress code details are provided during the enrollment process.
Yes, and it's included at no additional cost. Free extended care is available from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM every school day for all families. No extra fees, no sign-up required.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition covers all core academics, daily chapel, and extended care from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM at no additional cost. For detailed tuition information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Yes. GRCA offers needs-based financial aid through a third-party application process, as well as a church member discount and sibling discounts for families with multiple students enrolled. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to talk with you about your family's needs.