Grace Academy History

Our Story

 

In the spring of 2009, Matthew and Sarah Fitzsimons, along with a group of concerned persons, initiated a feasibility study into opening an all-girls counterpart to Covenant Prepatory School, a recently opened all boys middle school During this same time period, leaders of four congregations of women religious were exploring among themselves the idea of a NativityMiguel school for girls. Members of South Congregational Church-Hartford had also been investigating opportunities to house a school in their spacious facilities. Committed individuals inspired by the need for a middle school serving students from Hartford reached out to members of South Congregational Church and the four congregations of women religious for their support…and the formation of our school began.

 

The feasibility study for an all-girls school included: a review of Hartford’s demographic data; consultation with community groups, business leaders and parents; and the formation of a Steering Committee. Parents and community leaders pointed to a critical need for intervention at the middle school level.

 

By the spring of 2010, the leadership of the four congregations of women religious and South Congregational Church-Hartford combined their resources to recognize the work of the lay leaders and endorse Grace Academy.  The combination of the need with commitments of financial support, provided the three entities with a belief that Grace Academy would serve as a beacon of hope to families in Hartford. Belief is the foundation of the four congregations of women religious and South Congregational Church – belief in the girls of Hartford, belief in the power of education, and belief in a future full of possibilities.  The Grace Academy Steering Committee, the four congregations of women religious, and the members of South Congregational Church were the first to believe and invest in the concept of a challenging, nurturing, interfaith middle school for girls in Hartford.

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In 2020, Grace Academy relocated a couple blocks away to our current location in Central Baptist Church. It was also the year that our first group of alumni graduated from college, completing the first full 12-year commitment that we make to each of our students. We now have over 100 graduates, many of whom attend or have graduated from some of our areas most prestigious high schools and universities. For more information, click here. 

 

Grace Academy offers a holistic educational program: small classes, extended-day, -week and -year, summer school, graduate support, intensive academics, commitment from the parents, and collaborative partnerships with community organizations.

 

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Our Core Values

 

 Respect   |   Leadership Through Academic Excellence   |   Courageous Compassion   |   ​Hospitality   |   Joy   |   Grace

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