If you are looking for a private school in Escondido, CA, Grace Christian School provides Christian education from preschool through 8th grade in a Christ-centered environment with a rigorous academic program, differentiated instruction, student support, technology, and opportunities for students to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
For more than 60 years, Grace Christian School has served families in Escondido and neighboring communities. Grace Christian School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA).
Grace Christian School – Overview
- School: Grace Christian School
- Location: 643 West 13th Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
- Grades: Preschool through 8th grade
- School type: Private Christian school
- Preschool: Infant and preschool programs
- Elementary: Kindergarten through 5th grade
- Middle School: Grades 6–8
- Accreditation: WASC and NLSA
- School history: More than 60 years
- Admissions: Campus tour, online application, required documents, and enrollment fee
- Extended care: Available for Grace Christian School students
- Tuition assistance: Available through the Appleseed Fund and financial-aid process
Private School Programs at Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School provides a continuous educational pathway from infancy and preschool through elementary and middle school. Families can choose the program that corresponds to their child’s age and grade level while remaining within the same Christian school community.
Infant and Preschool Program
Grace Christian School’s preschool program is designed to nurture children academically, emotionally, socially, physically, creatively, and spiritually.
The preschool provides age-specific programs for infants and preschool-aged children, with current categories including:
- Angels
- Sunshine
- Garden
- Lighthouse
- Busy Bees
Grace Christian Preschool emphasizes learning through play, exploration, creativity, and discovery, while providing a hands-on learning environment grounded in Christian principles.
Preschool tuition is available for infants, 2-year-olds, and 3–5-year-olds, with full-day and half-day options and schedules ranging from two to five days per week.
Kindergarten Through 5th Grade
Grace Christian School’s K–5 program provides students with academic instruction alongside Christian education and opportunities to develop their individual abilities.
The kindergarten program includes:
- Phonics-based reading
- Mathematics
- Science and math exploration
- Computer use
- Art
- Problem-solving opportunities
- Weekly chapel
- Daily prayers and songs
The elementary program for grades 1–5 includes:
- Daily Bible instruction
- Phonics-based reading
- Accelerated Reader
- Challenging mathematics
- Social studies
- Hands-on science
- Choral and theater opportunities
- Physical education
- Technology
- Grade-specific educational trips and activities
Middle School: Grades 6–8
The Grace Christian School middle school program is designed to help students develop independence, responsibility, and spiritual maturity while continuing to build strong academic foundations.
Middle school is departmentalized, with subject-area experts teaching individual disciplines. Classrooms use Promethean interactive whiteboards or document cameras, and middle school students receive their own Chromebook as part of the curriculum.
The middle school learning experience also includes hands-on learning, curriculum-enhancing field trips, and science labs.
Academics at Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School emphasizes a rigorous academic program in a differentiated learning environment. The school’s multisensory approach is designed to address a wide variety of learning styles.
Technology is incorporated throughout the K–8 academic experience. Grace Christian School classrooms use Promethean interactive whiteboards and document cameras, while middle school students receive individual Chromebooks as part of their curriculum.
MAP Testing and Academic Measurement
Students in grades 1–8 participate annually in MAPS standardized testing. Grace Christian School reports that students average in the 80th percentile nationally on the MAPS assessment.
Grace Christian School also reports that students consistently score one to two years above grade level and that 8th-grade students attain a combined grade equivalent averaging a first-year college student in reading, language, and mathematics.
These assessments provide a way to measure student achievement against broader national standards.
WASC and NLSA Accreditation
Grace Christian School is fully accredited by both:
The dual accreditation is an important part of Grace Christian School’s commitment to academic quality and continuous school improvement.
Grace Christian School’s Lutheran identity is also reflected in its educational environment and Christian mission. The school welcomes families from different faith backgrounds while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ from a Lutheran perspective. Church membership is not required for enrollment.
Student Support at Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School provides several student services designed to support academic progress, individual needs, and the transition between grade levels.
Homework Club for Grades 6–8
The Homework Club operates from 3:00–4:00 p.m. and provides grades 6–8 students with homework assistance from credentialed teachers in a small-group environment.
Tutoring
Grace Christian School’s principal matches students with tutors when additional academic support is appropriate. Tutors may be credentialed teachers or high school students who are Grace Christian School alumni.
Accommodation and 504 Plans
When a student has a diagnosed learning or behavioral difficulty, Grace Christian School works with the student’s psychologist and classroom teacher to create and implement appropriate accommodation plans.
Counseling
The principal meets with students and parents for individual and crisis counseling situations on campus. Long-term therapy for students and families is handled through referrals to outside agencies.
High School Transition
Grace Christian School’s principal assists 8th-grade students and their parents with the transition and registration process for high school.
2026–2027 Private School Tuition in Escondido
For families comparing private school tuition in Escondido, Grace Christian School publishes separate tuition schedules for preschool and K–8.
2026–2027 Preschool Tuition
The 2026–2027 preschool tuition schedule includes different rates according to the child’s age, number of days per week, and full-day or half-day schedule.
For 3–5-year-olds attending five days per week:
- Full day: $1,115 per month
- Half day: $990 per month
For 2-year-olds attending five days per week:
- Full day: $1,215 per month
- Half day: $1,035 per month
For infants attending five days per week:
- Full day: $1,715 per month
The preschool annual enrollment fee is $200. The current schedule also provides tuition rates for two- and three-day schedules and additional-day options.
2026–2027 Kindergarten Tuition
Grace Christian School offers several kindergarten schedules:
| Kindergarten Schedule | Annual Tuition | Monthly Tuition |
| 5 Full Days | $9,135 | $914 |
| 2 Half Days + 3 Full Days | $8,453 | $845 |
| 3 Half Days + 2 Full Days | $7,928 | $793 |
| 5 Half Days | $7,350 | $735 |
The K–8 enrollment fee is $300 per student and is non-refundable.
2026–2027 Elementary and Middle School Tuition
For grades 1–5:
- Annual tuition: $9,135
- Monthly tuition: $914
For Middle School (1:1 Program):
- Annual tuition: $9,450
- Monthly tuition: $945
Grace Christian School states that K–8 tuition includes the yearbook, Friday T-shirt, technology, and all classroom curriculum materials. The standard payment schedule is 10 monthly payments from August through May, with a 12-month option available by contacting the school office.
Tuition Discounts and Financial Aid
Grace Christian School offers several tuition discounts for qualifying families.
For K–8:
- 5% multi-child discount for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th child
- 2% full-year payment discount
- 1% half-year payment discount
- 10% active military discount
- Pastor discount available by inquiry
For preschool:
- 20% multi-child sibling discount
- 10% active military discount
- Pastor discount available by inquiry
Grace Christian School also provides tuition assistance through the Appleseed Fund. Families applying for financial aid must first complete the Gradelink online application and then complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment process. The current financial-aid information states that applications can be submitted beginning February 1, with supporting documents due by April 15 each year.
Extended Care at Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School’s current 2026–2027 tuition page lists extended care from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The published rates are:
- $13 per hour per student
- $16 per hour per family
- Maximum of $300 per student
- Maximum of $400 per family
Grace Christian School also offers a summer camp program with activities and outings during the summer.
How to Enroll at Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School’s admissions process consists of four primary steps:
1. Schedule a Campus Tour
Families can request a campus tour to learn more about Grace Christian School and experience the school environment.
2. Complete the Online Enrollment Application
After the tour, families can complete the online enrollment form.
3. Submit Required Documents and Enrollment Fee
Applicants submit the required documents and pay the applicable enrollment fee.
4. Receive Admissions Follow-Up
Grace Christian School’s admissions team reviews the application and contacts the family with information about the next steps.
Tour dates and times are subject to confirmation. Grace Christian School notes that a tour is not finalized until the family receives a confirmation email and Google Calendar invitation from the Admissions Team.
Is Church Membership Required to Attend Grace Christian School?
No. Church membership is not required.
Grace Christian School welcomes families from different faith backgrounds and shares the Good News of Jesus Christ from a Lutheran perspective.
Where Do Grace Christian School Graduates Go After 8th Grade?
Grace Christian School graduates attend local public and private high schools. The school identifies high schools including schools in Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, Vista, and Valley Center, as well as private schools such as Cathedral Catholic, Calvin Christian, Tri-City Christian, and Francis Parker.
Grace Christian School also identifies graduates who have attended universities including Johns Hopkins, Stanford, UC Davis, UCLA, TCU, Cal Poly, UCSD, Point Loma Nazarene, Yale, Concordia Irvine, Cal Lutheran, and Biola.
Visit Grace Christian School in Escondido, CA
If you are comparing private schools in Escondido, CA, Grace Christian School provides a Preschool–8th grade educational pathway with Christian instruction, rigorous academics, WASC and NLSA accreditation, differentiated learning, technology, student support, and programs designed for different stages of a child’s education.
Grace Christian School
643 West 13th Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (760) 747-3029 Ext. 7115
Families interested in enrollment can schedule a campus tour, review the admissions process, and contact Grace Christian School to discuss the appropriate program for their child. The school office is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.