Name: Grace Brethren Christian School
Address: 6501 Surratts Road Clinton, MD 20735
Phone Number: 301-868-1600
Fax Number: 301-868-9475
Web site: www.gbcseagles.org
Email: george.hornickel@gbcseagles.org
Head of School: George Hornickel
Type of school: Private Christian
Founded: 1965
Ages/Grades: K4 to grade 12
Setting: Prince Georges County in suburban Washington, DC
School Size: 770
Classroom Size: 14-25
Student/Teacher ratio: 14:1
Tuition: $6595 Elementary, $6795 Middle School, $7095 High School
Financial Aid: Yes, with qualifying income. Prospects must fill out a financial aid form for analysis by an outside company
Departments: K4/K5, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Discovery
Curriculum: Traditional taught from a Biblical worldview
% Graduating Class: 90% of graduating seniors attend college and half receive scholarship offers
Support Services: NILD (National Institutes for Learning Development) for children with learning disabilities
Afterschool Programs: Yes, sports, activities, after care
Computer Capabilities: Two fully equipped labs, one yearbook lab, and limited library access
School Championships:
Last 3 years listed:
2005 – Boys and girls soccer: NCSAA Tournament Champs in Erie, PA
2006 – Girls basketball: PVAC Conference Champs, Maryland Christian School Champs; Boys basketball: PVAC Conference Champs
2007 – Girls basketball: PVAC Conference Champs; Boys basketball: Maryland Christian School Champs
Clubs: Spanish Club for grades 1 – 4, Secondary drama, band, choral groups
Admissions Requirements: Positive grades and behavior from previous school, positive references, and passing of entrance exam for reading comprehension and math
Mission Statement: To provide an environment of academic excellence conducive to developing educated citizens with a Biblical worldview who are prepared to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in all walks of life
Notes:
Grace Brethren Christian School is accredited by the following agencies:
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Maryland Department of Education
National Institutes for Learning Development (NILD)

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I Corinthians 8:6 - But to us there is but one God, the Father,
of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.

Colossians 1:16-17 - For by Him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and
invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or powers: all things were
created by Him and for Him.

The educational process is dependent on the institution's philosophy of education. A Christian philosophy of education provides GBCS with a Biblical viewpoint for teaching all subject areas and establishing appropriate behaviors and attitudes in school activities. GBCS believes that the following concepts are foundational to a Christian philosophy of education.

God is the creator and sustainer of all things.

God is truth and the source of all truth.

God maintains control over His universe.

True meanings and values can be determined only in the light of God's person, purpose and work.

Since all truth comes from God the Father, His son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, they must be at the center of all education.

God has given to parents the responsibility for educating their children and the Christian school continues to augment the training begun in the Christian home. The family, the church and the Christian school are to be complementary in educating the student for a life of fellowship with God and service to man.

A Christian climate of love, understanding and respect between student and teacher will develop a student's self-esteem through an appreciation of their infinite value to God.

Students should be provided an educational program that emphasizes basic academic skills and an appreciation of the arts to enhance the development of God-given abilities.

Students learn best by active participation in the learning process.

Moral standards and a value system based on the Bible best prepare a student for fulfilling personal responsibilities in our society.

HISTORY OF GRACE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

1965 The school was founded in November by Mrs. Dorothy B. Dixon. There were three staff members and 11 children from ages six weeks through five years.

1966 Kindergarten classes started and the total enrollment was 34 students.

1969 Accreditation was obtained from the Maryland State Board of Education. Grades 1 and 2 were added and 146 students were enrolled.

1970 Grades 3 and 4 were added and 200 students were enrolled.

1971 Grade 5 was added and 224 students were enrolled.

1972 Grade 6 was added and 216 students enrolled.

1973 Grades 7 and 8 and four modular classrooms were added. 333 students were enrolled.

1974 Space was rented from Bethany Lutheran Church for a second campus. 338 students were enrolled.

1975 Grade 9 was added with 3 more modular classrooms. 329 students were enrolled.

1978 A gym, library and three classrooms were added to the church campus.

1981 Temple Hills School was purchased and renovated. Grade 10 was added. There were 60 staff members and 553 students.

1983 Grades 11 and 12 were added. The first senior is graduated. There were 100 staff members and 670 students.

1984 The Surrattsville Middle School was purchased. Preschool/Day Care was located at the church campus and kindergarten to grade 5 was located at the Temple Hills campus. Grades 1-12 were located at the Surrattsville campus. 683 students were enrolled.

1985 785 students were enrolled. The school celebrated its 20th anniversary.

1986 The Waldorf campus was added. Mrs. Dixon retires and becomes "Director Emeritus."

1990 1000 students were enrolled at 4 campuses. The school celebrates its 25th anniversary.

1991 Mrs. Dorothy B. Dixon - GBCS founder, went to be with the Lord.

1992 Pastor James G. Dixon retires as Senior Pastor of GBCS and is appointed "Pastor Emeritus." He also retires as Headmaster of GBCS.

1993 Dr. Howard W. Mayes assumes the position of Senior Pastor of GBC and Headmaster of GBCS. Dr. Daniel J. Grabill is hired as Superintendent of GBCS, Clinton.

1994 The church campus on St. Barnabas Road is sold. In December, James G. Dixon, "Pastor Emeritus," went home to be with the Lord.

1995 Preschool and camp ministries at the St. Barnabas Road location ended June 1995. GBC of Greater Washington moves to share facilities with the school on Surratts Road and becomes the GBC of Clinton. In June the Temple Hills campus closes. In August GBCS opens for the 1995-96 school year at one location with approximately 650 students enrolled in preschool through grade 12.

1996 Dr. Daniel J. Grabill resigns, and Dr. C. Michael Reed is hired as Director.

1997 GBCS is accredited by ACSI and Middle States.

1998 NILD accredits the Discovery Program.

2000 School celebrates 35th anniversary. Approximately 700 students are enrolled.

2001 Student enrollment reaches 740. A major renovation of the building was completed.

2003 George Hornickel becomes the Director. GBCS celebrates its 20th graduation. Enrollment stands at 770

2005 GBCS celebrates its 40th Anniversary. Enrollment reaches 800.