The GRACE Difference: Supporting Students Through the Junior High Years

THE GRACE DIFFERENCE: Supporting students through the Junior High years

At Grace Junior High School, we don't only want our courses to be challenging and academically rigorous; we also want them to be purposeful--to inspire curiosity and spark each student's love of learning while expanding their understanding of God's character and His purpose in their lives. In this article, you will learn how we tailor the junior high experience to meet the unique needs of students during this critical phase of their education.

IT'S PERSONAL

Our teachers are disciples of Christ who view each student as a marvelous, unique creation.

Dedicated, compassionate, and relentless in modeling Christ’s love - this is how we describe our teachers. They lovingly encourage students to understand what God intends for their lives through the transforming work of the gospel.  Each one of our teachers is committed to the success of your student - in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage.

EVERY CHILD SUPPORTED

Students are equipped and supported as they learn how to navigate the unique challenges of junior high.

Junior High is a time of transition, and we've designed our program to support students as they move into this new phase of their educational journey. Through our Academic Skills course, junior high students are encouraged to discover their own unique learning styles while building life-long skills such as organization and time-management.

Additionally, every weekday after school, students have the opportunity to meet with their teachers for one-on-one or small group assistance, at no additional cost!

HISTORICAL STUDIES TOUR

Grace offers multiple overnight and off-campus excursions that bring the learning to life.  But the most beloved of all these trips is, by far and away, the 8th Grade Historical Studies Tour to the East Coast!

The 8th Grade Historical Studies tour is a trip of a lifetime, starting where America began in Jamestown, Virginia.  Over the following 12 days, students experience reenactments, march in the footsteps of soldiers, visit presidential homes, majestic memorials, Capitol Hill, The Freedom Trail, Independence Hall, and the bright lights of New York City.  It is the highlight of Junior High for both students and our parent chaperones!

BIBLE AS A CORE CURRICULUM

All students at Grace take Bible class as a core curriculum. The focus of the program is for students to know what they believe, why they believe, and how to defend their faith.

7th grade students will take The Life of Christ and the Early Church, studying the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts. By studying these books, the students will be presented with the Gospel and with the implication of the Gospel in their everyday lives.  While learning what Jesus did, students will understand how they can be Christ-like in their relationships with parents, teachers, peers and non-Christians. 

8th grade Bible is unique in that it is the only class in which we divide the students by gender. Boys and girls will be split into separate classes to study Wisdom Literature and Character Studies in the book of Proverbs. These studies focus on biblical wisdom and decision making and are highly practical as students prepare for the high school years, dealing with topics such as dating, gossip, bullying, peer-pressure, and family relationships.

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY:

"If you are seeking a comprehensive and challenging education for your child and you want a school that will get to know your child, champion their strengths, and help develop lasting growth, look no more."

-Arin F., Jr/Sr High Parent

Are you ready to give your student a foundation for high school... and for life?

Applications are open now for the 26/27 school year. Click here to Inquire, Visit or Apply today!

Carissa Wilburn, Admissions Director, Grace School -  Simi Valley, CA. November 2025