Thank you for the opportunity to introduce Grace Holistic Center for Education (GHCFE), a non-profit secular innovative learner-centered school that provides a holistic education for students in preschool through high school. Our school is focused not on labels or differences but on unity and on fostering all aspects of a child’s growth. Our education model is focused on educating and supporting the whole child by providing a safe space for students to learn about mental health, community, spirituality, and the world at large. Grace Holistic Center for Education fosters improvements in learning and enrichment through an approach that encompasses not only academics but also mind, body, and spirit. Our curriculum includes not only traditional academic subjects, but also includes a sensory garden, a pet therapy room, mindfulness, yoga, Spanish immersion, and global and community involvement.Many of our students receive scholarships to help their families afford to

attend Grace Holistic Center for Education, and we are committed to ensuring that tuition cost is not a barrier to attendance at our school. We are seeking support from the community in order to support and expand tuition assistance for low-income students. We hope that you may partner with us to provide a well-rounded and holistic education for our students, optimizing their gifts and talents, and ensure that financial limitations do not prevent students in need from attending our school. Grace Holistic Center for Education provides students, many of whom would not succeed in a traditional school environment, with an educational program that helps them accomplish their educational goals in an environment where they truly thrive, and we hope you will partner with us in this effort. We hope that you may find our mission and school to be a valuable asset to raising our youth and will partner with Grace Holistic Center for Education to provide all children – especially those who experience emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges who struggled to be successful in traditional public school settings – with the opportunity to succeed not only with academics but with essential life skills, holistic health, mindfulness, and self-awareness through intuitive problem solving and critical thinking. Thank you for your time, consideration and the willingness to get to know our organization. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at tgrace@ghcfe.com or by phone at 331-207-8932.

Tairi Grace Tairi Grace, LCSW Executive Director

A Note From The Executive Director

Mission and Background of GHCFEFounded in 2016, Grace Holistic Center for Education (GHCFE) is a non-public school registered with the State of Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Education. GHCFE’s mission is to further the illumination of the human spirit. This endeavor is pursued by interweaving mind, body, spirit, and academics as an interconnected, interdependent system. One of the ways we achieve this objective is by cultivating active parent involvement, along with expanding global citizenship through service. Holistic instruction doesn’t cease at the end of the academic day, but continues to the home and community. GHCFE provides an innovative learner-centered environment for our students. In the early grades, the emphasis is on experiential learning arts, crafts, music, movement, and nature. In the later grades, the emphasis is on developing self-awareness and independent thinking and problem solving. GHCFE adheres to strict district academic standards and has been recognized and registered with the Illinois State Board of Education. GHCFE has 5 full-time Core Teachers for each classroom, 4 part-time Teachers for the specials classes (Art, Music, Physical Education, and Sustainability), 1 preschool classroom aid, and 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. Tairi Grace, the founder and Executive Director of GHCFE, is a licensed clinical social worker and a 500-hour E-RYT (Educator-Registered Yoga Teacher) with many years of experience working with youth. The GHCFE teaching staff have Bachelor’s Degrees in varying areas education and teaching certifications as appropriate to their positions.Currently, GHCFE serves 50 students from preschool through high school, the majority of whom receive tuition assistance. Our students primarily reside in Kendall, Kane, DuPage, and Cook Counties. Many GHCFE students experience emotional or behavioral challenges and struggled to be successful in public school settings. These students are able to thrive in our setting because our educational model is unique. We address and promote mental health and do our best to de-stigmatize a student’s need for therapy or social work support.

Through our partnership with Aurora

University School of Social Work, four Social Work Master Student Interns assist our school. These Social Work

Interns lead our Mindfulness Program and provide therapeutic support for our

students throughout the entire school year. Each student is assigned a Social Work Intern for a weekly check-in, and

the Social Work Interns are also on site to lend support to any student who is having a difficult day in the classroom.

Our students feel safe at GHCFE because there is always someone

available to support them while they are in our school. If they need to step out of a classroom to reset or are trying

manage their classroom frustrations, they are immediately met with support and given the tools and resources they

need to succeed rather than being regarded as a discipline problem or a difficulty.

GHCFE serves students in preschool through 12th grade. Our students are divided up into age groups, tailored for specific developmental milestones for each age group for optimal growth. This mixed grade structure allows for different levels of learning, enabling students who are gifted to be challenged without leaving other students, who may learn more slowly, behind to struggle. Older and advanced students often mentor younger and struggling students, thus providing these students with leadership opportunities.Lessons are structured to appeal to multiple intelligences and learning styles, challenging each student in their own unique way. Unlike traditional classes, our classroom sizes are intentionally small, allowing for scaffolding learning for individualized pacing and one-on-one attention for students. We are not a sink or swim educational institution. We meet a student where they are at academically and provide a personalized education plan to help bring them up to level or to challenge exceptional students. Oftentimes, this means moving students between grade level classrooms to make sure they are getting the educational support and foundations needed. Because students often move between classrooms, the stigmatization that often occurs in other schools for students who are behind their peers does not exist at GHCFE.

In addition, because healthy eating is vital to children’s learning, GHCFE student lunches consist entirely of fresh, seasonal and often organic foods procured from local and regional sources.

Our Programs & Activities

Our general core academics

curriculum includes

Mathematics, Language Arts,

Music and Art, Science,

Spanish Language, Pet Therapy,

Mindfulness Program, Yoga,

and Meditation. Our

instruction aligns with the

Common Core State Standards,

and our balance of academics

and creative outlets and

enrichment of the spirit allows

students to grow

into healthy and

well-rounded adults.

Exploration Program (Ages 3 and 4) Explorations offers creative play and age appropriate learning environment in which children can explore the real world with their senses. Spanish Immersion: Foreign language is acquired in a similar way as the natural process of developing a first language; deciphering opposites, naming items, learning the alphabet, counting, shapes, and colors. Inner Work: Developing a healthy sense of trust of the environment and room for intuition, as well as time for intentional mindfulness, rest, and meditation for honing personal creativity and imagination. We also give our children a consistent and predictable rhythm to the day. Arts: A time of playful learning through painting, drawing, paper crafting, music (through playing instruments and listening to classical music), and more. Purposeful Work: Teaches students practical skills such as pouring from a pitcher, gardening, baking, and setting a table. Movement: Frequent movement prepares the mind for more skillful learning as well as developing motor skills in young children. Students are given time to dance, play in circle time, go on walks and hikes outdoors, and play games.

Creations Program (K to 2nd Grade) Creations offers four fundamental and core curriculum pillars: Core Academics: A learning curriculum aligns with the Common Core State Standards and assessments is implemented in the classroom. Earth Connections: Developing a strong connection to the earth and learning responsibility through traditional gardening and aquaponics gardening. Students are guided through nature walks as well as to tend to the gardens. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is emphasized, connecting mind and body, as students explore and grow into their emotions. The focus of mindfulness is to develop a healthy and positive communication through words and actions. Arts and Electives: Students are given the opportunity to explore music and visual arts.

Transitions Program (3rd to 5th Grade) Transitions builds on the foundations that were learned in K-2 and works on skills that may need to be polished. The goal is to inspire a love of learning in or out of the classroom. Students learn core Language Arts, Vocabulary, Spelling, Math, and life skills through hands-on lessons and an interactive curriculum. Students also participate in weekly Spanish, music, and art classes. The curriculum emphasizes a natural connection between body and mind. Students are encouraged to explore the connections between their body and emotions, and to develop a sense of what their bodies have to say. A priority is placed on healthy, positive communication and mindfulness in all actions.

Evolutions Program (Middle School - 6th, 7th and 8th grades) Evolutions is tailored for middle school students who are gaining more autonomy into young adulthood. This program strikes a balance between students’ practical knowledge and their creative enthusiasm through a curriculum where challenging academics are integrated with arts, music, and movement. Our students analyze and synthesize, while problem-solving real-world situations.  The hands-on curriculum includes:

History: Students trace the development of civilization from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Age of Enlightenment, revolutions, industrialization, into modern times.

English: Foundational skills in vocabulary, grammar, composition, reference papers, and public speaking are developed. Elements of poetry and figurative language, including ballads, sonnets, epics, novel and short story studies.

Geometry: Percents, ratio, proportion, areas, formulas, algebra from the simple equation through quadratics, powers and roots, binary system, numerical trigonometry, probability, logic, and problem solving. Students also design their own business and offer it to the Grace Holistic community.

Geography: Western Hemisphere and the poles, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, oceans and winds of the world, and world economic geography.

Natural sciences: Mineralogy, geology, astronomy, meteorology, human physiology, and anatomy.

Physics: Optics, acoustics, heat, electricity, magnetism, hydraulics, and mechanics.

Chemistry: Combustion, lime cycle, acids, bases and salts, metals, and chemistry of foodstuffs.

The Arts: Drama, speech, singing, drawing, painting, handwriting, wool/fiber arts, and sculpting are woven throughout the core main lesson curriculum.

Expansion Program (High School - 9th grade to 12th grade) Expansions allows the opportunity and the room for senior high students to expand their horizons of their academics and talents. Our expectation for accountability, excellence and responsibility translates into a rigorous program to challenge each student to their best ability. The curriculum includes World History, English Literature, Life Skills, Journaling, Writing, Art, Science, Spanish, Music, and Math. Establishing boundaries for themselves and others as well as respecting the rules of the school is emphasized, allowing freedom within those boundaries to explore their strengths. Every day begins with a quick yoga session or mindful journaling to help students get ready and energized for the school day.

“Holistic education is a philosophy of education based on the premise that each person

find identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to

the natural world, and to humanitarian values such as compassion and peace. Holistic

education aims to call forth from people an intrinsic reverence for life and a passionate

love of learning.”

— Ron Miller, Pioneer in Holistic Education

“I have two children, one who is 8 and one who is 13, and both

were failed by the public school system. Both of my children had

IEPs, one for academic issues and one for social/emotional issues.

My kids were falling further and further behind and were picked

on constantly. It was in desperation that I was lucky enough to

discover Grace. I stopped by in the middle of the day, without an

appointment, and was welcomed into the facility. Honestly, I was

not expecting to be impressed because the school has a different

‘feel’ to it compared to a traditional public school, but we ended

up loving GHCFE. I was pleasantly surprised that the standards are

aligned with and recognized by the State of Illinois. All the

teachers were so friendly to myself and my children, and we were

so excited by the smaller class sizes and the comfortable learning

environment. I cried when I left that first day because it was such a

huge relief to finally find the right place and the right people to

educate my children academically and socially. I used to live in

fear that the phone would ring and it would be the school calling

with some new problem. Now my 8-year-old absolutely LOVES

school and is displaying more confidence in herself. GHCFE is unique. Children are unique. Unique kids need a

unique place to go.” – GHCFE Parent

Some students struggle with the traditional American school experience and need a different type of environment in order to be successful. Although many mainstream schools receive a large amount of funding and excellent resources of technology, curriculum, and faculty, many students with special and/or unique qualities all too often fall through the cracks. Innovative schools are designed to educate students who have not been successful in traditional education systems by providing a new educational model. There are multiple reasons why someone may begin attending an innovative school, but they often relate to the student not thriving in a traditional school. Specific reasons include trouble learning in a traditional classroom, a need for more support and guidance, not being challenged at their current school, or experiencing isolation or social issues because their type of intelligence does not quite fit the mold of the traditional classroom. In addition, many parents choose innovative schools to provide their children with instruction beyond the one-dimensional aspect of traditional schools. In the post-modern era of globalization and interconnectedness of our lives, it is important for students to be able to think analytically and to gain social acuity.

Learner-centered innovative schools can individualize a student’s education in ways that are often not possible at larger schools. Innovative schools with small teacher to student ratio can give tailored attention to the unique needs of students and curricula can be tailored to meet different learners’ needs. This can translate into increased learner engagement, better understanding of subject matter, and improved academic performance.

Statement of Need and Request

Our Response? Grace Holistic Center for EducationEducation is not one size fits all.

Whether students need an interactive, hands-on, learning method that deviates from the traditional classroom format or the freedom to pursue their true selves, innovative schools like GHCFE create a safe place for all types of students. Grace Holistic Center for Education aims to change the way students experience school. In contrast of the popular belief about alternative schools as dumping grounds or as schools without much rigor, Grace Holistic Center for Education offers a highly innovative learner-centered and interactive curriculum with novel instructional methods that promote success for many types of learners. We cultivate a curriculum that is infused with creative ways to move the body and explore with the mind, giving students the students to reach their highest potential. We meet each child at their level, adapting to how each child learns in order to meet their individualized needs and ensure their success.

Our program is learner-centered and provides an option for students who have not thrived in traditional classrooms, offering an environment conducive to learning in their own capacity. Appealing to the whole child – both mind and body – enables students to visualize the connection between the traditional, core curriculum of academics and apply that knowledge to realizing their own futures. GHCFE emphasizes mindfulness and respect for ourselves and others, cultivating a self that is responsible and engaged. This resolves many behavioral issues that may arise and equips students with resiliency, a characteristic vital for success in life. Unlike traditional schools that only focus on intellectual development

through academic instruction, GHCFE believes in instructing the whole child through activities focused on the mind, body, and spirit. What distinguishes holistic education, like the education provided at GHCFE, from other forms of education are its goals, its attention to experiential learning, and the significance that it places on relationships and primary human values within the learning environment.

However, in order to ensure the operation of our unique school and to ensure that students in financial need are able to attend, GHCFE needs the support of the community.

The majority of our students receive tuition assistance, and we are committed to ensuring that the cost of tuition is not a barrier for low-income students who need the support of our unique innovative education program. We hope that you may partner with us to cultivate ingenuity and creativity in our students and to help them thrive not only academically but in all aspects of their life.

Statement of Need and Request

Goals and Evaluation PlanOur goal is to help each student learn and develop skills and knowledge essential for lifelong success. With a unique focus that encompasses mind, body, spirit and academics, GHCFE expects to demonstrate high retention and graduation rates. We expect to achieve the following:

• 90% students will increase their proficiency in critical thinking.

• 90% students will increase their proficiency in creativity and imagination.

• 90% students will increase their proficiency in depth of learning.

• 90% students will increase their proficiency in joyful learning.

• 90% students will increase their proficiency in social and emotional skills.

GHCFE evaluates our program through feedback from students and parents, results of academic assessments of students (students test against the district using standardized tests and the AIMS Web program is used to tracks and graphs students’ progress), and student progress. Using an evaluation model that includes skill sheets completed by the teacher, we measure student progress in five areas. The skill sheets take into account skills, rather than memorization of information. The five areas are: Critical Thinking, Creativity and Imagination, Depth of Learning, Joyful Learning, and Social & Emotional. The skill sheet scoring rubric results will determine if a student is 1.) Not Proficient, 2.) Approaching Proficient, 3.) Proficient, 4.) Approaching Mastery, or 5.) Mastery.

EXPENSES

Rent & Utilities            $60,000 Salaries $200,000 Payroll Expenses $1,200 Garbage $1,500 Phone & Internet $3,200 Office Supplies         $2,400 Cleaning/Paper Products   $1,800 Repairs & Maintenance     $5,000 Educational Supplies $1,200 Insurance $3,400 Fire Alarm $1,200 Website $300 Pet Room Supplies $1,200 Aquaponics Supplies       $2,500 Printer/Copier $1,980 TOTAL EXPENSES $286,880 INCOME Tuition $216,880 Community Donations $50,000 Fundraisers $20,000 TOTAL INCOME $286,880

G H C F E B u d g e t

“Our son Joe had been in the public school system since Kindergarten. He always struggled. He has ADHD and high

functioning Asperger’s. He had an IEP, and, although he got

some extra services, the school was not addressing his social

issues and his struggles in class were often treated as a disciplinary issue. He sat alone at lunch. He hated school and

developed severe depression and anxiety. High school was

the breaking point. He threatened suicide if he had to spend

one more day in public high school. We got him the mental health services he needed and sent him to Grace Holistic

Center for Education.

The small classes and inclusive atmosphere of Grace were his saving grace. He blossomed. With the support of his

teacher and the social work services he received, Joe started

to come out of his shell and we saw his personality, his humor,

and how smart he actually was. At Grace, Joe has become confident, learned how to overcome his learning disabilities,

and is more interactive and comfortable socially. I highly

recommend Grace to every student. Grace has changed the

trajectory of Joe’s life, and he will now continue on to college. This is something we never expected. Grace is a

wonderful school.” – GHCFE Parent

Annual Community Sponsorships2019/2020 School Year

• Primary Sponsorship and ten (10) tickets to: Farm to Table Gala (September), Fall Fun Fair (October), Games for Grace (November), Bunny Brunch (April) and the Color Run (May).

• Front and back page advertisement in GHCFE Community Resource Guide. • Monthly Facebook advertising and inclusion in monthly emails. • Web Advertising: Banner ads on GHCFE and Sense of Samadhi website. • Recognition in lobby of GHCFE and business logo on GHCFE school bus. • Four (4) annual unlimited memberships to Sense of Samadhi. • Four (4) 90-minute Thai massages to Thai Bodywork by Juan, Inc. • Four (4) Lunch and Learn/Workshops – Opportunity to visit GHCFE and provide a presentation

on either your role in the community, a motivational speech, an educational/critical-thinking hands-on presentation, or similar if it is consistent with the mission of GHCFE. Presentations can be given to students, parents, staff, or combination.

• Additional items may be included and tailored to your needs.

Fund our Sustainability Program

Community Icon $20,000, 1 available

• Secondary Sponsorship and eight (8) tickets to: Farm to Table Gala (September), Fall Fun Fair (October), Games for Grace (November), Bunny Brunch (April) and the Color Run (May).

• Double center-page advertisement in GHCFE Community Resource Guide. • Monthly Facebook advertising and inclusion in monthly emails. • Web Advertising: Banner ads on GHCFE and Sense of Samadhi website. • Recognition in lobby of GHCFE. • Two (2) annual unlimited memberships to Sense of Samadhi. • Two (2) 90-minute Thai massages to Thai Bodywork by Juan, Inc. • Two (2) Lunch and Learn/Workshops – Opportunity to visit GHCFE and provide a presentation

on either your role in the community, a motivational speech, an educational/critical-thinking hands-on presentation, or similar if it is consistent with the mission of GHCFE. Presentations can be given to students, parents, staff, or combination.

Fund our Art Program

Community Executive $10,000, 5 available

• Quatinery Sponsorship and four (4) tickets to: Farm to Table Gala (September), Fall Fun Fair (October), Games for Grace (November), Bunny Brunch (April) and the Color Run (May).

• Half-page advertisement in GHCFE Community Resource Guide. • Bi-annual Facebook advertising and inclusion in monthly emails. • Web Advertising: Banner ads on GHCFE and Sense of Samadhi website. • Recognition in lobby of GHCFE. • Two (2) six-month unlimited memberships to Sense of Samadhi. • Two (2) 60-minute Thai massages to Thai Bodywork by Juan, Inc. • One (1) Lunch and Learn/Workshop – Opportunity to visit GHCFE and provide a presentation

on either your role in the community, a motivational speech, an educational/critical-thinking hands-on presentation, or similar if it is consistent with the mission of GHCFE. Presentations can be given to students, parents, staff, or combination.

Annual Community Sponsorships2019/2020 School Year

• Tertiary Sponsorship and six (6) tickets to: Farm to Table Gala (September), Fall Fun Fair (October), Games for Grace (November), Bunny Brunch (April) and the Color Run (May).

• Full-page advertisement in GHCFE Community Resource Guide. • Bi-monthly Facebook advertising and inclusion in monthly emails. • Web Advertising: Banner ads on GHCFE and Sense of Samadhi website. • Recognition in lobby of GHCFE. • One (1) annual unlimited memberships to Sense of Samadhi. • Two (2) 60-minute Thai massages to Thai Bodywork by Juan, Inc. • Two (2) Lunch and Learn/Workshops – Opportunity to visit GHCFE and provide a presentation

on either your role in the community, a motivational speech, an educational/critical-thinking hands-on presentation, or similar if it is consistent with the mission of GHCFE. Presentations can be given to students, parents, staff, or combination.

Fund our Music Program

Community Leader $5,000, 10 available

Fund our Science Program

Community Partner $2,500, 15 available

Annual Community Sponsorships2019/2020 School Year

• Quinary Sponsorship and two (2) tickets to: Farm to Table Gala (September), Fall Fun Fair (October), Games for Grace (November), Bunny Brunch (April) and the Color Run (May).

• Quarter-page advertisement in GHCFE Community Resource Guide. • Annual Facebook advertising and inclusion in monthly emails. • One (1) six-month unlimited memberships to Sense of Samadhi. • Two (2) 30-minute Thai massages to Thai Bodywork by Juan, Inc. • One (1) Lunch and Learn/Workshop – Opportunity to visit GHCFE and provide a presentation

on either your role in the community, a motivational speech, an educational/critical-thinking hands-on presentation, or similar if it is consistent with the mission of GHCFE. Presentations can be given to students, parents, staff, or combination.

Fund our General Programs

Community Member $1,000, 20 available

“My youngest son is smart, funny and has high functioning

Autism. This presents additional challenges for him in social

situations, including school. In his former school, he was struggling behaviorally and academically. His anxiety was

through the roof, and it made it difficult for him to sit in class

and focus on his work. For years, he attending counseling and

many different therapeutic programs, but nothing seemed to help. By the end of the last school year, he talked about not

want to live on this world anymore. That’s when we found

Grace Holistic Center for Education. This school has been a

game changer for us. The highly educated and compassionate staff have surpassed my expectations by successfully meeting

the needs of both of my children. I never thought that I would

find a place that truly treats every child as an individual and

really educates a child’s mind, body, and spirit. Grace truly is an innovative institution.” – GHCFE Parent

Questions? Contact Tairi at tgrace@ghcfe.com.

Sponsorship Registration

Send completed form and make checks payable to:

GRACE HOLISTIC CENTER FOR EDUCATION 210 Beaver Street, Yorkville, IL 60560 Phone: 331.207.8932 Email: office@ghcfe.com

Name

Business Name

Address

City/State/ZIP

Phone

Email

Website

Business Description

Sponsorship Level

_____Community Icon, $20,000

_____Community Executive, $10,000

_____Community Leader, $5,000

_____Community Partner, $2,500

_____Community Member, $1,000