Grace Preparatory Academy
The GPA Project was an acronym for Grade Point Average and the project’s pilot school, Grace Preparatory Academy. This was the initial private school effort designed to field-test what is now called College-Simulated Learning for K-12.
For its launch in 1992, An Introduction to Parent-Based Education and the GPA Project was printed and distributed to explain the project, its public school purpose, and the unique hybrid design of its pilot school. To eventually impact the public school system, Lead Founders knew an incredible effort would be needed to ensure the pilot school was academically solid.
Lead Founders also knew the pilot school would have to achieve better academic results in less time and with less cost. Despite many critics, the initial school was officially incorporated on December 18, 1992, and opened for its first day of classes on August 16, 1993, serving 185 students.
Academic Integrity of the CSL Model
Grace Prep quickly surpassed original expectations. Not long after its launch, universities began to recognize the pilot school’s unique ability to prepare students for success in their classrooms. College scholarships naturally increased, as did the number of students named as National Merit Scholars. The school eventually grew to 700 students (grades 1-12) and achieved national accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS, later known as AdvanceEd).
Although the success of the pilot school was the result of a large body of dedicated teachers, staff members, and parents, there are two individuals whose service had a tremendous impact during those early years. It was the hard work, incredible example, and wise influence of Dr. Frank Meador and the school’s first principal, Mr. Rollin Mayes, that solidified the academic integrity of the CSL model.