founder’s nOTE
DG. Okon Ekanem
Founder/Proprietor of Grace Citadel Schools
Walking through the lines from a golden pen of our quintessential founder of our noble alma mater. In it is a citadel that houses hope of the future generations.
FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK
Welcome to Grace Citadel Schools; a joyful place to learn and grow! When you enter through the gates, our campus opens up to you as an oasis full of nature and an incubator for confident, curious, and enthusiastic leaders. Pupils learn through intellectually stimulating interdisciplinary experiences, guided by dedicated and creative staff. Pupils spill out of classrooms continuing conversations sparked by lessons and experiences, music cascades throughout campus, and pupils celebrate their progress with pride. We are a school where pupils are encouraged to embrace childhood, climb trees, pursue passions, and build authentic human connections. Learning at GCS happens because pupils feel seen and supported by the adults in their lives and classmates who cheer them on. Our traditions and rituals influenced by world cultures bind the community in ways that deepen our sense of belonging and the humanitarian purpose that is at the heart of who we are. Our Pupils and alumni remember the connections that are made through their favorite shared experiences like the ringing of the gong to open and close the school year, ice skating with their cross-grade level buddies,
singing the Earth Day rap together, trying not to laugh to earn their mud pies while teachers try to make them laugh, or caring for the baby goats every spring in our Adventure Playground. These are the core memories that alums often reference with nostalgia and gratitude. GCS graduands are prepared to meet their futures with academic and intellectual skills, but more importantly, they are equipped to lead with kindness. We believe character development is just as important as academic preparation. As you explore GCS, you will notice how mutual respect and embracing diversity have a direct and positive impact on the overall quality of the student learning experience. Whether partnering with the Obot Ndom neighborhood, practicing environmental sustainability, or celebrating different cultures, our community does it together. Please be our guest and discover how GCS makes an impact locally and globally generation after generation. I look forward to welcoming you.
