Grace House, a new program that opened in August 2008, is a small residential program designed around the arts and creative education for young women ages 12-19 years old. Applicants may struggle with defiance or nonconforming attitudes, lack self confidence or may be angry or frustrated in traditional school settings, in addition to displaying behaviors that fit a profile of ADD or ADHD. Residence at Grace House is strictly voluntary.

Grace House is owned and operated by Frank and Jacqueline Rutzke. Prior to opening Grace House, Frank was a teacher in the public school sector for 15 years and then worked as a juvenile probation officer. Frank belongs to the National Education Association and is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus. Jacqueline has her BA in Art and Art Education. Both hold State of Montana teaching certificates. Jacqueline has also received numerous professional awards, recognitions and scholarships, from the Montana Governors Arts Award, Montana PTA Excellence in Education, the University Of Montana School Of Education and the Golden Key National Honor Society. Prior to opening Grace House, Jacqueline worked at Spring Creek Lodge Academy for 6 years, Building Bridges and Explorations.

Grace House students attend Thompson Falls High School and may take additional classes online. Tutoring is available if needed. With an emphasis on the arts, students travel throughout the Inland Northwest to attend various art, music, dance, theater and sporting events and performances. Individual creativity is encouraged and the young women learn to cultivate their interests in art and with musical instruments by participating in shows and performances. In addition, students have access to music professionals for lessons in piano, violin, guitar and choir. Visual art classes include:
drawing, batik, mono-printing, geometric design, painting in oils, acrylics and watercolor, stained glass design, digital photography and silk painting.

[This information came from the Grace House website.]