By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Residents may notice the iconic blue whale of Grace Community School in a second location in Pelham as the Christian childcare center recently expanded.

The doors to Grace Community’s second school, at 200 Ridge Drive in Pelham behind the U-Haul, opened Jan. 4, and owner Nate Wells said things are going well.

“On Helena Road we have been very blessed, and we are thankful to God for that,” he said. “This has been on the agenda and (it has been) a hope and dream to have multiple locations.”

Wells and his wife opened the location off Helena Road in July 2012 as a Christian preschool, teaching ages from six weeks to K5. With the children, Wells said the school studies Bible stories, sings songs during chapel and follows the seasons as they learn the words of Jesus and the Bible.

Grace Community School focuses on reading, language, math, manners, poems, etiquette, ministry, obedience and more.

Wells said he and his wife had been looking for an opportunity to open another location, at a reasonable price, when the new spot became available. He said it was a great opportunity for them, so they took it.

They opened in what used to be the Little Angels building. Wells said they are hoping to fill the building just like they did at the Grace Community School on Helena Road.

Kids and staff members have already started Bible and chapel time at Ridge Drive, and Wells said it seems to be going well.

The hours of the new location are the same as the first, operating from 6:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“One of the things we want the children to have is respect for authority and (to) have good morals and character,” Wells said. “Hopefully they will grow up to be citizens in the community that will give back.”

For more information, visit Thewhaleschool.com or call 769-6209.