Green Fields Country Day School

Just read the review from 5/20, and want to give some other thoughts. GF recently celebrated its 75th anniversary in Tucson, and several of the buidings have historical significance. My daughter's classroom is the same that was used for the original boy's school students and has vaulted, beamed ceilings and a fireplace, even. A multipurpose room was recently built and the designers incorporated anoriginal adobe wall rather than tearing it down. I personally prefer this aesthetic to pre-fab--but really, those are simply personal aesthetic choices. What really counts is the quality of instruction. Learning doesn't have to take place in new classrooms, or in classrooms, period! GF kids learn in the greenhouse, the riparian area, the chicken coop, the Friday farmer's markets, the the athletic fields, and the stage, AS WELL as in the classrooms. Finally, I doubt that ANY great teacher is paid what they are worth, but it's true that our beloved teachers at GF accepted a pay decrease two years ago to help keep the school healthy. This speaks volumes to the committment they have to Greenfields and its students. Trust me, Greenfields is not going ANYWHERE
--Submitted by a parent

Interestingly, as alluded in the previous review, one can enter multiple reviews here. Of further interest is how there has been a concerted effort to artificially boost the review rating as was done a short while ago here. When I talk about deterioration of the facilities, I'm not talking about shiny new tiles on the floor. Lets publicly address the collapse of a wall just behind the Kindergarten building 3 years ago. Or the continual sewer line backup near the same area. Or the ventilation issues that were ongoing in the gymnasium. When you combine the issues noted above, with the reduction in teacher salaries noted in the review just before this one, you can clearly see the downward spiral is in full swing -- which is truly a shame. Greenfields once had a stellar reputation as a wonderful preparatory school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son Carlos attended Greenfields from 6th grade on. He was privileged to have teachers such as Mr. Dorson. Mr. Teller, Ms. Cordieer and Mr. Haskett. Mr Haskett inspired him so that he studied English literature at Wesleyan and dedicated his honors thesis to him. This is the best school in Tucson.
--Submitted by a parent

My child started at Green Fields in 9th grade and has been there for almost 2 years now. The community (parents, students in the same grade, students in other grades) surrounded her with acceptance and inclusion from the first day we visited. The teachers are very good, and the classes are small enough that they each know exactly what is going on with each student. I receive e-mails from teachers when test grades are exceptionally high, and if they are of concern. These are always personalized with detailed description about my child's performance. The teachers are available in person after school and by cell phone and email in the evenings for extra help. One period each week is a Study Table time for the entire high school so any student can meet with any teacher for extra help or additional questions. The teachers set high standards, and then help each student strive to reach those. I am very pleased with the educational and extracurricular experience at Green Fields.
--Submitted by a parent

It seems that parents these days are in a big hurry for their kids to grow up. They are forgetting the absolute fundamental portion of growing up. Childhood. Forcing math facts and worksheets onto young children will teach them how to memorize and how to make their parents happy. It will NOT teach them essential life skills to survive in this world. Green Fields School excels in exposing children to all of the many wonderful aspects of being a child. They play in trees, in mud, in paint. They learn about art and music and theater by doing. They learn math by counting eggs the chicken coop or rows of corn in the greenhouse. They watch rockets launch, they write poetry inspired by flower gardens. They take nature walks. They participate and win science fairs, Shakespeare competitions and state vocal competitions. Children are nurtured and encouraged to be their best at whatever they try. This school is an amazing place. Once you step foot on campus, you never want to leave. It is a very special place, for very special children.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a school with outstanding teachers, small class sizes, challenging, authentic curriculum, and a nurturing community, then Green Fields is the school for you! Students from lower school to upper school are involved in project based, higher level learning experiences.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has attended GFCDS since the seventh grade and she really loves her school. Since it is a smaller school, there are numerous opportunities to participate in any activity that she wants to do--high school chorus musicals, athletics [she has played basketball, including in the state tournament, volleyball and softball], student government, national honor society. With much smaller classes than in the public schools, she knows her teachers well and is preparing for her upcoming transition to college. One of her favorite aspects of the school is the large, open, green campus. The cost has been well worth the education and the whole school experience that she has been receiving. We know that it is far superior to what she would have received in a public school setting. Based on our experience, we would recommend Green Fields to any parent/student/family that is looking for the whole enchilada in a K to 12 education.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids began at Green Fields in 3rd and 4th grades. (They are now in 10th/11th). We transferred from a charter school because we were not happy with what we felt was a delayed education (they 'dumbed-down' to the weakest link.) If I were to name just one thing that has kept us at Green Fields it would have to be the individualized attention given to each student. From music to drama, Calculus (our instructor is in the doctoral program at the U of A) to Chemistry, all the way to the girls and boys sports' programs, I am thrilled to be a parent of a GF kid. I will stress, however, that NO SCHOOL IS PERFECT. BUT, I have been able to work with teachers, parents, and administration to effect change. Slow change; but a willingness to try!
--Submitted by a parent

Green Fields has provided a wonderful environment for my son to grow as a student and citizen. The school community embrace him and challenge him every day. His teachers adjust the curriculum to match his individual needs as a student, while creating an environment for all of the students to flourish together.
--Submitted by a parent

If a total education is what you are looking for, then Green Fields is for you. My daughter has flourished here and will continue to as long as we are in Tucson.
--Submitted by a parent