Grattan Elementary School

We have two children at Grattan; one graduating this year. If our first child had not been accepted in to Grattan we would have pursued private school. A couple of the reasons that Grattan works so well from our perspective is that there has been a very positive energy loop for lack of a better expression between the principals, teachers and after school staff and the parents and their kids. Most people have great positive energy and enthusiasm and everything else follows. Parents enjoy being involved; we are happy to contribute money because we see it put to work with mostly terrific results. Grattan is not the only great SF elementary school public or private. The parent involvement has been high and we have been amazed or at the very least satisfied with the teachers. Our kids enjoy their social relationships at school and through activities and sports. The staff is thoughtful about how the kids deal with and grow positively from conflicts.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Grattan since Kindergarten. She's ready to graduate from the fifth grade in 2013. We will miss Grattan. What an amazing experience my daughter has had, and we have had as parents. The Grattan school community is diverse, loving and very cohesive. The principal (5 years ago) and the current one are fabulous and they strive for the best teachers and the best education for the students. We love it and have been so fortunate to attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school when I was a child up to the 8th grade. LOVED IT. Had 3 brothers and 1 sister that had attended also. I am 78 years old now and look back at my life on Cole St. Seems it is still a great school. We used to stand in the school yard and put our hand over our hearts and say the pledge of allegiance before class. I had excellent teachers then as it seems you do now. The integrity is built in .

My children have been at Grattan for the past 6 years and we love the school! Change can be hard for some people and the departure of our long time and well loved principal left some wondering about the future. The new principal has done an excellent job carrying on the student centered philosophy and supporting the excellent teaching staff. As a parent, I feel welcomed and appreciated in volunteering and helping the staff and PTA. My children's experience has also been consistently positive and they've grown both academically and socially. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children thrive at Grattan. I have always been impressed with the dedication of the teachers and staff. They really know and care about their students. I am a teacher and started volunteering my time. I was welcomed by the community. Eventually, I became part of the staff and am now a librarian at Grattan. I love my job. In all the years I have taught, I have never been in such a pleasant, smart, and supportive environment. Mr. Reedy has assumed the role of principal with ease and dealt with hard situations professionally and respectfully. The teachers love their jobs and their students. They work so hard. I am in awe of my colleagues. Grattan is a happy place, and you can tell from the smiles and the laughter. I am looking forward to another great year. Please feel free to stop by the library anytime and ask me about Grattan!
—Submitted by a parent

We feel very fortunate to be here. Kindergarten was a good experience, and first grade has been fantastic. Families are very involved, the principal is incredible.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 4th grade and we both absolutely love this school.The principal is fantastic and the parents are very involved.It's a safe nurturing atmosphere.My only complaint is that it's k-5,not k-8
—Submitted by a parent

Grattan is by far one of THE best schools I have ever experience. As a child I studied in the British, American, Spanish and Danish school systems and never was I challenged or inspired the way my 1st grader and 4th grader are at Grattan. And to the parent who criticized the principal, WHAT? That woman is a class act, amazing, dedicated heart and soul to the school, knows every single child's name and is involved BEYOND the call of duty. She is the heart of the school and Grattan would not shine the way it does were it not for her and the wonderful teachers. GO GRATTAN! I never want my kids to leave! *sniff*
—Submitted by a parent

It's a wonderful elementary school for my grandchildren. Very good in academics and involving the parents and the community of Cole Valley.

It's more like a family than a school.
—Submitted by a parent

Grattan is a terrific mix of first class academics and community spirit. We foster critical thinking skills, nurture social and emotional growth, encourage respect for self and others, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.- http://www.grattanschool.org/schoolabout.html. Please join us in our efforts to build a society of thoughtful, informed, caring individuals!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school. This school continues on an upward trajectory academically, while staying very anchored in supporting the whole child and putting time and resources into building the community. The children feel it, the parents feel it, the District sees it. This is success.
—Submitted by James Bair, a parent

Quality union teachers. No debutantes-for-America. Teachers thoroughly understand childhood brain development. For example, what does (or doesn t) a 1st grader see when looking through a microscope?
—Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten this year and we have loved it from day one. All the teachers and staff have all of the kids interest at heart and you can see it in their faces every morning.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with a first class principal, great teachers, very involved parents and a caring environment. Our daughter started as a second grader and we're very pleased. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his 3rd year at Grattan. I never cease to be impressed with the teachers, staff and parents. Not only is my so learning he is excited by learning and can't wait to get to school. I also feel like the school approaches education in a holistic way. The values he is taught (The Grattan Way) Be Kind , Be responsible, Be respectful is honored by students and community alike. If he skins his knee someone is there to really care for him. The principal knows every students individual story. A true success of public education. I couldn't be happier that we are at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Grattan in Sept. 2007 as a Kindergartner. She loves it and our family loves it! She felt comfortable with the school, her teacher and class from the very first day!
—Submitted by a parent

My son excelled in Kindergarten, absolutely enjoyed his teacher and class. He is starting first grade, and so far, is pleased. I too am pleased with the parent involvement, the school leadership, and teacher quality at Grattan. Definitely a school to consider if you are looking for a strong community that provides engagement and encouragement for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My Kindergartener loves Grattan ES. The teachers and staff are caring and dedicated. The school also offers great diversity. In my opinion the jewel in Grattan's crown is the technology lab. All grades have computer lab once a week. Some of their work is featured on the school website http://www.grattanschool.org/ We are very happy with Grattan.
—Submitted by a parent

My first and third grade children love this school and thrive here. It is an academically excellent school within a warm, nurturing community. Grattan has a low student teacher ratio, supplementing teachers with student teacher, retired teacher and parent volunteers. The teachers are very experienced and highly educated and turnover is low. Parents are very involved in the gardens, library, art projects and general classroom support. The science program is excellent, as are the music and dance programs funded by the active and successful PTA. Children of UCSF personnel from France, China, Mexico and elsewhere give the school an international flavor. Because it is an honest, open admission, public school Grattan has some economically disadvantaged students, who do well here. Middle class children rub elbows with some very poor children, and frankly, my children are much less bratty for the exposure. Our family stays in San Francisco because of this school!
—Submitted by a parent