Graland Country Day School

A networking forum for Denver's social elite masquerading as a school: more focus is put on events for parents than on trying to improve education for children. Academics average; teacher quality far below value of such a high tuition. Lot of energy spent on indoctrination of issues like diversity and character, but little attempt to go beyond parroting buzzwords. Leadership too arrogant and inexperienced to recognize the school's problems, let alone fix them. Good place for busy parents to babysit children who have a lifelong trust to take care of them and who want to meet their own kind - questionable how well it prepares a child for life outside the country club.
--Submitted by a parent

Graland has been a fantastic educational experience for my child (currently enrolled in Kindergarten). The breadth & depth of the curriculum has far exceeded our expectations, and the commitment to the arts, music, science, foreign language and daily physical education is commendable. Unlike some of the postings about materialism and elistism, we have not experienced either at this school. The children attending the school have been genuinely nice, and there is zero tolerance for rude behavior (many positive behaviors are modeled starting early such as compliments at circle time). The community has been very welcoming with down-to-earth families who help continually at the school (Graland sock hop, bingo night, Carnival, the list goes on). The choice to attend Graland over another public or private option boils down to its small class sizes, focus on its broad, traditional curriculum, and its wonderful faculty and facilities.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student of Graland it is a great school with Lisa Ross ,Purdy Davis , Jessica Ross ,Julie Stretz and tom hughs are all exceptional teachers. If you are thinking of letting your child go to Graland I highly reccomend it.
--Submitted by a student

My children have had the privilege of attending Graland for their elementary and middle school years. Not only have they received an excellent education, but they have learned compassion, commitment, humility, and selflessness. This first-rate faculty knows their students well and is devoted to improving their craft every year. From the mix of traditional & progressive teaching methods to the off campus trips to the broad range of community service opportunities, my children have been given an amazing gift. I am confident they are well-prepared to make a difference and to pursue their passions, equipped with the solid foundation of a Graland education.
--Submitted by a parent

For my three very different children, Graland has been a superior learning environment for each of them. Not only have they developed their own set of skills and strengths, but they have become connected to the community through meaningful service learning opportunities. These programs are part of Graland's commitment to 21st Century learning and technology. We could not be more satisfied that our children are gaining a competitive advantage not only for their own futures but to better the world as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Many say its prestige is worth it, which tells you a lot. There is not a high level of parental involvement, the academics isn't as good as I would have hoped and my child is definately learning little about diversity, humility, thriftiness and just plain kindness as there is so much judmentalism and many kids who think they are socially elite and don't have to follow discipline from the teachers. This school is perfect for the mom/dad who finds joy in telling people their child is from Graland, simply because of its pricetag which they perceive will earn them a great deal of prestige as well. So sad for the children who will grow up to focus on such hopeless ideals and the emptiness materialism brings.
--Submitted by a parent

The impressive campus is a disguise for what lies beneath! The core curriculum is very 'progressive' and leaves a lot be desired and there is a definite one-size-fits-all philosophy at present. Control over disruptive kids in the some classrooms is highly questionable as is the 'zero tolerance' policy on bullying. A lot of socially elite families: there is not much of an atmosphere of parent community and a good percentage do not seem to be aware of very much that goes on in the classroom or the school in general. Happily, the remainder are starting to ask a lot of questions and so, hopefully, it's time for the leadership and administration to wake up, deliver and save the good name of the School.
--Submitted by a parent

Within the social landscape of Denver, Graland is definitely one of the best-perceived schools. We feel genuinely lucky to go there. The school is beautiful, has great student-faculty ratios, and offers a safe community of students. Graland's unofficial mission is to make all students comfortable with who they are--and it does this very well. On the negative side, Graland continues to do poorly with diversity in administration, teachers, and the student body. Also, we've noticed a somewhat elitist culture among parents (although this seems totally absent among the kids). Graland rightly perceives itself as a great school, but sometimes that institutional pride seems to get in the way of institutional advancement. A little more flexibility and humility would go a long way in making Graland an even better school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a tremendous school in every way. Teachers take the time to know your child, identify his or her learning needs and go way beyond the call of duty to accommodate those needs. All of the Faculty, from the Heads of departments to the support teachers are always available, approachable and genuinely interested in the children in their charge. There are lots of quality extra-curricular sports and various other activities for those who wish to participate and the parental involvement is very strong. Bullying is dealt with immediately, with sensitivity and taken very seriously by the school. We could not have chosen a better seat of learning for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academics at Graland is outstanding and getting better each year. With the leadership in place and the quality of faculty and extracurricular activities, this school is top notch. Parent involvement is high and expected as they create partnerships with the teachers. Although expensive, if you can make it work Graland is worth it.
--Submitted by a parent