Graland Country Day School

Graland just keeps getting better and better. The school has focused a lot of energy in the past few years on making sure that academic rigor is a hallmark of a Graland education. In the past several years the school has adopted a really great math curriculum, and this year adopted a new history curriculum that is thoughtful and challenging. My two children have benefitted from the dedicated faculty, especially in the middle school (5th -8th grade). Every student has PE or interscholastic sports every day, art/music/drama once per cycle, and the opportunity to participate in the unique Gates Invention Competition from 5th to 8th grades. Graland is serious about service to the community and every student, from kindergarten through 8th grade, participates in a significant, grade-wide service learning project each year. Ask anyone and they'll tell you that Graland students are poised, articulate, compassionate and respectful. Many adult Graland graduates describe their years at Graland as the most formative in their academic careers. Students graduate knowing how to study, research, synthesize information and apply themselves. I can't imagine a better gift to give to a child
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at Graland since kindergarden. I think the school is great for my kids. They have thrived in the community and have great friendships. I do think there is a country club culture being cultivated there. Lots of adults behaving like children, this can be isolating to those of us who aren't in the clique. I also think diversity and inclusivity is important. The administration is not diverse at all and the teacher body is void of diversity as well. I do know that the administration is working on, but you have to work on mindsets as well. I also think some of the teachers are not highly qualified. I think more teacher quality protocols need to be in place.
—Submitted by a parent

Graland has been an incredible part of our lives! The teachers are caring, devoted, and highly skilled in their profession. My children have thrived in the environment that Graland provides. We feel that the faculty and administration put great effort into creating an inclusive environment that nurtures each child and recognizes family's needs. The balance of progressive and traditional curriculum is built on best practices. Teachers have the training and resources to meet each learner's needs. W couldn't be happier that our children are pening their formative years at Graland!
—Submitted by a parent

Oh how I wish I could give Graland great marks, but I have spent many years teaching the "basics" to my children (reading, writing, spelling, math facts, time, and money) as Graland has failed to do so. It might be the lack of time spent in school (# of days per year) or it might be the fact that Graland kids spend a lot of time going from one building to another for specials and lunch, but it seems that the children do not spend enough time on core material and the school does little in terms of reinforcement of skills or teaching to mastery. My third grader is just now learning to tell time and count money (from my effort at home), and all of the math facts have been learned after school hours (using an extracurricular math program). These subjects are taught in the school year briefly but are never reinforced throughout the year. My third grader's penmanship is also terrible as well as her spelling. I'm sad to say it, but Graland might look good aesthetically but it has failed my children. A very low return on investment for its $20,000 price tag.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough about our kids' experience at this school! We have three (soon-to-be four) kids at Graland and seriously can't think of one negative thing to say about our seven years (so far) there. Our kids are encouraged and challenged on a daily basis, but in a manner that makes them excited and intrigued. We've never seen them experience "school dread" -- they're always looking forward to going to school each day and come home with enthusiastic stories about what they're working on, what their teachers did in the classroom, upcoming projects/field trips, etc. Anybody who is considering this school for their child should definitely take the time to visit their web site and sign up for a school tour and/or open house to learn more.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school that is teaching my child everything she needs to know to succeed in life. Already she knows much more than I did at her age. The parent involvement is great as well. Everyone's main focus is on the students and the new head of school has really implemented some amazing changes. We are by no means well off and paying the tuition can be hard, but we have found it to be completely worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

AMAZING!!! I'm a student that currently attends Graland and I must say this is proabably one or if not the best experiences of my life. The academics are amazing at this school and the teachers are highly flexible with the students and their learning style. In addition to a great education, Graland has amzing visual and performing arts classes, the teachers are energetic and are highly supportive of there students. One of my favorite aspects of Graland is there Physical Education/Sports program, Graland has many outstanding coaches that help make learning new sports easy and entertaining. Graland's P.E also helps us students bond with peers outside of the classroom. Overall Graland is the most amazing school and I wish it was K-12 so that my experience could last longer!!!

WE LOVE GRALAND! I can't say enough about the teachers and the administration. They are incredibly in tune with the kids and responsive to the parents. Technology is integrated at every turn and our kids are inspired daily. While a school that is "traditional", it is also quite progressive in how they adopt new teaching techniques. They also put a real emphasis on the social emotional development of our kids which as a parent, is such a relief. I really value the community at Graland. There is a diverse group of families and kids and we have made many new friends. Graland makes it easy to build community/friendships through ongoing activities and events. I know my kids will receive an excellent education and that is fabulous. But I'm most excited that my kids will build friends and a community for life. Also, a big shout out to the specials teachers like the music guys/drama/art etc. They make learning super fun for the kids. In addition, daily physical education has been critical for my kids to "get the wiggles out" and learn new sports. I can't say enough great things about this school. People should definitely sign up for a tour and check it out for themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had two children at Graland for the last three years, and I can't overstate how much we love it. It's only the second week of summer vacation and my kids are already asking when they "get" to go back! Thank you Mrs. Schreiner, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Wagner, Ms. Cooper and all of the wonderful support teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

My daughter is attending Graland for her 2nd year now (she is in 1st grad). She has enjoyed attending Graland and frequently comes home with new information, facts about what she has learned there as well as is becoming more and more confident and capable with her reading skills. Music, art, computers, math, science all have special teachers. What's more special events, low student-to-teacher ratios (16:2), attempts to increase diversity and community outreach projects really sets Graland apart from other schools. A possible area of improvement would be more accessibility for people of lower income levels. With so many events, people who work 9-5pm days would require a lot of time-off from work to attend every event. And it seems that people of color are underrepresented at the school and older 'ethnic' children may feel ostrasized. Overall, I highly recommend Graland as a wonderful baseline from which children can grow.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended Graland for the full Kindergarten through ninth grade program, and loved every minute of it! I strongly support this school and suggest that any parent enroll their child/children in it.
—Submitted by a parent