Grandview Preparatory School

I graduated from here and now I work here. I absolutely love this school, and I'm so happy to be back!
—Submitted by a teacher

Grandview is wonderful. The previous reviewer claims many parents are leaving the school due to lack of academic rigor but let the truth be told. There is a very small group of parents in the early childhood classroom that believe its just not good enough for them, however ALL of the children are happy and exposed to many avenues of learning that many other schools don't even offer. Don't be fooled by one parent who didn't fit in with the school sway your decision to send your child to Grandview as MANY MANY parents and children absolutely love this school and are excelling. The sports teams all compete on high levels and WIN. No test scores are on this site because NO private school's test results are displayed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second and last year to have our child at Grandview, and we are not alone, as many parents have already changed schools mid year this year due to a lack of academic rigor. While the school clearly excels at sports (winning state championships, etc.) and has a great arts programs (including the music and dance programs), it seems to be at the expense of academic excellence and accountability in other areas. The headmistress has no formal background, training, or certifications in education or administration, and it shows. The head of the lower school has not demonstrated the ability to lead or mentor teachers or hold teachers accountable to high quality instruction and lesson planning, and the school continues to cut headcount-including the part time curriculum director. The poor leadership has contributed to poor teacher quality and sub par academic programs. There is a fair amount of teacher turnover and both teachers and parents are frustrated with the lack of consistency, communication, and execution from the administration. It's too bad-it truly seemed like a school with great potential, but it seems more like a "grand view". . .vs a "grand follow through".
—Submitted by a parent

Poor, poor academics at Grandview. As of today, March 2013, the school has posted information on this site about the arts programs, sports and athletic programs, and other extracurricular activities, but nothing about the curriculum or teaching/learning methods used for teaching reading, writing, math, social studies, science, or foreign languages. And, no surprise-nothing posted about test scores that would indicate how well they are teaching the academic subjects above. That is a pretty good indication of school's priorities.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student that attends Grandview and am so lucky to go to a school like this. I would never want to attend another school. It may not be perfect, but the teachers are great and act as another family to everyone. The comments by some of these parents are misleading and untrue. There are kids that are graduateing that have been to this school since lower school. This school is great.

A great small school with loads of extras. We feel like we are part of a community at Grandview. Arts and athletics are huge and everyone is supportive. The teachers are professional and proactive and the students are courteous respectful of each other and adults. Despite what a previous reviewer said, the older students are polite, bright, and get into good colleges. I look forward to many great years as my child grows with Grandview.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best school I have ever sent my kids too - I just wish I had found it sooner! Teachers, staff they are all wonderful and caring people. Love - love - this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Positive reviews of the school sound like advertisements. My experiences as a GPS parent have been very different . As others pointed out, staff keeps getting smaller and the teacher turnover is very high. There is no consistency. The staff is unprofessional and the gossip between parents and teachers is unprofessional. Not suited for an educational environment with children of all ages present. As another commenter pointed out, bulling is common. Several Pre-K kids report foul language, some informing parents that teachers curse on the phone, while the kids are napping. Older kids entering the school are those who are expelled or rejected by better schools. For parents considering sending their kids to GPS, I advise to research thoroughly. This school and its education is not worth the money. If you have options, consider a more stable and caring environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our youngest son attended Grandview last year as a Kindergartner. We did not continue at Grandview due to relocation. The Kindergarten experience was wonderful. Grandview does a fantastic job of fostering a community feel among the parents. Staff is truly devoted to the kids and strives to remain educated and on the forefront of education. It was well worth the bite to the budget.
—Submitted by a parent

Grandview is wonderful. The administration is open minded, forward thinking and very caring. I wouldn't want my son any where else.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough good things about this school. They build character in your child! It is a loving and family type atmosphere. The teachers are excellent. My son just started this year in 7th grade and I wish I would have had him there years ago. I am extremely happy at Grandview!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to GPS this year, but so glad we made the switch from a public school to GPS. So far my daughter has come home from school happy every day. Her enthusiasm for learning has returned. She loves all the electives that the school offers, her favorite class is Dance. The staff and administration along with all the parents and students have all been so nice. Love it here!!
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new family in the school, we are very happy for what they are doing with all the kids, we are part of a great family, they are constantly in communication with us, have been very supportive to my daughter, are very aware of children and my daughter is really happy, she is in a happy, Athletic, ecologic, healthy and safe environment, learning to live with responsability.
—Submitted by a parent

I am dissappointed with GrandView. The personalized attention I was expecting from a small environment is just not there because its staff keeps getting smaller and the teacher turnover is high. And even the better teachers that remain are just reacting to the system, probably worried about keeping their jobs instead of reaching out to students for a bit personalized attention and coaching. The administration does not hesitate to enforce detentions for tardies but they do not enforce office hours for teachers which results in students needing to get outside assistance on harder subjects - such as Algebra. Communication with the teachers and administration is not fluid- too bureaucratic for such a small school. I don't feel the standard of care is as advertised.
—Submitted by a parent

As I new parent this school year, I could not be happier with the school. I love the small family feel of the school and my child is thriving! Grandview is an honest school that recognizes where it can improve and is striving to reach it's full potential academically and culturally with an awesome focus on humanity and our part in the community as a whole. Thank you to the teachers and staff for all you do!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at Grandview this year.She is in 3rd grade.We are so happy with her growth academically and socially.She has developed a self confidence and a love for learning we could only dream of.This definitely is due to the smaller classes and individualized attention.At Grandview you never feel like a number!She is taking Spanish and now starting French!She also loves the fine music and sports program.I feel the school is giving our daughter a well rounded balanced education within a diverse student body and preparing her for real life!!
—Submitted by a parent

Back stabbing by administration and staff is prevalent. Stay away from the after hours courses. Staff turns a blind eye. They truly couldn't care less. We are looking for another school that doesn't condone bullying by students OR adults. This school has been steadily going downhill for 3 yrs and now it's time to let the ship sink.

Wonderful learning environment. No bullying. Supportive teachers and staff. Good solid academics and extracurricular activities
—Submitted by a parent

Grandview has to be the best thing that has happened to my two children, the faculty is incredible and always there to assist and help you when needed, The teachers are so helpful when your child needs extra help with their studies. There is not one thing I would change about this school, My two children thank us every day that they are able to attend grandview and enjoy going there..The principal goes above and beyond her duty to help make the families happy and every child that attends grandview knows she is there for them. all I can say is hands down Grandview Preparatory school is a TEN rating in our family !!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Very nice school. My daughter was doing well at another private school, but the school and kids seemed to teach that money was the end all be all. There was no community and no sense of belonging except for the kind of car you drove or how big your house is. The teachers seemed to buy into this as well. Grandview is a very down to earth place and, despite the fact, that probably many people are rich, they don't flaunt it and act like regular people. Teachers and administration are great too...they help the kids and treat you like a person ...not like a prospective donor. The PTA is a very nice group as well.
—Submitted by a parent