Cranbrook Schools

My child attended Cranbrook schools for 14 year and recently graduated in 2012. He started at the charming lower school, Brookside. He attended the boys middle school and graduated from the upper school. The faculty and programming at all levels was exceptional. In this unique environment my child maintained connections with teachers and coaches at all levels. The classes were small. The curriculum was diverse, motivating and innovative. My child was well prepared for college. Well worth the investment in my child 's future. The schools also work in collaboration with a science institute and the art academy and museum on campus providing unique learning experiences. The historic Cranbrook community campus is beautiful. I highly recommend Cranbrook schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Cranbrook is one of the best prep schools in the country. It offers an incredibly diverse and rich learning environment. The teachers were very dedicated to their students and I was well-prepared for college. It is truly an educational community that can only be appreciated by those lucky enough to have attended there.

The bloom has fallen off the rose. The school, processes, and leadership need to be upgraded to the 21st century. Campus is still beautiful but they need a wake up call.
—Submitted by a parent

I know many people who have failed to learn at this school and ended up not being successful with the whole idea of college. They are not strict enough on their students and the college counseling program isn't great. Only a few of their sports teams are good and the rest aren't very good. It is on a very big and nice campus though! Also, they are not strict on their expectations and do not contain the greatest teaching staff. It is a strange school day and the only transportation system they contain is from building to building in between classes.

As a parent and educator with over 20 years in public schools, I can honestly say the Cranbrook Kingswood educational community is the BEST! Both of my children are exceptionally proud to attend CK schools. The community is very friendly and supportive. Since beginning in the (boys and girls) middle schools, my kids have grown tremendously. They display confidence, knowledge, and compassion that is a direct result of the challenging curriculum and caring relationships developed at Cranbrook. I would highly recommend this school to families who desire a quality, well-rounded educational program.
—Submitted by a parent

I saw subjectivity from staffs, molded bathrooms and rusted lockers in the halls and arrogant people. Not worth the investment.

I have three children at Cranbrook - lifers as they will be affectionally known as. Cranbrook has taught my children to love learning which is a gift that they will have for all of their years. They are very attached to the teachers as well as the campus (which is like a college campus). No school is perfect but overall, this has been a great choice for our family. They have been taught math/science/etc. but also to have integrity, to include everyone when playing, to be respectful. Where will they be happy? This is an important question to ask yourself when looking at your options - for us the answer was and is clear! Education is important but also if your child feels loved and is happy, they will excel!! We feel confident that we made a great decision to send our children to Brookside/Cranbrook.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just loves it there! It fosters a love of learning in children. Carnbrook creates a wonderful, creative community to support all aspects of learning and development in children/
—Submitted by a parent

My son Attended Cranbrook and was a member of the class of 2009. It is one of the absolute best educational opportunities in the country. The college prep curriculum is outstanding. My son took 8 AP course during his four years in highschool.
—Submitted by a parent

Cranbrook is simply the most beautiful, talented, friendly school I have ever known. Although the prices are steep, financial aid is available, and the cost is worth every penny. I must say, this is a school of true brilliance--it's indefinable. I am dissapointed in a previous review that has given Cranbrook a 1-star, saying that it is not a diverse and ethnicity-welcoming school. I have taken a tour at Cranbrook myself and have seen so many different yet fascinating ethicities I was truly wordless. If you are a parent who wants to give your child a Cranbrook education, you have made the right choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Cranbrook Kingswood is without a doubt one of the best schools in the country. I am a high school boarding student and my roommate is Korean, one of my suite mates is Vietnamese and the other is Egyptian. There are very few schools that offer that sort of opportunity. In regards to Advanced Placement, One of mclose friends, as a sophomore, is currently taking AP Calculus AB, an option that is not nearly as available, if at all available, at public schools. Cranbrook also offers a third year of Calculus, something I have not heard of any other school offering. There are multiple AP classes in almost all subjects. I must comment that I was offended by the review, because Cranbrook has changed my life, and I owe the school so much. The reviewer did not even attend high school there, so I feel they are not qualified to criticize it.
—Submitted by a student

In response to a previous post I must correct the writer in regards to advance placement. Upon entering the high school, all students must take a placement test. From that test, the students are then placed in the appropriate level class. For example, my son scored very high on the math section and was placed in a Junior level math class as a Freshman. He has always been advanced in math so this placement was appropriate for him. Students can also elect to take advanced classes by enrolling in Honors courses. It is up to the student to seek these challenges out, but the opportunities are there. Both of my children have had a positive experience with the school and have made many friendships with students from other countries. The small class sizes help to facilitate teacher-student relationships. You will not find that in any public school.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Kingswood Cranbrook from 8th grade through graduation. I started both of my children in pre-K and have nothing but the most enthusiastic things to say. The education is well rounded as it includes strong academics combined with strong art, music, science, P.E., and language programs, as well as incorporates the entire campus (a nathional historical landmark) in the learning process (Art museum, science museum, spectacular grounds). To address the concerns voiced by another reviewer, yes the lower grades are primarily affluent families, while the upper school has a staggering percent of subsidized students. Cranbrook is by far not 'all white' as submitted by the previous reviewer. The ethnic make up includes boarding students from around the world as well as every ethnic group represented in S.E. Michigan. Cranbrook is preparing my children to compete and co-exist in a global world.
—Submitted by a parent

Cranbrook Kingswood is truly the epitome of an educational community! I am not a parent but I did attend Cranbrook for high school almost 10 years ago. The education and experience that Cranbrook students receive is unparalleled. I would recommend Cranbrook to any parent who is serious about their child's education.
—Submitted by a former student

I would highly recommend Cranbrook to anyone seeking to enhance his child s education. As a former student, my four years of high school opened me to dedicated teachers, many facets of culture and students with ambition and ingenuity. Though the cost is steep, the rewards are endless.
—Submitted by a former student

I am a 19 year old student at Dartmouth College and I attended Cranbrook Schools for 13 years. This is the most amazing place in the world. My former teachers and classmates are incredible people and have all had a direct positive impact on my life. There is no way to sufficiently stress the caliber of education at Cranbrook or the life-changing capability of the overall experience. The campus is breathtaking, the classes enlightening, and the friendships (with both teachers and students) unforgettable. I know this section is supposed to contain comments from parents, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to give my full endorsement for Cranbrook. I know that when I'm a parent, I'll try my hardest to give my kids an educational experience of this quality.
—Submitted by a former student