Grand Traverse Academy

The teachers and principals are great at Grand Traverse Academy. My only complaint is there hasn't been a single field trip for my lower elementary child this year and there won't be one. I think at least one field trip, whether just for fun or educational, is valued by 1st/2nd/3rd graders and enhances their learning experience.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent and teacher at Grand Traverse Academy, I am VERY impressed by the availability and use of technology. Our students use SmartBoards and projected PC tablets daily. These tools enhance visual thinking. GTA teachers also implement whole-to-part instruction to deliver high-quality, student-centered lessons that match perfectly to the visual learning style. We use Senteo voting cubes and advanced scanning technologies to quickly assess learning and individually modify instruction to meet the needs of our students. Seeing and using all of the wonderful technology GTA has to offer allows my students and my own children the opportunity to learn how these tools to compete in the workplace on a global scale.
--Submitted by a parent

I have found that GTA does not always provide the necessary aids or tools that some children need to learn. The administration seems to place a low value on technology that might help some students succeed. Teachers have their hands tied with the use of these aids because administration will not support them. Not every difference in learning is due to a vision difference, and that seems to be their only recourse.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at GTA and it is excellent! The teachers know what they are doing ,unlike some other schools. The classes are very challenging, yet fun on the same basis. The Principals rock! This school has changed me as a person through the years.

First off, I was a student at this school and I attended this school years 2006-09 9th grade though 11th grade. When I first arrived at Grand Traverse Academy on my first day of 9th grade my first impression was the school being so small. I was used to the huge amount of students at East Junior High School. So that already earns Grand Traverse Academy some credit right there. I also really liked the teachers when I first starting going, most of the teachers were great! I also liked the principal, if you had a problem they would be the one to talk to. One big complaint I have against this school is that they require performing arts credits & lack a variety of art classes. They only have drawing and music classes while TCAPS schools have a big variety of art classes.

GTA offers the difference between night and day in excellence of schools. They teach the students to expect great things of themselves and are challenged to think outside the small little white box. To the negative reviews, I would say to those parents, how high did you escalate your issues, just the teacher, principal, school board? If you child is truly that gifted to understand all those concepts, then homeschool them, because i doubt you will find a better school in this region. This school has turned my sons life around from temper tantrums to being happy to learn and respectful The triad teaching is great, because the students excelling will move up with parents consent, or moved down if needed. We can't get along with everyone all the time, so get a different teacher/ hallway if not working.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children that started at GTA in Kindergarten and moved into a public school system in fourth grade due to a move. My children were so well prepared! They are at the top of their class as far as grades and MEAP scores, but more importantly, they know what a quality education looks like. They have learned not to do something for a 'prize' but instead to make good choices because it feels good and is the right thing to do. My daughter struggled in reading in first grade. She was quickly diagnosed with a visual learning problem. After a year of intensive therapy to retrain her eyes, she is now reading 2 grades above her level. My children were without a doubt loved by their teachers. I would recommend GTA to any family.
--Submitted by a parent

As a fellow parent I must comment that the school listens to the parents, and has cancelled the 'health issues and reproductive health' sessions with planned parenthood. This school is led by women who are also mothers. They listen and respect the opinion of parents like no other school that I have heard of.
--Submitted by J. Oliver, a parent

Grand Traverse Academy has been good for my daughters. Unfortunately they have invited a pro abortion group into the school under our noses. to teach 'health issues and reproductive health' I will be looking for a different school in the fall
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended GTA since second grade and is now a senior. He was recently honored by The Rotary Club of Traverse City as Student of the Week for excellence in character and academics. Despite being very nervous, he made a grand speech in which he talked about his success in the dual enrollment program with Northewestern Michigan College and credited the staff of GTA for preparing him for that challenge. Although we as parents like to take much of the credit, GTA's emphasis on excellence in character has helped make him the wonderful young man he is.
--Submitted by a parent