Douglas G Grafflin School

My colleague sitting next to me has a kid going to Roaring Brook elementary school. Every school day at around 4:00pm, he receives an email from the teacher reporting what was taught at school that day, and what the parents should question the kids to remind them of the knowledge they learned that day. He is very happy and told me that his property tax is paying him back. I printed some of the daily emails and asked a parent of Grafflin pupil to talk to PTA and the teachers because I work full time myself. We didn't see such things happen to Grafflin pupils. Chappaqua is a good school district mainly because of the High School, not because of Grafflin Elementary School. If your kid is smart and you can afford a private school, give your kid a better chance, or simply move to the other side of the railroad to access Roaring Brook elementary school. You can try to ask the principal of Grafflin what changes he is planning for Grafflin and you're certain to be disappointed. By the way, the Principal of Roaring Brook is a lot younger than the Principal of Grafflin. Let's wait and see how these two schools evolve over the next 10 years under two different leadership styles.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, the school is pretty good. I judge the school from safety, teachers' quality, and whether the staff members are friendly. One of the previous posts talked about 2+ hours per night of homework. It never happened to any of my two children. I would say they don't/didn't spend more than 30 minutes each day. The older child had two substitute teachers two years in a row, but followed with two excellent teachers in the next two years. We are very grateful for the two excellent teachers. Our children have never been in other primary schools, so I don't know how this school compares with others. For some reasons, my older child who is now in Robert Bell Middle School likes the Bell better.
--Submitted by a parent

I liked this school for my typical children, but for special education, it is far behind in programming
--Submitted by a parent

My son is completing the 4th grade at Grafflin where he has attended since Kindergarten. It is in many ways an excellent school. However I have some serious reservations about our experience. I am not fond of the math curriculum, the U of Chicago's Everyday Mathematics. It was especially ineffective in the 2nd grade. Secondly, homework assigned tends to be excessive. While Grafflin has relatively sane official guidelines on homework, they are not enforced. While some changes were made when we complained about 2+ hours of homework a night, we have failed to negotiate an acceptable homework level.
--Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are excellent for all. TAlented special area teachers Parents are very involved and welcome in the community.
--Submitted by a teacher

Very high quality education.
--Submitted by a parent

EXCEPTIONAL!! My son has thrived at Grafflin. His teachers have made his introduction to the younger years of formal education fun and interesting.My friends and family who have children in other school districts across the country are always amazed at what the kids at Grafflin are accomplishing academically. The parents are hyper-involved with the classes,administration and school activities--which only makes the experience at Grafflin more fulfilling for the children and parents. The built-in extracurricular activities are fantastic--a greenhouse and active greenhouse program,enrichment offerings community outreach programs, carnivals--to name a few. My son has had a wonderful, nurturing experience at this school and it has set the stage for a positive attitude toward learning that I hope last throughout his life.
--Submitted by a parent

Grafflin is one of the best elementary schools in Chappaqua. (there are three, all good, but Im partial) Grafflin is equally embraced by both teachers and parents. The children feel a sense of community, yet there is a healthy competetive atmosphere. My nieces and nephews graduated years ago and have gone on to a VERY successful school career. Now my children are doing the same.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent. As a matter of fact, I think it's the best of the three elementary schools in Chappaqua. Nurturing, safe environment with qualified teachers and parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent