Douglas G Grafflin School

Grafflin is a special place. The teachers, administrators and facilities are all first rate. We moved here (like everybody else) specifically for the schools and we have not been disappointed. I feel that its a privilege to be able to send my kids to Grafflin. We moved from a well regarded district in southern westchester and there is NO comparison. Every teacher "we" have had takes an interest in each child - the parent/teacher conferences have blown us away with how well each teacher knows our kids. The principal is outstanding and is open to both the children and parents. Parent involvement is significant, which in my opinion reinforces the high standards set by the school staff.
—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