Griggs Road Elementary School

This school is the best, I couldn't be any happier with the Griggs Road! The teachers and staff are so friendly and great with the children. Both my children wake up happy to go to school and learn. My son has progressed greatly duue to the awesome teachers that he has had. The only thing I would want more of is, after-school programs such as music lessons, specialty classes. I would even pay for them if they were available. My vote is for Griggs!!
--Submitted by a parent

Despite a great beginning, this school did not live up to it's reputation for us. I have a straight A student and teachers during our first couple of years really worked with him and encouraged his abilities. Too bad this year we had a teacher that saw him as a chance to relax and let him float along. His scores were still high but we saw a 50% reduction in his growth rate when compared to his first three years there. We opted to choose private school next year. In doing so, we needed to get transcripts and letters of recommendation. The mood definitely changed after that - no longer were we welcomed with hellos and smiles, it became forced kindness or simple silence. What a shame. We did have some great teachers but ran into a poor one this year.
--Submitted by a parent

Griggs Road Elementary is special-mainly due to the love and attention given by the staff. Your child is not only learning but also being given the love that you would give at home. The first thing your child is given at birth--is love and attention--and it goes on at tis school. I am never worried about leaving my child at school-because I know they will be given what we give at our home. How great a feeling.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolute BEST Teachers & Staff! Just like Family!
--Submitted by a parent

My son's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Adams was the best teacher ever, and her assistant, Mrs. Deal was awesome also. They use positive reinforcement vs. negative punishment whenever possible. The staff and parents are friendly but clickish. A lot of pressure on the test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in the Developmental Kindergarten for special needs children, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the teachers. Not to mention, I have been trying to find a program for my son for 2 years in York County, and went through Psychologists, Play Therapy, the list goes on. When my son started this year, I tried not to get too excited for fear of another failed attempt to help him, but Ms. Gibson and her Assistant Teachers have exceeded my expectations and my son is thriving. Also, they have an Autism Specialist on staff. The program slowly integrates my son into mainstream, which has been wonderful. My only qualms were with the Speech Department. My son tested at a 3 yr.old level and was denied treatment. However, those are state-regulated guidelines and would be the same at any school in S.C.
--Submitted by a parent

Just like most people, at first look I was impressed with this school. Parent involvement is high here and there is beautiful artwork gracing the halls as proof of artistic achievement, however if your child has special needs, then theres a good chance that this school will disappoint you. Some of the teachers do not seem to want to accomodate a child that requires a little extra assistance. Everything is rosy at this school until you disagree with the powers that be and then your liable to see it rear it's ugly head!
--Submitted by a parent

I was impressed with Griggs when my son started Pre-K, I found his teacher and assistant did great with all the children in his class. I never had to worry that he wasn't going to like school. They made it fun and enjoyable and he LOVED going, however I was not so lucky in his kindergarten teacher. I found her to be condescending to me as a parent and less than supervisory with the children. My son grew to hate getting up in the morning, he refused to work (learn) for her, yet would continue to do wonderfully for me. I have since had to pull him out of Griggs Rd. and put him in another school and he is flourishing there as well. Be aware parents that even in the best of school districts,& the best of schools there are teachers that underestimate their power on our children.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the best public elementary schools in the state if not the nation! Continues to accumulate Palmetto Achievement awards for high academic standards. Has always exceeded the No Child Left Behind standard. Has a strong, five days a week, 'Gifted & Talented' program that would rival any private school, grades 3-10. Administrative leadership, led by Mrs. Pam Cato, Principal, is outstanding, kids are their number one priority instead of just trying to look good on paper. In my opinion, this is the 'why' they achieve such high academic standards. Another great attribute to this school is its Parent Teacher Organization. The parents here get involved. It shows in the schools grounds beautification program and extracurricular activities such as Santa's Shop, book fairs and field day, the end of the year 'fun-for-all.' You can't do any better for an elementary school or school district in general.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with Griggs road for 2 years now.I am amazed daily at the level of this school.The staff is incredible.They truley care about your children and do their best to provide the children with a great education! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this school! I know alot of children in alot of different schools and the children in griggs are way ahead of what other children are learning.As a parent you can be as involved as you want to be. This is deffintly a school worth checking out!
--Submitted by a parent