Granbery Elementary School

My child attended K and 1st here, love it.. Pros: seasoned seemingly well-liked administration, active PTA, lots of enrichment opportunities (some cost extra or are after school), numerous field trips, positive environment, well-behaved kids, nice parents, focus on performance, high test scores. Cons: technology (although PTA supplements Metro's budget allotment), infrequent computer classes, some teachers embrace the technology resources and some don't (it seems to be their choice), some ineffective teachers. Teaching seems to be normalized to the middle-ground although most teachers do attempt to provide additional challenges for advanced students and to boost lower performers. The PTA focuses on closing the technology gap (online study programs, funds for computers, technology upgrades). I looked at private schools, but felt that differences could be made up by providing home enrichment (and I still think this is true.). I also appreciate the diversity, which I assessed to be 1/2 caucasian and 1/2 a melting pot. Get involved, you'll love it. Previous reviewer's neg assessment of cleanliness, field trips, staying in homeroom for all classes, and principal don't fit my experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Granbery is a great school my son attended kindergarten here and he was very found of school he always loved to go school. Principal and whole staff is very welcoming and helpful......so far the teacher (Miss Miller) my child has had in kindergarten was excellent. Miss miller gave him positive approach of life I will be always thankful to her.
—Submitted by a parent

My boys have been attending Granbery for three years now, and we love this school! I love the parental involvement and the diversity of the students. This is one of Nashville's best elementary schools by far.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is concluding there last of two years here; it has been the longest contraction. The school lacks: Technology, Foreign (2nd) language, Music, Faculty Passion and Arts. They charge ($$$) for everything, never experienced this method in private/charter or other schools (public). 99% of the staff is aged, thus lacking the desire for recess, passion, energy. All classes are in student s homeroom teacher. We have been a part of other curriculum with other schools where classes were assigned to separate teachers, computers, and music. Students are constantly being restricted privileges due to actions of other students. Classes are heavily mixed with academically, behavioral challenged students which slows the advancement of the majority. Parking/Driver lot is a train wreck, cleanliness is frightful. Though my child is exceeding in there academics, expressing dislike for the school has been a constant .Also, Field Trips rarely happens and if it does .Children pay to have a rep bring the Field Trip to the school. I really feel a new Principal & Asst. Principal would do the trick in resuscitating the school. Were quite active involved parents :-)
—Submitted by a parent

I agree this is a great school and I have two children attending. However, if you are considering this school, I think there are some things you should know. Parental involvement is a major factor at this school. Our experiences so far (3 years in) are that homework is a BIG deal and rarely will you have nights off. So bear that in mind if you are Wed. night church attendees or have children involved in extracurriculars. This has been very challenging for us with 2 working parents as I'm not talking 15 minutes and you're done kind of homework. This school is big and crowded for an elementary school. They manage it well but you will feel the pain in the cafeteria that was not expanded when the rest of the school was. "Lunch" begins as early as 10:10! There is no meet and greet for kindergartners. They meet their teachers/see their classroom on the first day of school just like grades 1 thru 4. Makes for a real zoo on day #1. Their onsite daycare is full and on a waiting list so plan accordingly. They are big on field trips. My two have been on more trips so far than I went on in my whole Metro school career. Start saving your money for those now.
—Submitted by a parent

This is best public school we have ever experienced for our daughter. She used to attend of the most prestigious private school in Nashville, but we decided to transfer her to Granbery and we are very happy for that decision. More specifically, Granbery enjoys an optimal level of diversity, with caring teachers and very active parents. Really EXCEPTIONAL!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Granbery from K through 4th grade. My daughter started there also and is now in the 3rd grade. This school is excellent for public schools. I debated over whether to place my children in private school. I am glad to say that I am content with my choice. My son excelled there and my daughter is currently doing the same. The PTA there will keep you informed and involved. Teachers are provided with funds from the PTA to help enrich the classroom experience for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Granbery has been wonderful for our son. We've looked at private schools and discovered that Granbery offers as much and more than most private schools in the area. Wonderful principal and teachers and an excellent recycling program. Amazing parent involvement and a great group of students. Test scores are in the top percentiles. Couldn't ask for a better elementary school!
—Submitted by a parent

This public school has been the greatest for my child. He is in the 3rd grade and has adored every teacher since kindergarten, has worked hard and enjoyed going to school every day! We dread deciding on what to do for middle school because we hve been spoiled being at this fabulous school. I wish it went to 6th grade. Or even 5th !!!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher and parent of two that attend this school, I can say without reservation that this is an EXCEPTIONAL school! The teachers are amazing and the administration truly cares about the students and parents. The one concern I have had in three years was addressed to my satisfaction by the principal and only required one phone call to make her aware of a situation that needed to be addressed. My children LOVE school and will be sad to leave it next year when my husband's job relocates our family. I truly feel that my youngest child will miss out by not being able to attend kindergarten here. Could not have asked more from a public school. Diversity, challenging expectations, parent involvement, and dedicated staff...Granbery has is ALL!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten this year at Granbery Elementary. He absolutely loves it. My husband and I are very grateful for this little gem of a school in Davidson County.:)
—Submitted by a parent

Who says public school in Nashville is not good? Granberry changes all my thinking. Taste it , you will know
—Submitted by a parent

My son goes to Granbery and I love everything about the school. I would recommend all the parents to send their kids to this Granberry.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is kindergarten and we love everything about it Annie Kirchberg
—Submitted by a parent

I am not sure how to rate this school. We got a special transfer here so we could send them out of our zone. I have a 2nd grader and 3rd grader. My 2nd grader is exceptionally smart and has done fantastic. My 3rd grader did well last year, but so far this year is failing every subject. On his progress report all the teacher said was he needs to be more focused during class time. We are having him evaluated for ADHD, but in the meantime the school is not offering any help/ideas on how to help him get his grades up. Both boys really like their teachers and enjoy school. They both wish there were some sports they could participate in. Overall, they school is very good, with an incredible PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Faculty members, students and especially parents are involved, and connected with one another. I could not say anything less than the teachers truly epitomizes the traditional diverse american educators. I am originally from California and I attended an all year round private school and Granbery is currently head to head with some of the best US Schools I have ever experienced. I am blessed to have my 2nd Grader under an educator who contributes by impacting my child in believing in great discipline, great family values starts at home. Remember this, it begins as a habit and later a lifestyle. Start good habits on an early age and it will be embedded and becmes easily for our children to apply on their daily lives, thus changing your lifestyle.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Granbery from K-4th grades and as a parent I would put it up against any private school, anywhere! Wonderful leadership, wonderful teachers. Overall it was a wonderfull experience for my family.
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 granddaughters have attended Granbery since 2005. I have had very positive interaction with all the wonderful teachers and staff. They have the best interest of all the students and have given these girls the tools to go on to higher education.

I have two children at Granbery, one in K and on in 1st. We had reservations about sending our children to a big public school, so we sent our son to private school for K. We visited Granbery several times last year to decide whether or not it was right for us. After meeting the principle and several of the teachers, we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we did, both of our children have had an amazing year. We are thrilled with both of their teachers. Both of my children are in the gifted program and their teachers have done a wonderful job giving them work that keeps them engaged and excited in their classrooms, and we have been thrilled with the gfited program teacher as well. It is a wonderful school and I feel blessed that my children are able to attend Granbery.
—Submitted by a parent

Great principal & teachers! Lots of parental involvment.
—Submitted by a parent