Granby Elementary School

I have 2 children in this school and it is wonderful. The staff and teachers really care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

My children moved here this year and are doing very well in this school. I have a 1st and 5th grader here. I find the teachers to be caring and interested, and parent involvement is high. I am not a huge fan of the principal or assistant principal, and I think the PTA is lacking. Overall however I really like this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was a huge disappointment. My daughter has some emotional problems, but is very bright. We were promised by the school counselor, the principal, the school psychologist, and social worker that our daughter would be able to get extra help through a therapy group at lunch, and nothing every happened. She went from getting A's at her previous school with high self esteem to failing math. All they did was study for the SOLs. The teachers meant well, but the behaviour problems of most of the other disadvantaged kids really affected the learning environment. There was very little creativity in the classroom, and no reading of great literature, just cramming for the tests. My daughter's self-esteem plummeted and the influence of the other kids was so bad that we pulled her out after nine weeks. Don't send your child here!
--Submitted by a parent

Granby is a wonderful elementary school. My daughter has attended for two years. Both of her teachers have been fantastic teachers, as well as thoughtful, encouraging individuals. The school staff has also been wonderful and supportive. The music teacher prepares wonderful programs and even runs a 'drama club' for students who are interested in participating in extra shows. The art program is good, the speech therapist is good. In short, everyone I've had personal contact with has been very professional, and well prepared in their area of expertise! The PTA could use more parent involvement, but this is not the fault of the school. I believe the school does everything it can to facitilate parent involvement. I've been volunteering at the school once a week for two years and have been very happy.
--Submitted by a parent

We hated Granby elementary.My daughter went to this school in 3rd and and part of 4th grade after moving from Ohio for the military.they always made us feel like outsiders and she could never seem to make their honor roll.When we moved to our current address she transferred to Oceanair for the end of 4th grade and it was a much better fit and from that point on she has been an honor student now finishing up 7th grade at Northside.Getting her otu of Granby elementary was the best thing we did.
--Submitted by a parent

I have sent my son to school out of state because this school wanted to hold him back. He was tested and was able to attend the 6th grade. I was told that being in the military creates an unstable home environment and that if my son would have been a 'product' of the Norfolk city school system, I wouldn't be having a problem.
--Submitted by a parent

My child's teacher was excellent! However, there are alot of children who only have one parent at this school and it appeared to me that they were not really involved in their children's education. I don't blame anyone for being a single parent but let's face it, it can make a big different for many children and their behavior in the classroom. My daughter complained often of how discipline overtook opportunities to learn. Once again, it starts at home, you know? The PTA is well meaning but very unorganized. Many parents do want to volunteer but myself and a neighbor spent 3 weeks trying to get inside the school to volunteer before anyone from the PTA responded. I believe the school is turning around and may even be on its way to a top notch school, however, I wasn't willing to wait and moved my daughter to Larchmont.
--Submitted by a parent

I would have to say this school is terrible. they held my son back just for us to move to a whole new state and figure out it was not my son it was the school and so when we got to our new station, the school here decided to go ahead and pass my son to his proper grade. the teachers have no time for understanding and compassion. I hate this school. thank God the military moved us far far away.
--Submitted by a parent

My High school senior went to this school and through out her school years she had a problem in reading and writing. i thought it was her but now I have a kindergartener going to granby and he is stuggling with the same thing. My 12yr old went to a different school and she is doing fine in these areas. I am having my son transfered for next year.The atmosphere at this school is not very friendly either.
--Submitted by a parent