Grant

I have four kids who go to this school. We love the parent involvement and the arts focused learning. My kids go to school and rarely come home having had a bad day. Jennifer Cooper is a great principal and knows each of my kids and has handled any problems that come up with great leadership and respect. My only negative is that there are some teachers still on staff who really should retire as it is clear they don't have the patience and endurance to keep up with the kids anymore. The younger teachers are just fabulous and have had great experiences with them as a parent. My kids have really enjoyed learning from the younger teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We didn't have a good experience at Grant and ended up changing schools half way through first grade. There was a lot of bulling and the teaching staff was ok. Our son's Kindergarten teacher left in the middle of the year with no reason expressed and his first grade teacher was a formula teacher. Our first report card was identical to every other students and I didn't like how much homework was given daily. It created issues afterschool when my child just wanted to play. I do like Jen Cooper and hope she makes changes.
—Submitted by a parent

Great families, involved teachers. This is more than a school -- it's a real learning community.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former Grizzly, I will soon be sending my daughter to Grant. I am encourage by all the wonderful reviews. I also remember Grant being a great, wonderful place to learn. I am so happy to see that Grant is still greatly involved in the Arts. I will never forget my first orchestra class with Mr. Johnson so many years ago. :)
—Submitted by a parent

This school changed my childrens lives before i moved them to Grant they hated school and they are learning so much and are excited to go to school everyday.the staff truly care about each child individually.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best elementary school in Tacoma. Great teachers and a fresh approach keep it interesting for the kids while supplying a solid foundation in the basics. Adding in the arts focus makes it one of the most desirable schools in Tacoma.
—Submitted by a parent

I myself went to Grant along with my 6 brother and sisters. I have nothing but great memories from that school. I now am a mother of 2 boys who first tried another school and were not happy. I transfered them to Grant and have been overjoyed to raise them in the school I was raised in. The staff are very friendly and patient. The neighborhood is safe, and there is a overwhelming sense of family when you are there. Everyone looks out for everyone. Grant offers over 40 art classes and after school clubs including an in school daycare for us working moms. How convienent can you get! I encourage any child to attend this wonderful school. GO GRIZZLIES!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am constantly amazed at the way arts are infused into the curriculum at Grant-- you would never think of a dance studio as a place to learn about clouds or the state of matter (as well as a great way to refresh the kids minds and bodies). Going into the school my biggest fear was that math and science would be pushed aside that is NOT the case. While other elementary schools don t offer ballet, tap dance, violin, ceramics, drama or visual arts, Grant does!
—Submitted by a parent

Grant Center for the Expressive Arts is an excellent school. Not only is there a strong focus on reading and math, you'd be hard-pressed to find a school that focuses on the arts. They have a wonderful curriculum that embeds many forms of art such as visual, theater, dance, music and so much more. The teachers are involved and wonderful and the parent participation/involvement is very high. This school went from near closing a few years back to rapidly growing and waiting lists. The principal is a fair and honest leader and inspires the children to do great things. The school offers a variety of before and after school enrichment classes that are teacher and volunteer taught ranging in subjects such as hip hop, creative movement, science, art, tap dance, ballet and more! This school offers a very well-rounded education and a great mix of cultural and socio-economic diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely pleased with Grant in terms of parent involvement, enrichment activities, and academic progress. I am concerned about math and science, but this is a district curriculum problem, rather than school specific. We have a new principal this year.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have received a top notch education so far and are getting plenty of enrichment activities. I thoroughly enjoy this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved Grant when I went there.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a FANTASTIC school! It has a real sense of community among the teachers, staff, parents and students. Since it is a school for the performing arts, the students are encouraged to take part in many different electives ranging from jewelry making and ballet to baseball and guitar. I would reccomend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Grant is a fantastic school, offering a wide assortment of programs for children encouraging learning through the arts. Parent involvement is high. One concern we have is the math program, which is used throughout the Tacoma school district. We would like to see more math homework and science homework.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Grant for three years. One child will move to 3rd grade next year and the other to 1st. Our experience has been exceptional and we love our school. Our principal is gifted at working with children from all types of backgrounds. Her leadership and guidence creates a family atmosphere where learning is fun and all are welcome. The teachers truly care about the children. Each one that I have interacted with is truly committed to the school as a community. This is a magnet school with an emphasis on the expressive arts. The school encourages high parent involvement. If you and your child want to be part of a caring, active, educational community and get exposure to the expressive arts, this is your school.
—Submitted by John Gallup, a parent

Achedemics: My son thrived at Grant. Their ability to somewhat cator to students needs and learning methods was great. He came out an excellent reader (testing well above his age) and received an award for his 4th grade WASL testing. Grant is focused on art and music, much moreso than sports. If your child enjoys art and music, Grant is definitely the place for them to go. The PTA program at Grant is not the best. The PTA push for membership in the beginning, but then do not communicate much once you have joined.
—Submitted by a parent