Grahamwood Elementary School

3950 Summer Avenue

School District

Shelby County Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 06, 2024

The school is pretty good as far as Memphis public schools go but there are much better private options available. There is a lot of tension between the traditional and optional students and there is bullying by the traditional students. If you can’t home school or pay for private just make sure you are there as often as possible to keep an eye on how things are done.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2024

We have been a Grahamwood family 2nd-5th grades (2020 - 2024) grade and couldn't have been happier. Great teachers, great staff/admin and a wonderfully diverse student body.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2023

The optional and clue program are amazing. My son is challenged and working far above grade level. We moved from private school and are very happy with the school.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2023

We sent our daughter to Grahamwood for the Optional program for first grade. It was a terrible experience. The school didn’t seem to care about our child or our concerns as parents. Some specific examples that illustrate my point:The teacher held our daughter in the classroom late one day and she missed the bus - they left her there sitting alone and scared.Our daughter frequently told us stories of kids in her class screaming at the teacher and throwing things at the teacher and other kids. Things continued to escalate until I finally went to the office to meet with the principal to discuss my fears and concerns. He was out for several days, and the staff told me that he would have to deal with OTHER MORE IMPORTANT things before he could get back with me. Seriously?! They basically told me that my child or my concerns were not important. When we did meet with the principal he did t seem to take our concerns seriously. We pulled our daughter out and changed schools with five weeks left in the school year. It was that bad.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2022

So this review may change but just putting it out there for anyone who may want to know what's tea. My daughter will be attending Grahamwood in August as a Kindergartener. She was in pre-k at a private school and it was a nice experience but I'm not paying $20k for kindergarten. Ever. But her experience there made me want to check out other options for schools instead of just sending her to the school she's zoned for (which is a nice school too by the way W.H. Brewster principal is so awesome there).Well anyway I'm looking around I decided to visit Grahamwood because I love the Summer/Berclair neighborhood because it's just so diverse. And that's something I wanted for my daughter. And Grahamwood definitely has diversity and I don't think some people realize how important that is for life in general. It's just altogether expansive to know people from different races, cultures, countries, economic backgrounds. All of that. So that's one plus. Second from my tour I could tell that the staff and administration really cared about and knew the kids. And as a single parent I always want my daughter to be places where she's known and accepted and not just tolerated. I also liked that the person who gave me the tour said their child attends the school too. And that really says a lot because if you work for a public school system and your kids go to private school makes you wonder....I liked that they have a "Calm Down Room" so that's where they send the kids when they start having tantrums instead of sending them to the principals office because "they understand little kids have big feelings they can't process yet". And my daughter definitely has those emotions so I felt relieved to know she'd be worked with instead of punished.I also like that the PTO is very active. So yes I'm very excited about the upcoming school year so I'll update this when I can
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2021

Grahamwood is a fantastic school that offers a fast-paced and enriched curriculum to its students in the optional program. The CLUE program offers children a break from the traditional classroom setting and challenges students to think critically and creatively (all while having fun). In our experience with our two children, the teachers have exceeded our expectations. I believe the teachers at Grahamwood are wonderfully talented AND happy in their jobs, in part, because they are supported by the administrators, especially Principal Pete Johnson. In addition to the academic offerings, my daughters have felt safe and connected to their school, teachers, and fellow students.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2021

We have had at least one child at Grahamwood for the last 9 years and have had a wonderful experience!! Great teachers! Great principal! Great school!!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

We moved to Memphis in the middle of the semester, during the pandemic, and have found a home at Grahamwood. The teacher welcomed my daughter with open arms. She made sure that my daughter felt connected to the group of kids and the school right out of the gate. She’s also been amazing at getting our family involved in the community and guiding us step by step as we go through this year- both as a new family and being in the pandemic. When I spoke to administration as they helped us enroll, they were very warm, helpful, and knowledgeable. I know that this is what Grahamwood is all about and am so thrilled with our choice to send our daughter there, and younger 2 will be there when they are in kindergarten.
Submitted by other on January 22, 2020

This school has a diverse and multicultural environment. There resources are properly employed to serve the educational needs of the students
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2018

This is a good school but there are bullies, burned out teachers and a lack of help for students that need a little help. Additionally, they cater to the white and Hispanic students as far as events c.l.u.e. and the optional program.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2017

Grahamwood Elementary excels in every way from academics to inspiring creativity to providing an environment conducive to learning.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2016

We moved from a private school to Grahamwood Optional school this year and we couldn't be more satisfied with our decision. The teachers, resources and admin are the best I have ever seen. My kids are getting a well rounded education here!
Submitted by other on November 10, 2016

Exceptional teachers and administration. Great academic programs in place that challenge students. Lots of extra-curricular activities for students to get involved in. Positive school culture!
Submitted by other on July 12, 2015

My daughter showed so much improvement but above all the teachers and staff are incredible at doing what they love!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2014

As we began the process of finding a school for a daughter, we were very nervous about her transition from private school to public school. We were so lucky that a spot was open at Grahamwood. Not only did they provide diversity but they provide a private style education in a public setting. In addition to providing rigor they provide real work experiences for the students. My daughter comes home everyday talking about new things she experiences. Although she has built a strong bond with her teachers she also has a relationship with many of the faculty members in the building. The school truly makes your child feel like they are part of a family! Grahamwood is truly a gem and as and educator I would rate our school above all the elementary above all in the city!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2014

Grahamwood has proven to be an excellent choice for our children! The teachers we've worked with are outstanding and work hard to help each student excel to the best of his/her ability.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

I came from a non-english native language contry,the China,but never felt uncomfortable in here,also was my daughter!She's very glad to go school at the begining,even if she cound'nt know English mostly.Mrs Jorgensen,her teather,the danish,so nice,kindly and patiently with these kids.All of my family are becoming more love it,the kingdergaten,the teatheroh,anything of here.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2013

My granddaughters go to this school & do very well. Love their teachers & fellow students.