Granby High School

7101 Granby Street

School District

Norfolk City Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Norfolk City Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 07, 2022

To initially clarify, this review is both highly personalized and subjective; and it won't cover the full scope a typical student at Granby would face. In order to ascertain my credibility, I shall establish my ethos (credibility). I'm a current student at Granby High school - sophomore, to be specific - and in the IB program, I will become a Junior rather shortly, as it is June, I take multiple IB/AP classes, and also attend the Governor's School for the arts in tandem with Granby.Firstly; the positives. Granby has an amazing teaching staff...Somewhat. From my 2 years of experience, on average, you will get 2 absolutely amazing teachers, a bunch of decent teachers, and 1 to 2 teachers that would make you genuinely consider self-mutilation as better than taking their class. Let's focus on the good teachers, however. Practically all of the teachers are open to criticism and emails, having quite amicable personalities. Those amazing teachers that you get (Props out to Dr. Ford, absolute legend) will make your classes more than just bearable, it will be an actual sensation that, for once, you actually desire to attend. Unfortunately, this is probably where all the positives end...Now...the myriad of negatives. It would take too much time to explain them all, so I'm just going to list them. -Certain abhorrent teachers-Condescending staff (New principal Thomas Smigiel is pretty decent, though)-10s of people skipping class in the bathrooms-Some hallways smell like weed...constantly. -Fights daily (emphasize on the daily) -You are practically treated like herd animals or any other equivalent.-Our "Track" is actually non-existent (we have good tennis courts and baseball field, however)-Infrastructure standard/grade is barely legal; dismal. (this is hyperbole, but the point stands)-School food...might as well eat straight from the dumpster, provides the same nutritional benefits and has a better taste.-Real lack of emotional support, we may have more counselors than any other school, but does it matter if the school environment itself is more mentally taxing than if you were to take 2 AP exams at once with half the allotted time?In short; the academic facilities at Granby - even within the IB program, and especially the regular courses - are mediocre, borderline purgatory, at the very most. In reality, it's probably not as bad as I make it out to seem, I tend to exaggerate things - hence my introduction - But I agree with all that I said.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2021

I have two children, both of whom are in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Granby. Their teachers are excellent and the staff and administrators have always been accessible and responsive. The principal, Mr. Smigiel, is highly capable and enthusiastic and has improved communication with parents significantly this year. My kids could not wait to get back to school after Covid restrictions were lifted. Their athletic coaches (in particular field hockey, crew and volleyball) are wonderful.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2020

Violence is a huge problem. When my child and groups of others are getting secondhand pepper spray from a fight being separated, doesn’t seem like an effective or safe tool.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2018

This is the worst of the worst! Students are treated as if they are in court here and are forced to make plea bargains with suspensions. The principal shows little to no care for academics, safety, respect, or compassion. I don't understand how the doors are still open!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2017

I was disappointed with the school. My child was only in two class due to registration and in both classes either the students were very disrespectful and cussing at the teacher or a fight broke out. While just waiting to be seen there were students being loud and wondering the halls when they were to be in class.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2014

I have not been impressed with this school since my kids have started. My son used profanity on the base while singing a song and was reprimanded which is fine. His punishment was 5 days OSS which was ridiculous! No warning and another child did the same thing that week and received much lighter punishment. It's a shame the school administration isn't better. High School is a great time in a teens life and I think Granby leaves a lot to be desired.
Submitted by other on December 04, 2013

If you have attended Granby for 3.5 years, as you claim, you should be a senior by now, not a junior, being as it takes only 3 years and 9months to graduate high school from start to finish. On a side note, incomparable means NOT comparable to said object, as the prefix in- means "opposite of" the word it precedes. The correct word was comparable, as your point was that Granby could be accurately compared to a public zoo (which, by the way, couldn't have been a less truthful statement, especially if you take the time to compare Granby's disciplinary records with other schools in the area). I think you should spend a little more time involving yourself in your studies and less time worrying about who fought who today, and I am sure you would find your experience at Granby, as with anything else in life, to be much more positive and successful.
Submitted by student on November 13, 2013

This school itself is not too bad, no, decent even. However in the past three and a half years(Junior) in Granby High School- I have experienced that the learning environment is rather uncivilized and incomparable to a public zoo.
Submitted by student on June 22, 2013

very good school near my area, is my first year and i like it so far. make the best out of it :)