Grant Elementary School

2368 Pearl Street

School District

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

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 20, 2024

Context: New to the area family. Two kids across two grades (2nd & 3rd).Teachers: We've found the teachers to be very invested in our children as individuals. They partnered with us to provide me context on where my child was strong & where we could invest time. The teachers were patient and did a great job at including all the children in class in teaching. We had one child who is very quiet and would not raise her hand when she did not understand, resulting in not completing in class assignments... and the teacher found that place where she would gently draw my child out; but not make her too uncomfortable. I feel that the teachers care and am very happy with the relationship. One of my daughters, while walking home, just freely said that she loved her teacher. That's a powerful indicator of the relationship these students are developing.Principle: Very involved, and cares. He's doing a great job ensuring a positive learning opportunity. I'd give him an A+.Academic Rigor: My children came from private school (1st grade) and were behind when it came to state testing standards when starting at Grant. Working with the teachers, who sent home (by request) material, I reinforce lessons that got them from behind the pack to the mid-range by mid year. Coming from behind is never easy, but I felt that we left that grade at a reasonable place. I couldn't have done it without great collaboration with the teachers.The following year, one of my children is now in the top percentile (both class and state) and the teacher has given her appropriately challenging material. The other child is still running mid-pack, and her teacher is working with me to reinforce topics as home, still working on her quietness. I am comfortable I can keep her improving and I know I have a partner at the school.Social Commentary: My kids have developed deep and meaningful relationships with their classmates. They occasionally write each other letters, have playdates, and talk about working together on assignments during our walks home. This is important as Grant is in a very diverse part of Santa Monica, with both high-income and lower-income families. There is no perception of "status" among the kids or the parents. I have felt very welcomed and my children, who we check in with often, have not reported any social issues that aren't normal and common for their age. Issues, like bullying, are immediately addressed and have not become problematic.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2023

Principal is very involved and present. Parents are also very involved and every event is 100% parent run, so the PTA and other groups put on amazing events for the kids and community. Class sizes are growing with the addition of Muir students, but not more teachers. On the other hand... Weird class combinations like 2/3 and 4/5 grade because not enough kids to make another class. Many buildings have gone through deferred maintenance and bungalows need replacement,
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2022

The school has exceeded all our expectations. Exceptional and involved PTA, engaged teachers, and an exceptional leader as its principal. I only seeing it getting better and better. Tons of gratitude to be a part of its community.
Submitted by principal on September 28, 2020

Grant School is a diverse world-class school providing effective instruction not just in the core academic subject areas but also in enrichment and social justice, responsive classroom, restorative justice, anti-bullying, and character.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2019

Grant is an excellent school and really feels like a community. Principal Furer sets the right positive tone for the kids and families and I hear the teachers think he is great. Like any school, you can get a mediocre teacher; we had one among the 6 different teachers our 2 kids have had. But overall our kids love it, and we’ve felt so welcomed by this community.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2018

Excellent so far. Our two kids have had outstanding teachers for kindergarten and 1st grade. Also, Grant was just appointed as a California Distinguished School, which is a very impressive award.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2017

We've had a great experience thus far. My children's teachers are very effective and they are learning a lot. I was concerned about the changes in administration but it has turned out to be great. She takes time to listen and handles issues almost immediately. I'm pleased to be at this school.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2016

Terrific school. My child has been there for several years. It's a great place. He is learning a lot, and enjoys going to school. Wonderful teachers, really nice parents and kids. Couldn't have asked for a better place. Nice new principal too.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2014

Wow! Way better than I'd even hoped. Dedicated, smart teachers and nice, involved parents. My kid loves going to school!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2014

The school could improve on the following - Our teacher doesn't respond to emails or calls - we have basic questions that are still unanswered. The curriculum is on par of what my child was working on in pre-school. The kinder yard is under-supervised at lunch & there have been incidents of bullying. The principal dances around issues - ex. offsetting the computer lab that is in total disrepair & unusable with the tablet program, I later learned that the tablets are a pilot program, not well liked by the students or teachers & are there for a v limited time. Safety - there was a school shooting a few blocks away in the 2012 school year & the school grounds are still not secure which is blamed on funding. Engaging in the arts during the school day. They boast a robust arts programs but it is all after school at a considerable cost. The front office staff can be hot/cold. We like having the kindergarten yard separate from the big yard. Both outdoor spaces are large & well maintained.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2014

My kids go to Grant and I'm very disappointed the level of education it very low. The entire school is about collecting money, donation and projects which is fine but the problem is they forget how to apply to the education for our kids. The whole team members is all about Drama. The only good thing about the school is clean and nice location. EDUCATION WAY TOO POOR !!!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2014

My son is in kinder his teacher has yelled and teased him in front of the class,he feels he has an excuse for it,very disappointing.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2013

This could be a phenomenal school. Unfortunately the past 19 years have been marred by two principals with egos to uphold. The latest principal is great at talking around issues, about how her personal life kind of relates to the issue, but never hits the issue head on. It's pretty clear that she has teachers to appease and the parents are not allowed to have valid concerns. She has implemented the most ridiculous changes to an otherwise easy flowing system and won't listen to parents when they complain about the chaos and havoc that these changes have created. Fortunately my child has the most amazing teacher and she will be out of Grant after this year. It's a good thing that the parental involvement is extremely high otherwise nothing would ever get off the ground. You need to learn to speak up and speak loudly if you have issues at this school. When that fails, and it most likely will, don't give up. Call the district and let them know what is going on.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2013

Grant Elementary Our kids love the school, the kids and the teachers and so do we! It seems from our exerience that they have a great group of kids. They also have fun events. Thank you.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2013

I think this is a great school. I grew up in Santa Monica, but attended private school K-12. I had no real idea what to expect from Grant, but our experience was very positive. My daughter finished Kindergarten with Mrs. Thomas and we loved her. She was tough, but fair and super dedicated. Our daughter is reading full on chapter books by herself now, and loves school (and homework!). We had a hiccup in the beginning with an enrichment teacher and getting in touch with the principal to resolve it, but it was taken care of within a week and we had no lingering issues. The PTA is very active in fundraising and the like, but it's hard to attend if you work because a lot of the planning committee meetings are weekdays at like 9 or 10am.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2013

We have had an aweful kindergarten year here. There are a number of old teachers who really are just plodding along teaching the same way they did 20 years ago and refusing to adapt to anything new. I have heard through other parents that there are some great involved teachers who enthuse their students but this certainly was not our experience. Principal is almost impossible to get an appointment with when a concern does arise. We are dreading next year and hope that we get a better teacher. Parents really do work hard to support but it does feel like there is constantly a hand out asking for money.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2012

This is an excellent school. We moved to the area at the beginning of the year and have two boys there, now in 4th and 1st grades. Diverse student body, in terms of ethnicity, income, and family structure; very active and social parent community (but not in an overbearing way); teachers who don't just dial it in, but pay attention and challenge the kids that need it while supporting the kids who are struggling. The principal is newish (was vice-principal last year), but seems to be doing a good job. She is visibly engaged around the school on a daily basis, open to suggestions, seems to have a good relationship with teachers and pupils alike. Some teachers are better than others, but you get that in any school. Even the not-so-great ones (one of my sons has one this year) are still fine. Good sports, music and arts programs (rescued through the fund-raising efforts of parents). There is a strong emphasis on academic standards, but an even stronger emphasis on developing the whole child, which I think is great. The kids there are confident but respectful. The best sign? I never hear "I don't want to go to school" in the mornings anymore. Go Grant Geckos!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2012

Excellent school!!! My daughters Zoe and Zareya Fletcher love it. The teachers are very dedicated to making sure the kids learn and excel at their best. Thumbs up the the staff especially Principal Mr. Friedenberg, Vice Principal Ms.Compton, and fourth grade teachers Ms. Ripley, and Ms.Ware. A lot of good field trips during the school year to keep the kids learning and involved. Always constant communication between the teachers and parents. My daughters are looking forward to returning to Grant for the 5th grade.