The guiding philosophy of Graland Country Day School is to provide a rigorous education built upon a balanced program for a highly capable, motivated, and diverse student body. Student learning is our central purpose. We use current research and best practices to create a blend of progressive and traditional education. We provide a safe and caring environment where we foster development of each student’s mind, character and health.

The best schools, like the best sports teams, aren’t just a collection of the best players. Significant resources and practice time are put toward developing players’ talents and creating a culture that encourages individual strengths to meld into a “well-oiled machine.” To that end, Graland values teachers who are not only experts in their disciplines and in how children learn (roughly 60% have advanced degrees) but also as people who serve as role models, mentors and contributors to our learning community. One hundred percent of our teachers participate in annual professional development opportunities; nearly two-thirds of our teachers attend enrichment programs over the summer and nearly one third receive grants to pursue advanced degrees.

Just as important as knowledge is a teacher’s ability to reach a student with compassion, humor and empathy. That’s why you’ll often see a teacher engaged in a game of chess; a lunchtime discussion over Taoism or Latin; a one-on-one conversation with an Upper School Advisor; a game of co-ed football on the field; or a teacher who stands on the side lines to support a student, knowing that at some moments, no words are necessary at all.

It is often said the marks of a Graland student are confidence and compassion. This not only comes from a curriculum strong in essential core academic courses, but in the complement of visual and performing arts, participation in sports, community service and hands-on experiences and travel. Our integrated approach to education is empowering for young people. We view their educational process as a journey: moving from experience to discovery; from discovery to understanding and from understanding to accomplishment.