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Character
GO WITH COMPASSION
We’re committed to building strong character and teaching children about kindness, respect and empathy. -
Innovation
GO CREATE
Innovation isn’t an option, it’s a way of life. -
Enriched Learning
GO FURTHER
Learning happens in all ways at Graland in and out of the classroom. -
Inspiring Faculty
GO INSPIRE
Teachers connect with students encouraging them to reach further as lifelong learners. -
Hands-on Lessons
GO DEEPER
Creative techniques lead children to understand concepts in exciting ways.
discover a love of learning
discover a love of learning
Students who go Graland are the kind of forward thinkers who can go anywhere and do anything.
Since 1927 we’ve gone to great lengths to give every child the best education possible. Why? Because we want them to reach higher and go deeper. We want them to pursue excellence with passion and intent.
Graland serves Denver-area children starting in Preschool and from Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Our Community
Here, you'll never go alone.
Our school community is dedicated to bringing people together in a journey that lasts all the way through middle school graduation and beyond.
50
things to experience at Graland
Unique moments happen every day at Graland. Will your child go cross country skiing on our campus? Practice Spanish at a farmer’s market? Lead an assembly? Here are 50 things to look forward to.
News and Events
Graland Today
Recent News
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A Tradition of Inquiry
Read More4 + 9 - 2 x 16 + 1 ÷ 3 x 6 - 67 + 8 x 2 - 3 + 26 - 1 ÷ 34 + 3 ÷ 7 + 2 - 5 =
It is the first day of Algebra class at Graland Country Day School, near the turn of the millennium. As recounted in Ron Ritchhart’s 2002 book, “Intellectual Character,” Mr. John Threlkeld has written this problem on the board from “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. He then asks the students to pair up and come up with an answer. After a few minutes, he proclaims, “I want to hear what you got.” They hesitate, fearing their answers are wrong. To which he replies, “I want you to try out your ideas… And by the way, maybe we are all wrong.” -
Empowering Educators & Inspiring Students Through Summer Grants
In the fall issue 2024 of “Graland Today,” we explored how summer grants are a key element of Graland’s strategic plan. Funded generously by the Borgen Family, these grants empower educators to design transformative learning experiences that spark student interest and foster a love of learning. Featured in the issue were three exciting initiatives resulting from these grants: the school-wide digital wellness initiative, the Grade 4 Geocaching Trip, and the Grades 7/8 Theater Company. Continue reading to learn more.Read More -
Graland Leadership Spotlight: A Q&A With New Campus Leaders
Read MoreGraland is proud to introduce a group of passionate and dedicated individuals stepping into various leadership roles across our campus community. Join us in welcoming Ryan Howsam ’86, Anthony Loeffler, Megan Scremin, and Christopher Smith to Graland’s Board of Trustees; Jessica Perrill as the new chair of the School Culture Advisory Committee (SCAC); Trisha Perlman taking the helm as Graland Parent Association (GPA)President; and Andrew Bourke ’01 leading the Graland Alumni Board.In this Q&A, these campus leaders share their aspirations for their respective roles, discuss what excites them most about Graland’s present and future, and explore their dedication to cultivating a culture of belonging. As they embark on their leadership journey, their insights offer a glimpse into the positive impact they hope to make at Graland. -
Cup of Conversation
Read MoreWhere a teachers favorite coffee is paired with thoughtful insights.
In this issue, Graland educators share the thought-provoking questions students have asked and the lessons they’ve learned from them. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading the heartfelt responses – perhaps with a cup of coffee in hand! -
Fostering Healthy Digital Habits: Graland’s Commitment to Wellness
Read MoreThis summer, a dedicated group of educators—Kathy Riley, Tara Lavizzo, Betsy Metcalfe, Ashleigh Stepanian, Elizabeth Leddy, Meggan Dodge, Heather McCormick, and Jess Levy—embarked on a summer grant project focused on enhancing student digital wellness. Concerned about technology’s impact on youth mental health, the team explored thought-provoking resources, including “Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World” by Devorah Heitner, PhD, and Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation.” -
Graland’s New Theater Company: Inspiring Creativity, Curiosity, and Belonging in Grades 7/8
This fall, Graland proudly introduces an innovative theater company program for Grades 7/8 as part of the ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Expression) curriculum, focusing on devised theater and Moment Work to foster creativity, curiosity, and a sense of belonging among students. Let’s explore the journey of how this exciting project began and what’s to come for this new program.Read More -
Pioneering a New Tradition: Grade 4 Geocaching Adventure
Read MoreNavigating New TraditionsThis fall, Graland’s fourth-grade students embarked on a geocaching expedition at Castlewood Canyon State Park, marking the beginning of a new tradition for Grade 4. Born from a summer grant project in 2024, this innovative signature trip aims to foster independence, teamwork, and exploration while connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. -
Seventh Graders Delve Into the History of America's 13 Colonies
Read MoreGraland's seventh-grade students took a deep dive into the past to study the 13 colonies that shaped the foundation of the United States. As part of their exploration, they examined the unique characteristics and influences of each colony, which provided valuable context for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., this spring. -
Third Graders Enhance Geography Skills While Exploring Colorado's Regions
Read MoreGraland's third-grade students recently engaged in a project aimed at deepening their understanding of Colorado's geographic regions. Guided by essential questions such as "What tools can we use to study geography?" and "How does geography shape the way we live?", the social studies curriculum encourages students to creatively analyze and apply their knowledge. -
Discovering "Window Mysteries" in Second-Grade Math
Read MoreIn Mrs. Katie Mimnall's second-grade math class, students engaged in an exciting activity called "Window Mysteries." -
Exploring Alma Thomas: A Colorful Journey for First Graders
Read MoreFirst graders recently completed an engaging color mixing unit inspired by the renowned artist Alma Thomas. This unit culminated in a memorable field trip to the Denver Art Museum, where they had the chance to see her work from the Smithsonian American Art Museum on display and create their own paintings in her style.To prepare for their museum visit, students worked with model magic to mix primary colors and develop secondary and tertiary hues while documenting their observations. This exploration set the stage for their upcoming project of producing an Alma Thomas-inspired piece. -
Harvesting Knowledge: Kindergartners Dive Into Pumpkin Exploration
Read MoreTo kick off an integrated learning unit, Kindergarten students went on an adventure to Chatfield Botanic Gardens for Pumpkin Discovery Day this October. During their visit, the students ventured into the pumpkin patch, where each Kindergartener selected a pumpkin or gourd to take back to the classroom for future lessons. The experience was not only fun but also educational, as they learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin and explored their various characteristics and varieties. The groups also navigated a mini corn maze and participated in a pumpkin dissection, adding to the day’s excitement.
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Upcoming Events
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
