About Us

History

Since 1924, we've gone to extraordinary lengths

to give every child the best education possible.

Graland’s rich history began in 1924 when parents and teachers came together to create a preschool and kindergarten different from others of the era. Since being incorporated in 1927, Graland has offered an educational program adapted to the needs of children, and our focus today is still on the whole child and on developing well-rounded individuals of strong character who excel intellectually, athletically and creatively.

While traditions have an important role in linking past, present and future students, we also live on the leading edge of education. A tradition of innovation is the Graland way, and we are constantly evolving our teaching methods to meet the needs of today’s learners.
"My sons, Charles and Henry, finished their years at Graland with a most refreshing enthusiasm for original problems. Under progressive leadership there was successfully communicated to them a spirit of self dependence and resourcefulness that I appraise as the greatest asset possible for them to acquire in their school experience, and I have now convinced that this keen interest and enthusiasm will stay with them. We like Graland very much, and will always be grateful for the fine start given our boys"

~Charles C. Gates ‘34

Notable Dates in Graland's History

  • 1924

    Graland School was founded in Denver at 3420 E. Colfax Ave., offering preschool and kindergarten

  • 1927

    July 23, 1927 Graland School was incorporated in the State of Colorado

  • 1928

    September 28, 1928 Grand opening of Graland Country Day School campus at current site in Hilltop neighborhood, enrollment was 94 students in K-5

  • 1950

    Junior high school classes added

  • 1977

    First pieces selected for the Permanent Art Collection

  • 1988

    Master Teacher program started

  • 1999

    Gates Invention Program launched

  • 2003

    Fieldhouse completed with full basketball/volleyball courts, climbing wall, fitness center and locker rooms

  • 2010

    Middle School restructured to Grades 5-8

  • 2013

    Preschool/PreK added to Lower School program

  • 2016

    Ribbon cut on Corkins Center with science, invention, library and digital media spaces

  • 2019

    Graland implemented a new, forward thinking faculty compensation model that rewards teachers for their innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
1/12
“I started going to Graland in 1946 in the first grade. Back then the school was housed in one building. Graland lived up to the name 'country day school' as there were very few houses around the campus and there was actually a swamp in the southeast corner of the school property. We would walk down there as a class and the brave souls would catch frogs and snakes. In the early days we had Pet Day when we could bring our pets to school and show them off. Graland had two donkeys that we all loved. They had a colorful cart they pulled around campus on special occasions and would take passengers for a ride. I remember all of my teachers and I loved them all. I will always cherish my days at Graland and am forever grateful for the wonderful education I got there.”

~Kit Cooley Brown ‘55

Graland Through the Years

Graland Country Day School

55 Clermont Street    |    Denver, CO 80220    |    303-399-0390
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.