Grant Middle School

Posted: August 27, 2026

Real improvement happening — read this before you judge Grant on old reviews

If you’re researching Grant Beacon, you’ve probably seen reviews mentioning poor communication, low parent engagement, and school culture concerns. I want to speak directly to those, because a lot has changed fast.

Communication has genuinely improved. Grant struggled with this in the past, and some older reviews aren’t wrong about how things used to be. But under the new administration this past year, communication has noticeably increased — more regular updates, more visibility, and administrators who actually respond when parents reach out.

The community’s passion for Grant is being revived. Local engagement had faded over the years — fewer parents involved, less visible community support. That’s changing fast. This past year, a group of us started a PTSO, something Grant hasn’t had in a meaningful way in a long time. We’re already seeing local business sponsors step up, more parents volunteering, and a real sense the community is rediscovering its passion for this school.


On concerns about students “running the school” — I understand where that comes from. But this year’s principal and assistant principal are a much stronger, more present team. The assistant principal in particular is highly visible — in the hallways, at events, knows students by name.

On sports — a few reviews ragged on athletics, but that’s missing context. Grant is a smaller school, so naturally the program isn’t as deep as bigger DPS schools. Still, last year the majority of Grant’s sports teams made the top bracket for DPS playoffs — a strong showing for our size.

Grant had some down years, no denying that. But it’s turning around quickly: new leadership, better communication, a revived community, business sponsors, a new PTSO, and competitive sports. Asbury Elementary sent most of its graduating class to Grant this year, which says a lot about where families see this school heading.

If you’re judging Grant on old reviews, take a fresh look. This isn’t the same school anymore.

Posted: August 27, 2026

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Posted: November 2, 2025

This school lacks organization and communication. It also holds children to a higher level of expectation than it does its own staff. I believe strongly in accountability, but children don’t learn that when the adults show none.
Most notably, the school fails to manage racism and homophobia or honor basic legal educational requirements.

Posted: November 2, 2025

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Posted: March 6, 2023

Grant Beacon is the worst school I've sent my kids to. I followed one of my students around for a day and was so embarrassed to have my child there. I felt like the student ran the school. Students were so disrespectful to the teachers. The teachers do not get paid enough to handle these kids. If you want your child to play sports you should look else where. The sports program is awful. The coach only allows upper class to play. They do not teach sportsmanship. The team will be winning by 40 plus points and the coach will not play anyone but the starters still. When winning by this much, its the less skilled opportunity to gain confidence and skill. Grant Beacon does not believe in teaching athletes the actual game on how to win with great sportsmanship and leadership. Bullying is huge. My child has been bullied so much he is scared to say anything. I wanted to support my neighborhood school but sad to say kids are not learning here.

Posted: March 6, 2023

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Posted: January 12, 2022

A lot of the teachers are great. The lack of communication or getting through to someone is concerning, especially when there appears to be a culture of physical and verbal aggression between students. It is rare to get someone to call you back or answer the phone. You may have better luck calling the superintendent office (720) 423-3300

Posted: January 12, 2022

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Posted: June 13, 2019

I have one child who just finished 8th grade and one coming into 6th. I cannot say enough about our wonderful experience at Grant. The amount of attention each child gets to help them progress is on par with the best of private schools. Instead of herd mentality, it is a "every child learns differently" approach. The enrichments are high quality and the options are fantastic.

Posted: June 13, 2019

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Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

This school did not step in to help a student while getting assaulted by multiple students. When asked why the staff did not step in Grant Beacon said the safety of the staff was their #1 priority and they do not break up fights. The policy is to call the police. By the time the police showed up the damage was extremely worse and now permanent problems are unfortunately what the student will have to deal with at this point. DPS will instigate the incident at this point.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Terrible! This school does nothing with bullies and does not step in if a child is getting jumped by multiple students. The policy is to not have the staff break up a fight. The staff might get hurt so they will stand by and call the police while damage is being done to the student. Other students video taped the incident
and then further social humiliation for the student took place until they needed to transfer to another school and deal with the doctor appointments on their own.

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

Posted: January 22, 2018

It was pretty great. But not good enough

Posted: May 17, 2015

Unbelievable educators, and staff. The blended learning curriculum is unique and keeps kids motivated. The structure is fair, and we love Friday late start at 10:00 am. Did I mention the enrichment programs? So many opportunities outside the normal school curriculum. We are so happy to be at Grant.

Posted: September 7, 2014

Congratulations once again to GBMS for leading ALL DPS middle schools in academic growth according to 2014 TCAP!

Posted: May 21, 2014

No other school manages real-time student performance data and uses that data to craft customized growth strategies for each individual student. That's why not a week goes by without a visit by administrators from around the state and country to see how Grant does it.

Posted: May 21, 2014

Now that my daughter is finishing her freshman year we can look back and evaluate how well Grant Beacon Middle School prepared her for high school. We can say with confidence that Grant did an outstanding job as she entered middle school testing in "Proficient" range in CSAP/TCAP and left testing "Advanced" in math, reading and writing. In high school she is ranked in the top 5 students in her freshman class, taking all honors and AP courses.

Posted: January 2, 2014

With a school who's technology is better than Souths at this time; Grant has shown tremendous growth. Principal Alex has done an amazing job. I just hope he doesn't get sent to a high school. Grant is becoming a neighborhood school once again. Great after school programs and growing parent support. Thanks for a wonderful job.

Posted: September 22, 2013

This school has just gone through a new innovation program that extends the day, allows for more time to work on projects, every student has an Ipad or Chrome book, all the teachers are using the platforms so all work can be accessed on any kind of electronic device. Grades have improved and the school has recently gone green. The number rating might be easy pablum for the lazy to judge a school but it has nothing to do with what is going on inside this school. My son had great success here and I fought to have my daughter attend.

Posted: May 4, 2013

Grant has potential, lack of leadership has made it an environment where few students can thrive. I don't feel safe having my student there and am bombarded by other parents wh tell me the same thing. It has been the worst school experience I have ever had. Bullying is out of control and the principal takes no ownership of that. I heard horrible things about this school before going there, and they have all come true. I am just heartsick.

Posted: October 16, 2011

If you have not checked out Grant within the past 12 months, you need to get into the school and see a truly exceptional neighborhood school in action. It is amazing to see what can be accomplished by a principal with a vision and enthusiastic & motivated teachers in small classes. Academic growth is impressive across the spectrum, from the ELA students, to the students from low-performing elementary schools up through the honors students. The school has received many grants -- e.g. all 8th graders do their classwork on Ipads. In elementary school my daughter consistently scored in the proficient range on her CSAPs. She did not like reading or writing. Now in 7th grade she does honors math and is rated "Advanced" in both math and writing CSAPs. She is very shy and timid, but thanks to the small, neighborhood school environment and encouragement from the teachers and staff, she has blossomed into a school leader, participates in school sports, runs the school store, and has even sung in front of the entire student body at the school's talent show!

Posted: April 17, 2011

I am a community member in the Grant Community. I feel that Grant Beacon Middle School has done an amazing job building school culture and creating a positive environment among its students. The teachers are passionate about their positions and super caring to their students. The school provides students for lots of opportunities to explore many areas through their Enrichment Classes. Students' increased growth percentiles show that not only are students in a positive environment but also increasing their skills in math, reading, and writing.

Posted: January 28, 2011

Grant has provided a good environment for my middle shool student. I find the teachers extraordinarily enthusiastic and energetic. The principal is engaged and committed, and accessible. My son doesn't agree with all of the school policies, but Grant serves a diverse demographic. Clearly Grant is on an upwards trajectory.

Posted: February 20, 2008

Posted: February 21, 2007

Posted: November 20, 2006