Grady Elementary School

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

Posted: May 9, 2026

My daughter went to Grady for kindergarten and first grade. When she was in the after school program at Grady, hosted by the YMCA, she was touched brazenly and inappropriately touched under her clothing by another student in the program. My daughter said she yelled out when it happened, but the staff did not see it occur. It still makes me physically ill thinking about the helplessness she must have experienced in that moment. We involved the police, child services, and the boy responsible now has a juvenile record for future reference if he reoffends. However, neither the school nor the YMCA took any responsibility for the negligence. I also did not like how much homework they gave kindergarteners and felt that, outside of the opportunities to meet other families when walking your child up to the gates, the school only cares about state grade upkeep and outside appearances. She is in another school in a completely different state now and is thriving in ways she never did at Grady.

Posted: January 9, 2025

Posted: January 9, 2025

Posted: January 9, 2025

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Posted: January 9, 2025

We were lucky enough to send our son to Grady for all 6 years, but we moved away after our daughter finished 1st grade and she has had a couple of years at a new school for comparison. That comparison really emphasizes how fortunate we were at Grady; the new school is solid, but Grady was exceptional. Grady has plenty of advantages in terms of resources, but the school is also a tightly-knit community and we felt a lot of love and support from everyone while we were there.

- The school is relatively small, with small grade and class sizes so that students and families get to know each other.
- Both principals we worked with were wonderful at their job and they set the tone for an administration that was friendly and superbly organized. Little things like the parental drop off and pickup process seemed to proceed like clockwork with no wasted moments.
- The teachers were all above average or even better and the kids learned a lot. Test scores are some of the best in the state, with very few stragglers. We were amazed by how much they asked of the students (e.g. 4th graders learning an 11-sentence paragraph structure for their writing assessment), but they worked nonstop on what they had identified as important and got the kids to absorb it and practice it.
- The specialists are phenomenal and did so much to execute an individual education plan for us. They were proactive in meeting with us to report and plan, they brought in multiple people to help, they listened to our input, and they had worked together for years.
- The PTA did a superb job of communicating and planning. Some of the families at surrounding schools in South Tampa seemed a little status-conscious, but I thought families were a little more relaxed and accepting at Grady.

We would 100% recommend Grady to any parent considering it. It's an amazing school and we still miss it on a regular basis.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

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Posted: May 11, 2018

As the kids go there great with them but there's allot of gossip between staff members about parent's very unprofessional

Posted: March 16, 2017

I switched my son From Cambridge Christian school and he has excelled so much here. The principal is extremely involved. I love Grady

Posted: March 16, 2017

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Posted: July 8, 2016

Posted: July 8, 2016

Posted: July 8, 2016

Posted: July 8, 2016

Dad here

First kid just finished Kindergarten. I was worried at the beginning because the district made them absorb one of the four kindergarten classes into the remaining 3 and then a teacher came back from maternity leave so in total this means my son went to a third teacher in a few months. I was worried this would create a bad experience and there may have been a hiccup but it turned out to be nothing noticeable at all.

The teachers seem great. I took my kid in before school every morning for breakfast to just hang out in the morning. A few parents would go in and it's a nice way to meet some other parents. The teachers always seemed caring and the parents are great. Very down to earth which I like. I don't know what it is like with other schools but this school pulls from north of Kennedy, south of Kennedy, and beach park so it really is a big mix of families which is great.

Both teachers and parents are down to earth and kind. Students are extremely impressive with there manners. I remember in 5th grade you started to have people acting tough trying to act cool. I never saw anything like that here. Every student seemed caring and nice. Great environment.

I think a lot of this has to do with the principal. She seems top notch and has the energy to keep this school chugging along at a great pace. Her pride is infecting. If she were to leave I am sure it would be difficult to fill her shoes but it seems like they bring good people to the school.

Send your kids and fear not. Great school. I usually don't write reviews unless it's earned FYI.

Posted: April 14, 2016

This is an excellent school on every level. The teachers care about the students. Parents are involved. The administration and staff are fantastic and responsive. I'm very glad we chose this school.

Posted: April 14, 2016

Posted: April 14, 2016

Posted: April 14, 2016

Posted: April 30, 2015

This is our first year at Grady and we have been so happy there. My son started kindergarten in the fall and had two wonderful teachers, Ms. Ledo and Ms. Tolbert. The school is very well organized with communication with parents, and the administration is wonderful. You can tell they care about all of the students, and make it a point to know them by name. We have been so impressed!

Posted: October 22, 2014

Best school... Best principal... Best Teachers... Best Staff.. Best Students. Grady is the very best. My daughter has been very happy here for six years. We LOVE the diversity and compassion at this school and the dedication to learning by all. It starts at the top with our beloved principal.

Posted: September 27, 2014

Grady is excellent from the teachers to the front office. Our sons get all the attention they need to thrive. The only drawback would be the uppity PTA mothers who act above there means.

Posted: June 6, 2014

Grady Elementary the best experience I have had with a public school. The teachers are the best, caring, giving their time to help every child and the parent participation is extraordinary. When my grandson was struggling with ADD, they took their time to help offered ELP, spent the time he needed to grow and get better grades. We have nothing but praise for this school. Communication is great. You always know what is going on and the emails I have sent always come back quickly answered. The office Staff are wonderful. I only wish he would go there until 12th grade. With all the help, he ended the year on the honor roll.

Posted: June 2, 2014

As a parent, I cannot say enough about Grady Elementary. I have two children who currently attend. The teachers and administration have been outstanding and really care about each child and communicate often with parents. The school is strong academically, but equal importance is given to the emotional development of the child which is so important for elementary level children. The school events have been great too and well organized. The community, other parents and other students have been wonderful too!

Posted: May 21, 2014

I'm the proud parent of two children at Grady Elementary and I love this school. This is a smaller South Tampa school that is caring and welcoming to all. My children's teachers are very dedicated, highly intelligent, true professionals who care about my children's educational development.The Principal knows each child's name, and loves the school, having been a student and teacher there. She is an incredible leader and just won the Hillsborough County Principal of the Year! And the first graders just scored the highest of all Hillsborough County elementary schools in reading and writing! It's clear that Grady Elementary is a school on a meteoric rise. I am so proud to be the parent of two Grady Tigers - you can't go wrong with this school.

Posted: May 20, 2014

Grady is a horrible elementary school with very unprofessional, power hungry, untrained staff as well as teachers that are not invested in the education of the students. They gave up on my children instead of having patience with a child that has a specific learning disability they staffed him to another school after failing his older brother who met his goals that year. The staff is cold hearted and non-understanding at Grady... as not every child is the same or is on the same level. This school is a power hungry school. They do not care about your children ... They only care about keeping their A status in the community. In which they are cheating by staffing under-level children to other schools and keeping the gifted ones after school 2 hrs to be over prepared for fcat and other testing. My children no longer attend Grady and are excelling immensely at a different school. I am very proud of my boys for overcoming this horrible tragedy they put us through if they only knew how wrong they were and what they did to my children. when will it be about the children and their education? never at grady... i rate them a half a star if i could. even then they don't deserve that.

Posted: May 20, 2014

We are a military family and Grady has made it easy for my 2 children to adapt to a new school and new area. The teachers have made it easy for me to communicate with them about any concerns I have. The staff is very friendly and helpful with all my questions and requests. I am happy and glad we were able to attend such a family oriented school.

Posted: May 17, 2014

Grady is like family because of how long the staff has been there and how we are treated. They give opportunities for families and staff to get involved together in and out of school. Grady is a very welcoming, well organized, informative, and family oriented school. I have one child who graduated from there 5 years ago and one who is attending now. I am proud to say my child attends Grady Elementary School!

Posted: May 14, 2014

I am a parent with two children that attend Grady Elementary. This is our fourth year at the school and we love it. The teachers are wonderful. We have not had a teacher yet that we didn't love. The principal is amazing. She puts so much of her own time into making Grady a great school. I also love that the school is small. When we walk into school in the morning, the staff knows us and we aren't just a number. Plus, with only about 4 classes per grades, my kids are friends with almost everyone in their grade. Both of my kids are doing amazingly well, academically, and the Grady teachers are the biggest reason why.

Posted: May 14, 2014

I have 3 children that attend Grady and we LOVE our experience! The administration is amazing. The communication coming from them is top notch. We have been through 6 teachers in our 2 years here at Grady and all of them have been fantastic. All of my children really excelled at this school. Thanks Grady!

Posted: May 14, 2014

Grady is the hidden gem amongst schools in South Tampa. We have been at the school for ten years, with our youngest daughter graduating 5th grade this year. The teaching staff are all very attentive and highly effective. Grady is small enough to feel like a family but big in its actions to be an 'A' rated school. We feel fortunate to have found this school when our oldest daughter started kindergarten and have watched it grow into the stellar educational foundation it is today.

Posted: November 20, 2013

I am the parent of two kids at Grady Elementary. This small school of about 460 students is the jewel of South Tampa. The principal is outstanding, approachable, extremely hard-working, and displays tremendous leadership. I've been extremely pleased with the quality of the teachers and staff. My kids are learning a great deal and have adjusted well to the school. Parent involvement is high and continues to increase. You can't go wrong with Grady Elementary - an excellent and caring small school in the heart of South Tampa.

Posted: September 26, 2013

I would recommend this school to anyone. All three of my daughters have excelled at Grady because of the great instructors and administrators at the school. Parent participation is excellent!

Posted: September 26, 2013

Grady, Very happy with the school. Strong leaders in the PTA. Children are very welcoming of new students. My children are thrilled with their new school.

Posted: August 21, 2013

Great school. Three of my neices and my nephew attended this school and they loved it!

Posted: August 15, 2013

Grady is a wonderful, smaller school in South Tampa. This is my fourth year at the school and I couldn't be more satisfied. The Principal is fabulous, she pours her heart and soul into the school, the PTA is very active, and I have met many other wonderful parents I feel privileged to call friends. My children are excelling academically, with my youngest reading two grades ahead, and we feel very much a part of a tight-knit, yet diverse community. I would recommend this school to one and all.

Posted: August 9, 2013

Grady Elementary in Tampa Florida. I have 2 daughters who go to Grady and absolutley love it as do we. The Grady staff and teachers are very appreciative of our military and their families.

Posted: June 24, 2013

This is an excellent school. The teachers are responsive, the staff is helpful and the Principal is serious about quality at every level. I toured many South Tampa public and private schools and I was most impressed with this smaller, family friendly, neighborhood school. I am delighted with my children's academic progress. I've made many friends with the parents of other children and these other parents are happy too. I like how Grady has focused on drawing children from the neighborhood or from military families at nearby Mac Dill Air Force Base. Knowing that the majority of the student population is from South Tampa is nice because it means my kids have friends who live nearby. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: March 20, 2013

My daughter is in first grade at Grady. I have loved every activity, event, concert that the school has produced. It encourages a great involvement from all in one common goal. From the Principal to the academics this school truly deserves its A grade, that it has received for multiple consecutive years. Fantastic teachers and curriculum!

Posted: March 20, 2013

We moved here from CA and I must say, this is a wonderfull family oriented School. School Staff is all dedicated, have meet lots of parents with kids in different classes and they all love it. I myself am very impress with how organized this school is. Staring with in the morning dropping your child at school. There is a car drop of line!! This is a public school with private school status. In my daugther older school she would come home hungry, because they would rush her at lunch. Here the cafeteria was very organized, no rushing. They come in small groups. I came to visit and I was really pleased. This school has think of everything. I also met a mom whos child doesn't go to this school no more, but she loved it so much she keeps coming back and volunteer!! . Military Family didn't get accepted at Tinker Elementary (this is the Elementary school on Base) because it's full you need to live on base. Grady accepted the student. I met Parents who drive far distance to get theirs kids to this school. About the School Staff how dedicated are they, they did a Flashmob at the Fall festival. You should have seen all the students faces! My opinion this is a great school.

Posted: February 14, 2013

I say Grady is military friendly and I highly recommend Grady for the following reasons: 1. Excellent teachers and staff. They truly go beyond the required; they are cohesive, singularly focused on an excellent educational experience for the children. I cannot say enough good things about everyone from the front office and the rest of the support staff (lunch room, custodial crew) all are friendly and very engaging. 2. Intimate environ. Although Grady has children from all over town, it is a right sized, neighborhood school. There are four classes per grade level with an excellent student to teacher ratio. You and your child get to be known and get to know your peers - a wonderful experience for a large district, large city school. 3. Great resources. There are great programs and resources for the children. An excellent media center, a wonderful fall festival, musical activities, etc. My son says great things about all of these enriching activities. 4. Active parent community with many involved. We moved our son here after two years in an overseas Department of Defense School - this experience is so much better for us and for our son. Can't wait for my youngest to start.

Posted: February 11, 2013

Grady Elementary is a great school. My kids always had wonderful teachers and the support of administration and staff. I would recommend it to all.

Posted: January 8, 2013

I have a son in EELP and daughter in 1st grade. I have been noting but pleased with teachers and administration for past 2 years.

Posted: October 7, 2012

Not a military friendly school. The front office staff is amazing at trying to get you on track, but everyone else simply doesn't care. The counselor is the worst we have run across in 5 states. We were hoping to find a good feeder school for Coleman and Plant. This is not it.

Posted: August 13, 2012

My daughter attended Grady Elementary and received the best foundation a parent could ask for. The staff and administration consistently do what is best for children... they go above and beyond!

Posted: January 31, 2012

We are a military family that moved from GA. My son has a disability and we were told that Grady would be best for him. I have had nothing but problems since my son started attending this school! ESE staff talks down to you and are not worried about what I think is best for my son. They want tomdo what they want to do. He will not be attending this school next year. We will be moving to Dale Mabry Elem.

Posted: September 19, 2011

My youngest son was enrolled in the autism program in Grady, and since then he has shown a great amount of improvement. My oldest son was going to a different school where he was learning nothing but bad behavior. i decided to move him to Grady this year, and his behavior has changed dramatically. This is a really great school.

Posted: January 16, 2008