U. S. Grant High School

Posted: May 20, 2025

In a poverty-stricken environment, many of my students have traumatic childhood experiences and have to deal with stressors at home. The cultural background of the majority of my students is Hispanic with a Spanish-speaking homelife. Many who are unable to speak English have difficulty retaining information because of the language barrier. Many of my students enroll in my class for the challenge physically. They enjoy the structure and physical activity it offers.
My school’s mission is to inspire student success through academics, arts, athletics, and culture. However, the school culture can be perceived differently depending on whom you ask. Faculty members report a culture of apathy and disengagement, as evidenced by the high rate of absenteeism and tardiness among students. Meanwhile, many students feel that drug use and disruptive behavior are prevalent. The teachers attribute these issues to a lack of personal and parental responsibility for student performance, attendance, and behavior. The school encourages and tracks family engagement through direct contact when possible to address this. To reduce tardiness, the administration enforces policies that deter poor punctuality; students are locked out of the classroom when they are late with administrators staged in the halls togive passes for entrance back into the classroom. This monitors tardy accumulation and disciplines excessiveness. Community engagement is prevalent through the school's athletic and extracurricular clubs, additionally, local businesses sponsor various school activities to show support. Instructional coaches at the school place a focus on student-centered learning, using district resources to support this approach.
In the last 4 years I have worked here, I have had 3 different principals. The current one has made the most improvement. The school is moving in the right direction, but has a long way to go. The top obstacles that directly hinder student progression are absenteeism, apathy, and lack of effective discipline. In terms of resources, students have more than enough to be successful.
Graduation is not a true reflection of the knowledge standards, and students seem to make it across the stage who have missed more than 30 days of school; it seems to imply a force-feeding system to push numbers up, not accurately preparing students for life.
I see a struggle between battling district policy riddled with ideology and a lack of home support teachers have to bear.

Posted: May 20, 2025

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Posted: April 11, 2022

Great school with great teachers who care.

Posted: April 11, 2022

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Posted: January 16, 2020

Posted: January 16, 2020

My experience here at Grant has been nothing short of amazing. The teachers are really hands on and work towards preparing you for college. The rules set place are effective at giving students a safe learning experience. The many extracurricular activities give students an opportunity to explore new ideas and cultures. The diversity here is amazing. Going to Grant has been like having a second family.

Posted: January 16, 2020

Posted: January 16, 2020

Posted: January 16, 2020

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Posted: January 16, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2013

I love grant because its a very amazing school the teachers are wonderful. especially the way they help students out to learn I would highly recommend any student to this school

Posted: July 20, 2012

I am a teacher at Grant. The staff is absolutely the best. Tamie Sanders is our claim to fame!

Posted: December 3, 2011

Began teaching this year at Grant..they are working on a lot of reforms that equal to a lot of paperwork and meetings. None of which equal to improving student learning. Teachers are overwhelmed with paperwork and behavior problems. There is very little parent support...very little admin support.

Posted: June 26, 2011

As a current student, I feel it is necessary to admit a review on this school. I love this school with everything that I have. Every school has it's flaws but this one can control them. My teachers whom I have had have always been there for me and I could always talk to them no matter what. I am challenged in my advanced placement classrooms. I am proud to be a U.S. Grant General!

Posted: January 18, 2011

I am an aluma of Grant and think that the teachers and staff are some of the best I've ever seen. They really care about see their students succeed not only in school but in life. Especially the Senior Marine Instructor, Major Weber, of the school's Marine Corps Junior ROTC program.