Founded in 1853, Grier School has long stood as an inclusive community, with diverse opportunities being offered to girls, who are nurtured to be engaged, authentic, and confident. On November 13, 2025, this legacy of excellence gained national spotlight when the World’s Greatest—a national TV series—visited our campus to film and showcase Grier’s vibrant spirit, dynamic life, and the dedication of its students and staff.
Lauded by audiences as inspiring, educational, and informative, World’s Greatest ensures every segment highlights exceptional content by featuring organizations that are “the best of the best.” Accordingly, its process of selection is rigorous; the final decision is not made before researching numerous businesses or organizations. For Grier to earn this spot is a testament to the school’s remarkable growth and standing in recent years. As a part of the admissions team, Mrs. Shaw-Bassham highlighted the core strength that sets Grier apart. “Our core strengths are our signature programs, the arts, music, dance,” said Shaw-Bassham. “Those really set us apart from other private and boarding schools in the country.”
During their visit, the World’s Greatest crew captured the essence of Grier through a range of content, including dedicated segments spotlighting music, equestrian programs, pottery, academics, and daily student life.
Among the students featured was Cici Chu, ‘26. “I got filmed in the music segment, and I think what they are trying to get at is how engaged we are in music,” said Chu. “They were filming for the Crimson Foxes, and we played “It’s Christmas” on the piano.”
The process of being filmed while playing musical instruments came with its own unique challenges. Lucy Hanlon, ‘26, another student being filmed in the music segment, mentioned that the filming crew had them play the same song repeatedly, with the camera positioned close by, while instructing them not to look at it.
Nevertheless, the filming process remained memorable and joyful for the girls. “The most memorable part is that the filming group wanted us to be really happy,” said Chu, “and then at the end I actually burst out laughing.”
For Chu, seeing her school earn this national recognition carries deep personal meaning. “We were really proud of where we are right now,” said Chu. “It is great to let other people see our values and our achievements.”
Hanlon also expressed her feeling regarding the recognition Grier just gained, saying that the diverse opportunities and the wide range of activities our school has offered to the girls must have played an important role in catching the show’s attention, and that is exactly where our school stands out among thousands of organizations.
Beyond its diverse programs and opportunities, the unique qualities that Grier girls and staff are embodying is also one of our key strengths. “Our girls and our faculty and staff really built a nurturing and caring community,” said Mrs. Shaw-Bassham. “Everyone is family here.” As a former Grier student herself, she offered a unique perspective on this. “Being a student myself, I was able to experience the student side of it, and as an adult, I was able to experience the other employee side of it. I love both aspects of it.”
For the school, being filmed by a national TV show means a lot; it is a milestone that reflects our school’s growth, as well as opens a new gate for Grier to be known by more people. “This national recognition has a great significance. We really want to spread the Grier School name and attract as many Grier girls as we can,” Mrs. Shaw-Bassham explained, “It is such a high honor that now World’s Greatest is the second TV show that has come on to our campus.”
With filming being wrapped up, we can start building our anticipation for the episode’s release and what it may bring to our school. “I really hope that they see the nurturing and familiar environment that we have here and really want to become a part of our programs,” said Mrs. Shaw-Bassham.
Being filmed by World’s Greatest is no doubt a great honor all students and faculty in the school can celebrate. It represents a national recognition granted to our school community and shows the current position of our school being at a national level. Let this precious opportunity and experience be an unforgettable milestone our school has achieved, as well as a motivation for our school to keep growing and maintaining the spirits that made us the “best of the best.”
