Bright Beginnings School #1

My daughter is finishing up PreK this year and we are excited about her beginning Kindergarten in the Fall at BBS. She has loved all the fun activities, mini-fieldtrips, and cooking projects. The teachers have been nothing but nice, and the front office is always friendly. We are so happy to have our daughter at BBS, and we look forward to the upcoming years. :)
—Submitted by a parent

The principle (owner) is there just for the $$$.... Full day PK is $790.00 plus enrollment fee, and other administrative fees. The teachers and PTA are asking consistently for donations ;school supplies, books, tax credit, days from your time share etc. The teacher is very unfriendly and snappy,the teaching method this school uses is drilling. So sad....
—Submitted by a parent

If your kid plans to attend kindergarten at BBS, you need to avoid Mrs B if he/she is active and a bit impulsive. In my personal opinion, she is only a great teacher if your kid follows her direction, sits still and listen to her at all times. Otherwise, she will send notices to the parents constantly or send the kid to the principal. This has nothing to do with fighting and screaming. It seems like Mrs B is trying to train a group of mini-soldiers instead of expanding the kids horizon and diversifying the strengths. BBS is a great school and has great curriculum. Please be careful with the teacher you select.
—Submitted by a parent

We found BBS eight years ago through greatschools.com as we were researching places to live before our move to Arizona. We visited BBS for a tour of the campus and knew immediately that our children would do well there. We were impressed by the online information about the quality of the school, but fell in love with the atmosphere of a caring, supportive learning environment. Our three kids love their school and are excited about the new middle school as well. I hope that people who have questions about the school come to campus to see for themselves if it is a good fit for them. No one school is perfect for everybody, but I feel that my kids are doing well here and I have no complaints. Also, nobody has ever suggested or requested that I post an online review. I update my review periodically because as time passes, I feel it is helpful to the other parents looking here to have up-to-date information and feedback. This review is my honest, unsolicited opinion as a longtime parent at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a very long time parent to 3 kids. One in hs, jr. h and my last at bbs elemen. I find these negative comments sad. I want to believe all the criticisms false, however, if there is any truth to any of them let that be a wake up call to fix them. No problems=no complaints. I also realize you will not please everyone and that is why we have choices for our kids education, people! Don't like BBS don't go there. My experience has mostly been positive so I don't see any reason to not recommend bbs.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Bright Beginnings for 5 years. My children are thriving, having fun & being taught by loving wonderful teachers. All of this talk about NEW principle is ridiculous. She has been the principle/owner since we have been there (& the year before I think too). Of course all places have growing pains when change happens. The people posting negative comments about things do not even have children at BBS anymore as they are in jr high now. We have been nothing but pleased the past 5 years. This year is BY FAR one of the best. There's a new music room, wonderful healthy lunches with lots of fresh choices and the gossipy parents who's children went here before have all left. It is a VERY positive environment and my children love to go to school. They are learning above grade level, being challenged but in a fun and loving way. We are all here to support one another and do the best for our children including the principle and her new wonderful Asst Principle (former teacher) who is always outside greeting the families as they come to school. Please do not believe rating from others who do not or have not even attended the school THIS year & have no place to judge right now.
—Submitted by a parent

I continue seeing posts from "previous" employees...It's very sad that these previous employees cannot seem to move on and feel the need to bring down a school where they have previously taught. You may have had some experience that has caused you to feel this way, but should you really use this type of forum where the effects go far beyond one person? Do you think that badly of the people you used to work with? As a CURRENT employee, and an employ who has watched a few teachers come and go, I can say that I am very happy with my job and my administration. I enjoy my teammates and the other teachers I work with. I love my students and my families. I feel supported, and I feel comfortable knowing that if something is bothering me, I can speak to the person I need to FACE to FACE. It is very sad that future and current parents are going to read these false statements being made. To all the parents out there, I hope you will see past these "previous employee" comments, and see them for what they are.
—Submitted by a teacher

As an employee, I can honestly state that I have only ever known the owner to completely support me. She cares about me inside and outside of the classroom. The education that the children at this school are getting far exceeds any other elementary school in the valley. Amazing staff are attracted to this school for many reasons and are extremely qualified to give all the children at our school well rounded, individualized, learning experiences. If I didn't feel this way, I would certainly get a job elsewhere as I am extremely qualified and would have no problem doing so. I am sure the other teachers as the school feel the same way.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is our first year at Bright Beginnings and we previously attended a traditional academy. What a positive difference BBS has made on our child. After two difficult years of my child dreading school and it being a daily battle to get to school this year has been a blessing- a complete turn around. Not only is our house a happy place in the morning I am having to rush to catch up with my child who wants to hurry up and get to school by 8 AM to have some additional play time with friends before school starts. The teachers are loving, smart and fun and the front office has been nothing but helpful. Thank you BBS for the positive impact you have had on our family. We look forward to many more years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent at BBS as well as an experienced educator and I enrolled my sons at BBS two years ago after researching over a dozen schools In our surrounding area. BBS has proven to be a great match for my boys. At kindergarten and 1st grade both are working and being challenged above grade level. Each time I have spoken with administration it has been an open, encouraging and pleasant discussion. My feedback was encouraged, accepted and even invited back. These reviews should focus on the kids and the instructional progress they make that is created by great teachers in BBS classrooms. Be positive advocates for children and the learning environment that allows them to soar! I am pleased with BBS and the instructional model that is being delivered to my kids. Administration is doing a nice job of facilitating all that BBS offers to our children. There is so much to be greatful for at BBS. Let's share and enjoy the positive. It's so healthy for the kids and teachers as well as the community.
—Submitted by a parent

After 4 years at BBS we could not be any happier. Not only are our children excelling they are happy and social. We have been fortunate to have great teachers and aides and small class sizes. I do not really understand why a select group of ladies feels it necessary to take jabs at the admin/principal. My children love the principal, they feel like she is their friend because she reads to their class and has every month since we have been at BBS. She says hello and knows their name. Really if you are not happy with a school then leave. It just gives us a better teacher student ratio.
—Submitted by a parent

We have lived in several different states and our children have attended several different types of schools. Before moving, four of our children were old enough to attend Bright Beginnings. Our oldest completed 6th grade and was so advanced academically that we advanced her a year. She entered high school a year early and is still a 4.2 student. Wow BBS! While that alone would be a stellar accomplishment for BBS, we cannot rave enough about all of the extracurricular options that the school continually offers. The school also offers before/after care. For a busy family trying to juggle different schedules, this option is priceless. Finally, on a social/caring standpoint, this school is impressive. There is a genuine concern for the children and their development is important to everyone. There are many options for choosing a school in Arizona, but for a parent looking for strong academics without unnecessary homework / busy work, extracurricular activities for all interests, family like environment and group of teachers with a genuine interest in every child, there is only one choice...BBS. Thank you BBS for the solid foundation and great memories you gifted our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, BEWARE! I totally agree with the post from the previous parent. BBS administration puts several positive comments after seeing a negative comment to boost up the rating. Just go back and read all the comments. You will see the pattern of who's writing what..... The principle (owner) is there just for the $$$....
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of three children who have all gone to Bright Beginnings I can't even begin to imagine our life without it. My oldest is in high school and she is at the top of her class. I attribute this to the wonderful schooling she had at BBS. The principal is open and welcoming for any parent to go and speak with her. She puts the interest of the children first. The teachers and aides are amazing! We moved to BBS from our neighborhood school and it was one of the best decisions we ever made to ensure that our children are well rounded, and well educated.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm searching schools for my daughter who are 3 now. We went this school to get some information. It seems a little bit expensive for pre-school(around $1100.00 for full day from 7am to 6 pm.) and we are invited to join school tour next week. Probably, we'll join but I wonder a lot about them. As a parent or educator do you suggest this school especially for the little kids up tp K3? If you know more about the conditions and future plans of this school, would you mind share your thoughts?

As a teacher, I can tell you the BBS is a terrific place to teach! I smile each day as I arrive ready to take on my day. The aides are instrumental in getting our students to excel; be it helping in the classroom, lunchroom or teacher's workroom. Our principal will go to great lengths to help us succeed. She truly loves the children as her own. I have had multiple offers to teach elsewhere. I choose to stay because of the fabulous families, supportive administration, kind and productive staff and peer teachers that help me be the absolute best teacher I can be. This is not only a cooperative work atmosphere, it is a caring, positive and challenging environment for our students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Wow, I am saddened to see sour grapes! BBS has set my three children on a course for success. All three have gone on to honors programs, can think critically and have a strong moral compass.My husband and I are grateful to the teachers and adminstration for their leadership and dedication to our children. While there is always room for improvment, the fact remains that this is a safe, exciting atmosphere for children and families. Please don't let a few angry comment dissuade you from taking a tour. It is an amazing place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is extremely rude and unprofesstional--never friendly to parents or the PTA who provides a ton of support to her teachers and students. We left this school after witnessing the Principal's astonishing rude behavior over and over again. Wow, what a change to be a school where the Principal smiles and comes up to talk to you! Too many great families are leaving and fortunately for them their are many other top notch schools available where the administration is friendly, grateful and caring towards the students and families.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our son's second year at BBS. He was not chosen in the lottery the first year. He went to public school for kindergarten and we very disappointed even the school rated a 10 on this website. He was accepted to the CATS program for 1st grade so we had to decide between CATS and BBS. The hot lunch program, the lack of a amphitheater and lunch room is the only disappointment we have experienced. We are disappointed that we have not received any updates on the expansion. We want our son to be challenged and he is. We like the separate math classes, full-time teacher s aide and small class size. Of course, we liked the free supplies provided in public school but that is a small trade off. We also wished they had summer and break programs and of course a Jr . High. Otherwise we are happy with this school. And to address a previous poster. I am Caucasian, a working mom, and our son comes from a broken home and this has never been an issue. And as a Caucasian, my son has been the minority in his class for 2 years. I don t know how a child can miss that much homework and the parent or teacher is not aware.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the post below. I am thrilled to have moved my children away from the leadership that has changed the school drastically. We loved our boys teachers and made great friends but the principal is money hungry and quite rude to everyone. I was amazed at our new school that the principal is out every day to say hello to students and families and at dismissal helps children get in their car and smiles. Unlike the leadership at BBS who only is seen outside to yell at parents to move and get off their phone. I also see my sons new principal fill in for teachers, and lunch duties. Actually wiping tables down and cleaning. I am certain you will never see this from the leadership at BBS. It is no wonder why she has lost families and staff. She knew she had to do something big like "buy a jr. high" to try to save the school. However if people think she will be nicer, kinder, remember this is the person who provides no paper or supplies and is seen yelling at the parents ...the same people who actually bring in the supplies and keep her teachers happy. We are happy to have stable and happy leadership at our sons new school.
—Submitted by a parent