Brookvale Elementary School

A response to the parent concerned about overloading: My daughter, too, was overloaded from Brookvale after a week of school had already passed. She was in Kindergarten, and it was a big transition (for me and her) to have to go to another school until she was called back to Brookvale. Overloading decisions are not made at the school level, but are made by the district, and the school's principal must follow the district's policy regarding making room for kids. Many schools who have enrollment lotteries are able to tell parents about overloads before the school year starts, but in many other cases, decisions can't be made until after kids show up for school in September. Overloading is the black spot on FUSD's image, which is otherwise a great district. I would love to see changes made to how the district handles enrollment, as I agree with you that overloading is hard on teachers, parents, and most of all, the kids. I'm also sorry that you did not feel that the principal at Brookvale adequately addressed your concerns, but ultimately it is out of her power to do so.
—Submitted by a parent

We have moved to Fremont few months ago June 2012. I have two boys 1st and 3rd grade. One week after school started I got a call that 1st grade are over loaded I have to send my youngest to different school. We have encountered this before at different school. But difference between other school and Brookvale Elementary is other school let you know before school starts so I can send both my sons to different school but Brookvale let you know after one week after school has been started. My 3rd grade son already made friends and didn't want to move. My wife work early in the morning and now I have to drop off my two sons at school starts same time. And my wife have to pick them up almost same time as well. I have talk to Brookvale principal. I have explain my situation and only message I got from her was many families are same situation as you they are taking it so should you. Principal is saying they have made decision and it's final there are nothing I can do to keep my sons at Brookval.
—Submitted by a parent

The Staff is the highlight of this school. They are probably amongst the best I've seen / interacted with. What I also like is the mix of students that attend this school. I am sure this will go a long way in developing a more global personality for my kid.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attend Brookvale and could not be happier. The teachers are attentive and really care about the children. The PTA is formed by the most amazing group of very friendly and caring parents. They are very involved and make the school better and fun.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Brookvale for 5 years, and we have not been happier. The school has a wonderful staff who care about the students and their learning. Every teacher that they have had has been open to talking with parents and to them volunteering their time in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale has an intimate school setting that allows the teachers, parents and students to keep the lines of communication open, it's all about the family, it's all about the kids. The school secretary keeps things running in tip top shape, she is very professional.
—Submitted by a parent

Impossible to find a better elementary school. Great, caring, staff. Lots of welcomed parent involvement. Fantastic multicultural, diverse, and very sweet student body. A nice learning atmoshphere and a really nice group of kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had nothing but great experience at Brookvale. My son attended Kindergarten and now is in the first grade. His teacher is always on top things and constantly trying new programs. The parent involvement is great too. I think the staff works very well together
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale is outstanding. The teachers and prinicpal ensure that learning takes place everyday and the needs of students are addressed. This school is safe, clean, friendly and academically challenging for all students. Their webpage is great too!
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale is a great school. My child has had great teachers each year K - 4. I know the next two years will be just as great. The teachers care about each child and demonstrate that each day in the assignments they give and in the informal interatctions with children. I have volunteered at lunch time a few times and I have found the students to generally be nice. They play well with each others, they follow the rules in the cafeteria and on the playground. The principal is usually out with the children playing games or just talking with them. This helps keep a positive feel to the school. I am happy that we are able to live in the Brookvale area. It is a great school for children.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale is a wonderfully diverse school. Children from all walks of life are represented here. Art, Science, Music and PE are all additional study programs offered by the school. A wonderful environment for both children and parents alike! The administration is thoughtful and caring; the teachers nurturing and kind; the support staff all wonderful. We couldn't be happier. A great group of volunteer parents help out tremendously. Lots of enthusiasm and sarmth whereever you go in the school. The library is very well run and well-stocked. The cafeteria food (according to my daughter) is 'quite yummy'. The layout of the campus is very nice .. intimate, not too big and laid out in such a way you can see most everything going on at a given time. Communications to the home are frequent and very helpful. Great PTA also!
—Submitted by Debra Brumbaugh, a parent

Brookvale is a great school. One gets a sense of community at this small, personable school. Parents seem to all know each other, students seem well behaved. Good teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

They have an excellent Kindergarden and 1st grade program. There teachers in those grades care and are wonderful. If your child fits the mold of a 'normal' student without any disabilities after those grades, than I would strongly recommend another school. I fought for 3 years for an IEP plan for my child who has disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale is a wonderful school. Students are good citizens and teachers are always accessible and positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookvale Elementary School is a wonderful neighborhood school. The principal is always out with the students, making herself available to the community. The teachers care about the students and balance teaching high standards with a child centered approach. The parents are active at the school. There a only a few after school activities, but the program during the day is enriched with music, art, an active PE program and literature. If you have the chance to have your child attend this school, do it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in 1st Grade. Both her Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Mitchell, and 1st Grade teacher, Ms. Mordasini, have been excellent educators -- using a highly positive approach and creating a fun and challenging learning environment for the kids. The Prinicpal, Ms. Ashford is very dynamic -- she seems to be everywhere, interacting with the teachers, children and parents. She make great effort to address every child by name and believes strongly in maintaining a healthy multicultural school environment. My daughter's learning is on par with her other friends who attend private schools and blue ribbon public schools. Overall, I am very happy with this school. It also has a very active PTA members who strive to support and improve the quality of education and school environment. A great school in a great neighborhood!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in 3rd grade. Her teacher, Ms. Kessler is an excellent teacher. Ms. Ashford, the school principal is just great. Her enthusiasm is boundless. She is available to everyone. She has brought many new welcome changes to the school. We are very fortunate to have her.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is currently in Mrs. Burke's 2nd grade class. This class is excelling in Math and my child looks forward to school each day. Leaving the city of Fremont (Brookvale in particular)is not an option for me because you can't beat the type of education the children are getting here unless you pay for it at a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Jan 2004: Currently my child is attending 3rd grade class and in 2 years my second child will. Great neighborhood, school is clean. My daughter continues to be challenged everyday. Her teacher is strict but that goes well with her. The principal is kind, thoughful and best of all fair. She seems to know many kids by their names, at least mine. As well she is very approachable.
—Submitted by a parent