Brainard Elementary School

Brainard's Teacher are wonderful teaching teachers. The remark about the 4th grade teacher I do not agree with. This person must have a child who does not behave at school. My two children went there and the 4th grade teacher brought my kids test scores up to advance level.
--Submitted by a parent

4th grade teacher is a child abuser that belongs in jail and eventually will be. The principal and school district should be all ashamed of themselves for letting it go on so long. All that allow this to go on are just as guilty as the abuser.
--Submitted by a parent

I use to love Brainard, but ever since Mrs. Smith became principal the school has gone down hill. Children are being "bullied" made fun of, they are disrespectful to some of the teachers. What is sad is that this is just elementary level children. What will they be like in Junior High and High school levels if disciplinary actions are waved. Mrs. Smith feels it is better to remove a child who is picked on to another class room as opposed to giving discipline to the perpetrator. She can't handle any situation and resorts to the LAPD if a parent has a complaint or takes measures.
--Submitted by a parent

I did not like how the students here always got introuble,always seemed to fight,and how they used to do mean things.there is to much bullying,to much careless teachers,and the teachers are extremeley mean to the students.they push to hard on them to learn,and punish them in the wrong way.i did not agree with the principal from last year in 2009,he had always been careless in what i had problems with.and this school had not done anything to olve my problems.one student had hurt me very badly,almost braking my leg,and the teachers had just sat the student down on the bench and i.i did not like this school,and i would like to see improvement on it.

my kids have been going to Brainard for the last 5 years (since kindergarten).. and I have loved all but the 3rd grade which was a nightmare. The new principal, Mrs. Smith, is trying but doesn't seem to quite have a handle on things yet, but it is getting better. Mrs Upshaw, the 4th and 5th grade teacher is absolutely the best ! She really cares about every child and communicates with the parents often which has really helped. My daughter adores her. For the most part, I'm very happy at Brainard. Sandy in the office is always helpful and pleasant. Debbie, the PTA president is an absolute joy and really works hard for the school. The YDP program (after school care) is also very helpful and the kids all seem to enjoy it.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year at Branard and will be his last. Yes it's a nice campus but the cruelness of the other kids and his techer has been too much of a strain on him. There is a serious lack of supervision in the after school program.
--Submitted by a parent

Great campus in a great area, about the best in the SF valley. My daughter has loved all her teachers except in the 4th grade which was very rough. I agree with the one parent that the kids are cruel at times, but that's just kids and not the school. Mostly a great staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids that have been attending this school since first grade, and I have to say that it's been a great choice, my kids attended private school, before coming to brainard and so far it has been a great expirience with the teachers as well as every one else
--Submitted by a parent

last year was my daughters first year at brainard, and boy was i impressed. coming from a private school i was wasnt sure what to expect, but i can tell you moving my daughter to brainard was the best thing for her. she went from average grades and slow reading skills to above average grades and wanting to read everything she can get her hands on. a poem she wrote was even selected to be published in a book. i believe this had a lot to do with the small class sizes and great interaction the teachers have with their students. brainard surpassed my expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and it has come a long way since i attended my daughter enjoyed her fisrt year alot and she has learned a tremendous amout of things
--Submitted by a parent