Brainard Elementary School

As long as you avoid a certian 4th grade teacher whom every kid and parent knows, you may like Brainard.
—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

Wow great to see so many reviews. I have to say that I am mixed with the last review. My child is challenged by his academics and workload. I know that from parent meeting I have attended the school is moving towards becoming an Advanced Studies school. I know Mr. Aguilar has worked and we all appreciate that but even he will tell you that the true talent comes from the Teachers! I place Brainard as my number one choice!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending Brainard for the past 3 years. The school is small and safe which is definite plus. The principal Mr.Aguilar has a good vision for the school. Unfortunately, this is where the positive aspects end. Brainard doesn t have any extra curricular activities. The art projects are far and few and the school does not take any field trips (due to lack of funds). The teachers do not appear to be equipped with the knowledge to challenge the brighter students. This is not a school with strong academics. The staff is caring but, not always helpful. Overall, I am not satisfied with the education that my daughter has received. I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best schools in LAUSD. The Principal, Mr. Aguilar, has a close communication with students, parents, and the community. It is small, but every student seems to know each other. The older children look out for the younger ones, which shows a bond. Every school is going to have a few students that will test the waters, but the staff nips it in the bud asap. Parent involvement is improving, but at a slow pace, not because the principal and staff do not try. Mr. Aguilar has 'Coffee with the Principal' once a month. The staff has Literacy Night and Math Night at least twice a year. The test scores have improved immensely. Our student attends Brainard on Open Enrollment; she started in Kindergarten and is now in the2nd grade. This school is a second family, not only to her, but to our entire family.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children (pre-K, 1st, and 3rd) attending this school. We love the school. I can not say that there is a teacher better than the other one because they all are so wonderful and committed in teaching the children. My husband and I are very involved parents and are always welcomed at the school. I can not say enough about Principal Aguilar. He is always on campus and is involved with the staff, parents, and teachers. Mrs. Z was my daughter's 2nd grade teacher, she was always available to speak to if we had any concerns or questions. Mrs. Hamilton was my son's Kindergarten teacher, she was a delight and loved by my rambunctious son. This year my youngest has Mrs. Cap and loves her. Mrs. Cap and her assistants makes my daughter's first year very relaxing. Everyone employee at the school is a pleasant to be around.
—Submitted by a parent

Heres what I like about Brainard. The school is in a safe neighboorhood, the office staff is very friendly, the principal Mr Aguilar takes an active roll with the students and teachers. He is very approachable and is eager to address special education needs. I saw a huge difference in my sons needs being met after transferring from Sunland Elementry. With so many elementary schools with crowded classrooms Im surprised more students are transfering out of Sunland, Apperson or Fenton. And the bonus for me is having my son in Kidcare for afterschool care.Ms Green is awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

my son just graduate from this school ,but my dauther has two more year to go we love it.Mr. Aguilar comunicate with students and parents ,scores went up is a small school all students know each other and the kid care center is the best Ms.Green take good care of the kids my girl is very happy to go to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. My son just started kindergarten and the Principal, Mr. Aguilar, follows up immediately with everything and visits all the classroom all the time and is the best principal I have seen! This school has helped my child and he loves going there!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the worst behavior management skills I have seen. The students are disrespectful and they are not suspended. The students don't have discipline what so ever. I don't understand how students learn in this type of environment. I had to pull my daughter out because of this. Parents continue to complain about the school. Be assured I do not wish this on anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

There are 2 dismissal gates for grades 1-5. As a parent I feel welcomed and I am always there to pick up my children. Adminstrators are always outside to greet us as dismissal!
—Submitted by a parent

I have one son coming out and one that just started. The staff is wonderful, the teachers really seem to care and are always willing to listen and help. My son was in Mrs. Amighi's class last year and she is one of the best teachers at Brainard, I admire her dedication to her students. She's wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a small school. It has a good class size.
—Submitted by a parent