Phillips Brooks School

I have two children who attend PBS. Without a doubt, I feel blessed to have them at the school. PBS thoughtfully balances social/emotional education with a strong academic program that encourages children to participate in the learning process at their own developmental pace. Our oldest child is approaching graduation, and we are terribly sad he will be leaving such a supportive and professional educational setting. The school is in phenomenal hands with the new head. Dr. Erickson is intelligent, kind, personable and forward thinking. PBS is a leader of best educational practices in elementary education and will continue to be under Dr. Erickson's guidance.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest graduated from PBS, I would not put my second child in this school, that tells you a lot !! Last principal was a total disaster ! Hope this new guy will bring the old PBS back, like the days of Mrs. Passi ! Don't be fooled by the list where PBS claimed where graduates go, most graduates from PBS did not get into their first choice middle schools unless they have a sibiling in that particular middle school. Academic acceleration in PBS are not recommended, 4th grade teachers do not even know formula on how to calculate the area of a circle ! Unless you are ready to donate a library to the middle school like Menlo or CSUS or have a sibling in those schools, chances of your kid getting into those schools are slim ! I will not pay $30K so my kids can learn ABC..... - parent of a former PBS grad.
--Submitted by a parent

Phillips Brooks is an OUTSTANDING and harmonious blend of learning, community, support, creativity, love of learning, nurturing and academics. My child has been at PBS for 5 years and I could not be more impressed with the education and sense of community my child has received. THANK YOU PBS.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has only been at PBS for about 4 months, but I'm extremely impressed with the project based curriculum and enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers and administration. My son comes home very happy every day, and every time I visit the classroom or events, I can really see how skilled and loved the teachers are. Also, something like 80% of graduates get into the 1st choice secondary school (typically Menlo, Castilleja, Woodside Priory, Crystal Springs, etc.) so they must be doing something right :) I will say it is way too expensive, and many of the parents are fairly wealthy... more than I would have expected. I also don't think many of the parents are particularly friendly, but I'm also new to the school, so hopefully that will change over time.
--Submitted by a parent

Great curriculum. bright students and very environmentally conscious!!
--Submitted by a parent

PBS was a disappointment to us. The principal does not support parents well, and doesn't get to know the children in upper grades unless necessary. Teachers have mixed abilities - excellent physical education teachers who really care, excellent art teachers - but both leaving in 2006, excellent French & Spanish teachers. Some classroom teachers are mediocre. Without administration support to parents on classroom management issues, school fails to meet needs of students in our opinion. Plenty of chances for parental involvement. Nice parents & kids. This is not an academically rigorous school. Diversity is not well addressed. Expensive school for mediocre experience.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of children at this school I cannot speak more highly of the education my children are recieving. They have acquired wonderful attributes, such as the 'kind kid' policy the school supports, along with a conciensous approach to learning, and an inclusive aproach to sports.They have embraced the world languages programe with enthusiasm, and enjoy the arts, computer and science programs.The school is about to embark on a substantial refit which will enhance the curriculum enormously.A sector the school needs to adress ( and I believe this will be possible with additional rooms planned) is the need for on site tutoring and support for some challenged children.
--Submitted by a parent

PBS school provides a wonderful mix of a progressive curriculum that helps each child achieve his or her potential with more traditional values that place a high premium on community service and teaching kindness. The faculty is smart, knowledable, accessible and loving. The parent community is friendly and involved. We have had a great experience at PBS.
--Submitted by a parent

PBS's focus on excellent academics and character development has been a great fit for us. The teachers stay abreast of cutting edge academic practice through the school's amazing faculty professioanl development program, and the constructivist approach has really supported self-motivation and joy in my daughter. I haver known many children who have graduated from Phillips brooks, and they are all among the brightest, innovative thinkers and kind and compasssionate kids around. I give great crfedit to the PBS faculty for nurturing this in them. My daughter is well on her way to becoming just this kind of child. The icing on the cake for us has been the atention to home/school partnerships. I feel that the teachers really know my child, care about her, and that we are working together in her best interest. Come and see this school. I know that you wsill be as thrilled as I am.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are alumni of this school. As they've become adults I even more appreciate what Phillips Brooks gave them. While the academic program is strong, the emphasis on teaching students to love learning, to be critical thinkers, to make the right decisions in hard situations, and to be kind is what matters. Students are given confidence to take risks and extend themselves. The School has a great communication program. This school has a great focus on what kind of people these children become and I see Phillips Brooks in my adult children all the time. They have continued to be learners, and more importantly are good, kind, adults who are successful in their chosen fields of work.
--Submitted by a parent