Brookside Elementary School

This is our second year at Brookside, and the overall curriculum and environment exceeded my expectations which were high. There is truly a balance of academics and art, music, science (earth and physical), theatre, PE, computer and history in Brookside's curriculum. In addition to the teachers' art, theatre and cultural lessons, there has been an Artist in Residence program in place each year to provide projects focused on varying art mediums along with art history lessons. The kids love these programs and the PTA is very involved and supportive to bring unique learning to the students. The teachers use creative differentiated learning techniques to engage the children in Math, Language Arts, Earth Science, Physical Science, Geography, Chinese Culture, Global Cultures, Writing Workshop and Social Character. My daughter has made many friends at this school and the parents are down to earth and there for each other. The teachers are top notch and have a gift for providing a nurturing environment while recognizing the students' individual needs and appropriate level of challenge to keep the students excited about learning. Super school all around! Thank you Brookside!
—Submitted by a parent

Brookside is an excellent academic school for those who are looking for only that. I've been in BES for over 7 years and have 3 kids who went thru the school and saw how the school has been pushing down the academics. My son in 2nd grade did math that my daughter, who is only 3 years older was doing at the end of 3rd. In my son K class the centers work was to much, they never finished it, some kids got frustrated and some scribble to get it done with. there's a lot of homework and high exceptions from the kids and parents. I was complaining about my son reading and asking for help at the first week of school (last year) and after telling me over and over that he's fine, I insist on a full assessment that found that he has visual processing problems and needs help...the IEP meeting was a week before the end of the year! On the good note, the PTA is VERY strong, they run amazing programs for the kids, doing hard work to fund raising and the parents involvement is huge. Without the parents involvement it wouldn't be the school it is. My kids are no longer going to Brookside. I wanted them to be in a school that cares about them more then they care about the star testing scores!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Brookside and its a breath of fresh air. What an amazing school and our children are so happy. The education is excellent and the children are all so happy to be at school. This is truly a one of a kind school and we love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookside provides an excellent academic environment while promoting self confidence in a healthy, environmentally friendly setting.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, highly involved parents, very good music program and smart kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Brookside provides a very well-rounded and excellent education in at atmosphere that allows our children to blossom as individuals.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Brookside! The teachers are wonderful and so is the curriculum. I could not imagine a better school for my kids!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a new 3rd grader here at Brookside this year. I have never experienced such parent involvement in my life. It is so refreshing to see how much caring goes into the education of these children at Brookside. Everybody is very nice, and the teachers and staff care tremendously. Awesome job Brookside.
—Submitted by a parent

We did not have a good experience at Brookside and left after 3 months. While my child thrived at other schools he had an awful experience in 4th grade. We pulled him out before he fell behind in more subjects.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with a team of amazing teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Oak Park Unified School District is that rare blend of community school and top-notch academy. The district has high standards academically and experientially for our children. What a forward thinking School Board, great superintendent, principals, faculty and staff. Brookside feels like a private school from the curriculum to the PTA's fantastic afterschool education and play enrichment offered. The best!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm so pleased my children attend Brookside. The parent involvement is great and the teachers are fantastic. The campus itself is a true testament of PTA funds put to good use. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

For this area, Brookside is a wonderful elementary school. All the other reviews are true in regards to parental involvement and great teachers. And the music teacher is great too. They have 2-3 plays a yr offered thru their after school programs. And there are many events through out the yr (ie brookside campout, father/son, mother/daughter events) Of the 3 elementaries in OP, I think Brookside has the best of everything. The teachers are top notch, professional and caring. I feel great about my kids being at this school.
—Submitted by Terri, a parent

You can't ask for more in a public school in California. Great programs all around. My daughter is in choir, and both my son and daughter have excelled. Great stuff.
—Submitted by Se, a parent

I absolutely love Brookside Elementary. The Kindergarten teachers and first grade teachers (the only ones I've experienced so far) have been extremely 'hands-on' in as far as helping each child with their individual needs. It's in a very safe community, has a great park attached to it and a wonderful recess area. We love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Solid music program. Older, somewhat inflexible staff.
—Submitted by a parent

4/05: I have a second grader at Brookside, very pleased with the education he receives. Parent involvement is high, and although the Oak Park school district is small, all three elementary schools have obtained the national blue-ribbon designation. The community however lacks in quality after-school care, and instead offers a sort of 'sitting' service through the recreation and parks district. The current principal has announced her resignation recently and I don't believe the replacement has been announced.
—Submitted by Oak Park, a parent

Brookside elementary is the best school our children have ever attended. We have a full time music teacher which has earned awards for her teaching ability. We have after school programs which are available for all. The parents are involved in everything, I used to think they were too involved, but I am so glad that we are able to know everything that is going on. This is a blue ribbon school and a California distinguished school.
—Submitted by a parent