Beach Elementary School

This school is too concerned about meeting state minimum standards. They are always crying about how little money they have or how they can't do something because of money. There is no gifted program for k-3 and the differential learning program is very poor. The principal is very weak and has no imagination when it comes to serving students. She is also wishy-washy, telling you one thing in a parent meeting and then not following through, or making a new decision that she doesn't communicate to you until you follow through. We moved to Piedmont for the 'outstanding' schools. Instead we pulled our kids out of the school and sent them to nearby private schools with clear, and achievable standards. If you have a kid who can excel, stay away from this school, save money, move to Montclair and send your kid to a day school
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent academics and extracurricular activities. Smallest of the 3 Piedmont elementary schools which are absolutely excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has attended Beach School for 5 years K-4 and is due to start 5th grade this fall. We have nothing but positive comments about the school, its teachers, principal and learning environment. The level of parent involvement high, the availability of music, art and extracurricular activities are numerous and most importantly the caring and expertise of the teachers and staff make our child's experience and excitement about learning a joy.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two daughters, currently in 3rd and 1st grade. We have been very pleased with the school. The school community is very strong, with a high degree of parent participation. Our children love going to school and are learning much more sophisticated material than I did at their age. Both girls were reading chapter books in 1st grade. Our 3rd grader is becoming quite adept at fractions and decimals, writes a strong paragraph, and is enraptured with science. In a school with such impressive test scores, there would be a natural fear that the school only teaches to the test, but this has not been our experience. The school seems to cultivate learning for learning's sake, and also focuses on a child's ability to speak publicly. The arts are well supported. The Beach review is a wonderful opportunity for singing, there's a strong orchestral program in the higher grades.
--Submitted by Dan Phillips, a parent

We have a son who is in his first year at Beach, in Kindergarten, and we cannot say enough good things about the school. He has learned so much this year, and the teachers have been amazing. The parents seem really involved - both in the classroom and in the school. We are especially impressed with the principal, who always makes herself available for us.
--Submitted by a parent

Beach School is a small community school with a strong partnership between staff and parents and a focus on meeting the needs of all students. Academic performance scores are high! Parent interests are respected, staff is experienced, school environment if warm and welcoming.