Birney Elementary School

Birney is an amazing school. If you really want to embrace diversity, there's a whole world on the blacktop at Birney. The staff and teachers are all focused on those long-term IB goals: not just doing what the students need to succeed this semester, but what will support them through the rest of their academic life. When we were looking at schools, we kept looking at test scores and demographics. A lot of comparable charter schools showed demographics where most of the parents had at least Bachelors if not graduate degrees. Birney is not that way--some kids opt in, for some kids it's their neighborhood school. The demographics are accordingly across a broader range; it's in a high poverty neighborhood. When we looked at the test scores in that light, Birney's population--where a high percentage of kids eligible for free/reduced lunch and not every parent has a college education--was doing as well or better than similar schools where almost every parent had a college degree. To us, that meant that the teachers and staff at Birney were doing more for a broader swath of the population than the other schools that were more self-selecting. That's been true so far in our experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Birney for 2 years and have nothing but positive things to say about our school !!!! ---- I spent a year looking for a great public school for my child. I visited and compared statistics for many schools. I chose Birney for the entire package it offers. The principal was involved and her strong leadership was evident. The IB principles were integrated through the curriculum by IB trained teachers. Although Birney was not at the top academically yet, their scores have been climbing every year. I saw a good school rising to greatness and I wanted my child to be involved in the ascent. ---- Growing parent support and involvement can be witnessed in the continuation of special enrichment classes. As the education budget is cut, parents have rallied and funded the programs themselves. ---- I am proud to be part of the Birney community !!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes to Alice Birney Elementary School. She loves her school. I really think this school's principal is excellent. She recognizes all students and their parents. She is so friendly and attentive to all her students and parents. This school offers IB program ( International Baccalaureate primary year), which teaches students for globalization, inquiring, and knowledgeable. I also need to mention that our PTA has been doing great job!! Although San Diego schools have budgets cut problems, Our PTA manages a lot of fun raisers to get funds for Birney school. Finally, I am glad for my dauther to go to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be going into first grade this year. His kinder experience was excellent. He has ADHD and is on medication. They were very good about understanding his issues, adjusting the expectations and meeting his needs as an individual. Miss Amanda- the principal- is fantastic. She's strong, caring, direct and dedicated. I highly recommend the school. We need to be more involved ourselves, but the overall parent participation seems to be growing.
—Submitted by a parent

Birney's principal is top-notch. She and the teachers show incredible enthusiasm and dedication for their school and students. There is a trickle-down effect and students test scores are rising year after year. The IB curriculum is fantastic! With classes like PE, theatre, music, dance, Spanish, computers, library, and even a beautiful and bountiful garden, it's no wonder the kids have smiles on their faces!
—Submitted by a parent

Because is a school that always try to bring parents to participate and the Principal always there if someone needs something.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with the quality of the teachers at this school. they care so deeply for their students.

This is truly a place where children and their well-being both physical and academic come first. Everything we do as teachers we do for our students. I feel privileged to work in an environment where parents and teachers work as a team!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic caring, dedicated staff; great programs that include music, art, Spanish, PE, folklorico dance, and drama; targeted interventions to help students attain grade-level proficiency, International Baccalaureate (and magnet) program that promotes globally minded, independent, students; inclusive classrooms and successful special education program; teachers are given collaboration time for planning lessons and reviewing data so that they may develop lessons that target studnet needs-- all around AMAZING school led by the equally amazing leader, Amanda Hammond-Williams.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have the best teachers at Birney, and a Principal who truley cares and loves every student. We have alot of parent help and I believe that that effects the students. Our school is awesomeand I am so proud to be apart of Birney.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Birney for only 3 months, coming from a 9 rated school previously. He has gotten the attention that he needs for his reading and has jumped up almost 4 reading levels. He loves his new school.
—Submitted by a parent

Because the administration, teachers, staff and parents are all on the same page working together to elevate and preserve a standard of excellence in teaching our kids the civic virtues they'll need to contribute to an enlightened citizenry, a more equitable society, a greener planet, and the forging of common dreams.
—Submitted by a parent

My son comes home everyday with a smile on his face and is happy about learning. The administration and staff work as one. The IB philosophy is the way we need to teach and treat everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Trista is thriving at Birney and she deserves the best!

The school has consistently improved its overall performance year after year thanks to a dedicated staff
—Submitted by a parent

Birney both models and nurtures intelligence, creativity, community and compassion: we all benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and staff at Birney have repeatedly impressed me, individually and as a group, by maintaining an across-the-board committment to their students' best interests and unlimited potential. While we watch our schools' budgets and resources being subjected to annual slashing and chronic reductions, we can also watch as our students' test scores rise and their curriculum evolves into an International Baccalaureate program. These folks are creative, resourceful, and they persevere.
—Submitted by a parent

A fun, diverse, school, that puts students first. An IB magnet school for Spanish and a great family community.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone at Birney is engaged in the goal of raising our children to be well-rounded, globally-minded, life-long learners. My boys are excited to go to school every day!
—Submitted by a parent

Birney has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. The teachers & principal are outstanding examples of what public education can achieve.
—Submitted by a parent