Breakthrough Magnet School

Breakthrough is a wonderful school - full of diversity, character, and learning!!!! I am a teacher and a parent at Breakthrough! We have an incredible staff, a loving community of families, and we like to call it the "Breakthrough Family".
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a child who attends breakthough and I want to comment on the only non-5 star review for this school posted on January 15, 2009. The reviewer gave breakthrough two stars primarily because 'BMS fell consistantly below our local schools in test score comparisons'. Breakthrough, while in the top tier of Hartford Schools, does not compare to other non-city districts in our state. Never has, never will. But this misses the point. Breakthough is about improving the human condition - teaching us that responsibility starts and ends with our own actions. BMS reminds us that how we view ourselves, our friends, and our families is as important to how we'll we circle our exam questions and make grades in elementary school. With these core values in place, children go on to make the grade in highschool and, more importantly, in life. Mine certainly did.
--Submitted by a parent

My children were students at Breakthrough Magnet School from Kindergarten on. The school's mission, vision are absolutely wonderful on paper. The concept is wonderful to hear about. Unfortunately the 'product' of reality does not stand up to all of the glory of the marketing. I believe there are many teachers who care a great deal about the idea of the school and who deeply care about the students. That being said I believe those teachers become frustrated quickly and move on at an alarming rate. I spent countless hours in PTO meetings, Communitiy meetings, and class room audits. In the end I felt the education my children were getting was not at all better than the schools in my local community. BMS fell consistantly below our local schools in test score comparisons. When I brought it up time and again to the school director I felt chastised.
--Submitted by a parent

I attend BMS(Breakthrough Magnet School.) I am in 7th grade and I started last year and I felt like I have been there for my whole life. The staff and faculty are so welcoming. Also my attitude has improved greatly.
--Submitted by a student

I was a former student of Mrs. Neumann-Johnson s Project Breakthrough in 1991-1992. It is satisfying as a parent to know what was once an idea became a pilot, to a charter school and now the breath-taking superstructure known as Breakthrough Magnet School and now my child can benefit from it. I use the word superstructure because this school really captures what makes a difference in the quality of a school. The entire staff and even the children are courteous and always greet with smiles. My child s teachers always give updates on my kid s progress and encourage involvement from myself and mom all the time. Her vocabulary, writing skills and social interaction have improved dramatically since September. There are no empty seats at school functions due to parent involvement. It's a great, family oriented environment for children to learn in and my child and I are proud to be apart of it.
--Submitted by Anthony Maldonado, a parent

My daughter started in the fall 2006 and now we're in April '07. In these 8 months my daughter's behavior has improved dramatically. Even at 4 years old, the program works! I speak on a regular basis to her teacher and also have our conferences. Any issues with my child's behavior is handled immediately in a way the encourages her to make better choices. I have particpagted in field trips and class activities. Her grandfather has also helped out in her class during center times. Family involvment is great. The school also offers classes to the parents. The principal is remarkable-the best I've ever seen anywhere. Very open and friendly atmosphere. All staff arfe required to learn every student's name in the school. I'm thrilled that all my children will be attending (I just wish it went up to 12th grade!) Focus is character development-something we all need continuously!
--Submitted by Christine, a parent

my sons behavior has got so much nicer, he wants to go to school. he dose his home work extra... its the small things that makes it so much nicer! and knowing that I can go to his classroom, and be part of that, nothing compares to that.
--Submitted by Melissa, a parent

Teachers Love their jobs and it shows. They are incredible with the students. The teachers are in constant contact with the parents. The breakdowns to break through program is awesome. It has helped my son so much, now my daughter attends too. They also start spanish in pre-k.
--Submitted by a parent

My four children have travelled from the suburbs to attend Hartford's Breakthrough Magnet School where students are not only held to a very high academic standard, but are also taught the valuable lessons of personal responsibility, independent thinking, interpersonal communication skills, and more. The remarkable director and talented staff are a cohesive unit, structuring their academics to include the crucial component of reinforcing the character curriculum through modeling, encouragement, and coached practice. Parents, guardians and grandparents are also invited to attend 7 week training courses in this approach. Our students become confident, capable and well-suited to face the challenges of the diverse world they will inherit. The atmosphere at Breakthrough is creative, supportive and uplifting. At Breakthrough my children are taught to face the worls as a BRICK, not a marshmallow. B stands for turning Breakdowns into Breaktheoughs, R - Responsibility, I - Integrity, C - Contribute, K - Knowledge
--Submitted by Sandy Reavill, a parent