Bryant Elementary School

I have been at this school since it first opened. My first child did wonderfully there. Of course there was a different administration at that time. My youngest child has had a horrific time at this school. She has had 3 great teachers. However, the rest of the teachers have been sub par. I attribute this mainly to the lack of or poor leadership by the administration. As parents we need to realize that the administration has to look at the school in totality. However, this administration does not even attempt to converse work with the parents when a situation arises. If you think your voice will be heard by the next level of administration you are mistaken. I have always tried not to interfere when my children say "the teacher is mean" or complain about their class. I want them to teach them that life is going to be like that and you have to find a way to get along. However, if I had it to do all over again I would have moved my youngest child to Deer Park. (I am not the only parent that feels this way.) If I had it to do over again I would have my child go to Deer Park. I have only heard wonderful things about that school.
—Submitted by a parent

I like most of the teachers but I would say that the problem is the administration. I agree 100% with some of the comments. They are unwilling to work with students individual needs regardless of the childs ability or the parents requests, the fund raising is beyond over the top-the Boosterthon this year was 2 weeks of classroom interuptions to get the kids pumped up to ask for money (even the teachers were annoyed). Based on what I hear from my friends at Deer Park and Westchase the education from Mary Bryant (at least in the lower grades) is not up to the standards as the surrounding schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her 2nd year at Bryant and so far the experience has been very positive. Her teachers each year have been phenomenal; caring, informative, and willing to engage us on class and curriculum structure. The first couple years a child is in school determine their attitude towards it and the teachers have made my daughter see school as a positive experience. My only concern is the constant fund raising that goes on. I'm sure this is probably the case at every school and while I understand the need, it seems like not a week goes by without my daughter coming home hawking something or needing to solicit money for some fund raising cause . She sometimes looks like a walking billboard due to all the stickers promoting the fundraisers that are put on her shirt. My real concern is that it's clearly emphasized aggressively because there are days she comes home telling us she "has" to get pledges or "has" to get more "fill in the blank." It's often hard to discuss her actual school work because she's so preoccupied with the fund raising task she's been given. Pretty sad that a 6 year old has such concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

I had to verify that information about my child's address was in the school's computer records. Followed normal school district process, but instead of getting what I needed, the principal (Karen Bass) was extremely rude and unprofessional once my identity was established, refusing to give me information I was legally entitled to have because of personal animus. This episode has been escalated and reported to the School District leadership. Teachers are great - school leadership is very poor.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with Mary Bryant. We like the clubs that are available - Chess Club, Running Club, etc. and the AGP program. So far we have had good teachers and a good educuation. We previously went to a private school and found this to be very similar and slightly better without having to pay the cost of private tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this area because of the school ratings. I'm sure glad that I like my neighborhood, but I am beyond frustrated with this school. This is our second year here and both years my daughter has received a very low-rate education. The writing lessons are boring, the math confusing and the teachers and staff very unfriendly and uncaring.
—Submitted by a parent

School is average for what you would expect in reading the reviews. It was much better with former principal but since then, new principal is not interested in working with parents or assisting with developing child's individual needs. Many teachers are less than happy and that reflects on the children. I recently moved my son to another smaller school nearby and he is flourishing. He ran up to me with a huge smile and said he loves school (first time in 4 yrs) Now that's priceless! I would not recommend chancing this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

There are a lot of great teachers at this school, but the school lacks in extra-curricular activities and enrichment programs. (foreign language, music, art, etc) I think the academics are strong, but the school is very large and lacks a sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent

I am shocked by all of the negative reviews. I have 1 child in gifted and one child in the regular classes. Both enjoys school quit a bit. Their teachers are all caring. This has been the experience of every parent I have spoken with. It is my belief, that the parents that do not approve are more than likely negligent in their own duties.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has gone down hill since the former principal Mrs. Veranth left. It shows when most of the staff has left because of the principal and gone to other schools such as Deerpark and Westchase. The new teachers are horrible! They are uncaring, rude, have favorites and if your child is not one of them, she will make your child's school year extrememly unpleasant! The principal WILL NOT under any circumstances move any child to another classroom. She stands behind her teachers regardless of any circumstance. I'm glad this is my child's last year.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to this area, specifically for the schools. At this point, I am extremely disappointed. Numerous faculty members at Bryant are rude and not helpful; from the enrollment process, to a secretary in the office, to my child's teacher. I volunteer my time, twice a week in the classroom and am helping with school fundraisers. The administration would be doing themselves a favor if they would speak with faculty about how they interact with the public.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone to this school since kindergraten she is now on heer last year of elementary school! Mary bryant is a great school the teachers are awesome!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Bryant is a really great school. We moved to this area only because of this school. We have been really lucky to have wonderful teachers. We are looking forward to this coming year.
—Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful school to work at. The teachers are amazing. Teachers work as teams within grade levels and throughout the school. The principal is supportive of both teachers and parents. I love to come to work each day and fully believe this is the best school to work at! Go Bryant Broncos!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love the school. My son has had wonderful teachers so far. Whenever he has needed extra help in a certain area, the school/teachers have seen to it. He is starting his 3rd year there and so far we have been very pleased with his progress.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a mixed bag. Good for students that excel, but not very supportive of the bottom half. Very slanted towards the upper 25%. Extremely award conscientious. If your child does not fit that category, you will probably be disappointed. The attitude of the principal is very bureaucratic. Its never their fault.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was there and it was overcrowded and the instruction was just not there for students that need a little extra. I put my child in a smaller school and he flourished. Excellent parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very good. The parents and teachers work together very well to make it the best possible learning environment for the children. It is incredibly overcrowded right now, though due to poor planning adn zoning issues.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school, great parental involvement. Currently overcrowded, but handling it well. Excellent teachers.
—Submitted by a parent