Briarlake Elementary School

Wonderful school. Fantastic community and parent involvement. Very active PTA. Teachers willing to listen and offer assistance.
—Submitted by a parent

Love our school. This is our 2nd year and I have a 2nd, a 1st and a PreK student. They LOVE going to school! The teachers have been amazing, giving the extra challenges when needed (didn't want my kids to be ahead and therefore bored). And each of them have seemed to genuinely care for my kids! THe counselor is great and nips bully in the bud quickly. I have felt very secure leaving them there...even the nurse is so sweet and a great lady. (same said for principal, office staff, etc.) We LOVE where we are and we love the fact that this is the hearing impaired school for the county. The kids get to learn sign and interact with kids that may be different than they are. My only complaint is that it is not as racially diverse as I would like (63% white, 19 % Black), but my kids have not seemed to be concerned with that at all. The parent involvement is very high, it was 100% last year (PTA involvement)...not sure what it is this year, but I know that there are always parents volunteering and present.
—Submitted by a parent

Briarlake is a great school. We left the area, and have been searching for a comparative school ever since. Great diversity, parent involvement, and a welcoming staff. I really appreciate the schools NO BULLYING stance, that is taken seriously by students and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The small size and parent support is rare and wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Briarlake and we feel like she received a very good, solid education foundation that prepared her well for her secondary education!
—Submitted by a parent

We loved Briarlake & are going back. We chose to leave Briarlake when an opening at a local private school became available *out of fear' of public middle school. Big mistake if you have above average children who need stimulating/engaging/challenging material. The private school was very 1950s academically (but did have some pros). We found the overall education at Briarlake to be FAR SUPERIOR! We also found Briarlake's teaching staff & administration to be genuintely warmer and more sincere than the private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School: wonderfl caring teachers and excellent parental participation
—Submitted by a parent

Briarlake is a school with heart. The students, teachers, staff and parents are involved and truly care about education and building a community.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been working in Briarlake for 17 years. If I thought felt uncomfortable or disrepected . . . I wouldn't still be here! The parents, community, and kids are the BEST! We have so much support and the PTA treats our staff with so much love.
—Submitted by a teacher

Briarlake Elem School has committed administrators, outstanding teachers, and involved parents who work together to ensure all our students achieve their educational goals!
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing school! My two children are blissfully happy at Briarlake. Every year I think, 'This is our best year ever!' They have had creative and dedicated teachers who have truly taken the time to get to know them and challenge them appropriately. The teachers are extremely friendly and highly qualified. The administration is knowledgeable and courteous. I was even delighted to be greeted so warmly by the women serving in the cafeteria. The PTA is one of the most active and enthusiastic I've ever seen. How privileged my family is to be a part of this wonderful community!
—Submitted by a parent

Briarlake is a school of excellence in every sense. The atmosphere of 'you can do it and we want you succeed' permeates the grounds. Our teachers and staff are a team of high quality instructors that lovingly surround our learners. I feel at home here. It really feels like a family. Our PTA is a supportive force that makes the teacher's needs and wants come to fruition. We so many outlets for expression as well--science club, track club, green team, book club, gardening club, signing club and choir....
—Submitted by a parent

It is a small community oriented school with unsurpassed family involvement. This is part of why 40% of the school is identified as gifted and high achievers. For a public taxpayer funded school, You can't beat it!
—Submitted by a parent

We have a great Library Media Center with good books and lots of computers.
—Submitted by a teacher

The Briarlake educators are amazing! For us, who are served by the Interrelated (special ed) department, we truly believe that they have our kids' best interest at heart and work with us as a partnership/team. We are so very lucky have them on our side! It's a special place!
—Submitted by a parent

We have truly talented teachers and the most supportive parents we could have. We all believe in the education, enrichment and success of our children. Our whole community supports the education of our children.
—Submitted by a teacher

Briarlake is one of the few, true, neighborhood schools. The parents, staff, and students all know and care for one another. It is a place that is always striving to be the best. The students at Briarlake care about one another without care for each other's differences. It is a place that I am proud to send my children.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is considered prestigious for the wrong reasons. It has its issues too! Alot of the teachers have no patience for the children and punish them just because their nerves cant take it. What happened to being able to channel a child's energy and make something positive happen. If you are not in the 'click' and your child is not a child they favor, then good luck on having them as support for your and your child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three sons attending this school and I have been very pleased with the individual attention each of my children receives and the ability of the staff to identify their specific needs and bolster their specific talents. This school has a very involved community and it shows in the tone of the staff and students. I couldn't be happier with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the quality of the Briarlake academic program. I have a son currently enrolled in kindergarten. His reading and writing skills are developing at an alarming rate. His teacher s instructional program and constant encouragement can be directly credited for his progress and that of ALL the students in her classroom. He communicates clearly and eloquently. In fact all the children in his class communicate excellently and are encouraged to be creative and responsive. He has peer relationships that are extremely valuable to his social development. The school has a rich a diverse culture. It means so much to me that the principal, her support staff, all the kindergarten teachers make an effort to know each student. Briarlake is truly a cheerful family environment. Any parent that desires a high-quality well-rounded learning experience for their child would be pleased with Briarlake.
—Submitted by a parent