Brighten Academy

My child has attended this school for 3 years and it has progressively decreased in terms of standards.They are very good on educating in math, language arts and some science but lack in other areas. The uniform code is not enforced with some, but overly enforced with others; the same goes with the discipline code and the tardy policy. They do have their favorites and they do not hide it. In the younger grades you are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom and the teachers welcome you, but the older they get they less they want you in their classroom and prefer your money and sweat for your 15 hrs in volunteer credit, if you work fulltime you can forget it. Because of a lack of funding they ask you for money weekly and you are pressured to give it. I would equate it to a percentage of private school tution without signing a contract. They lack true afterschool activities and you are charged monthly for the ones you elect. They are truly lacking in art, band and PE- No real playground, outside toys to play with or musical instruments. This school does not make your child a well rounded individual because there is so much to be desired socially.
--Submitted by a parent

I am writing about our experience of Brighten, we have moved away now from Douglasville, and wish we could go back, or Brighten and its teachers and staff could come to us. Our children loved their school and therefore as parents, we loved it to. They couldn't wait to get to school every morning and that showed in their attendance records and their learning. The teachers were fabulous and very committed to helping our children, the standard of education was huge leaps ahead of the local county schools which we experienced first. Our kids loved their 'special classes'. We, as parents, loved the extra curricular 7 C's which the children worked really hard on. A school for me, is not just not a school or a place of childcare, its a place of education where I can know my children will be safe and cared for, we trust the staff 100%, therefore we would recommend this school to you all. Thank you Brighten Staff for everything you have done for our children, they had a great start to their elementary education and we hope they will carry their values you taught them and experience with them always.
--Submitted by a parent

Bad experience with this school which became progressively worse the longer we stayed (years). Children as young as five and six are suspended, even if they are only reacting to bullies, but the bullies get to stay. A majority of teachers who label and ignore both students and parents. Administration which doesn't listen to the majority of parents, but rather to a small group of them. Constantly low on funds equals constant pressure on parents to give money or feel guilty and be ostracized. Huge gaps in learning, too much focus on testing. Advanced classes that are a joke, slower classes which are worse. Cliques among teachers, administration, and parents. No cooking facilities, must bring a lunch that meets their standards (no microwaving, no carbonation, no sweets), or buy the food that is shipped in from another school. Tiny play area that can't support all the children. Uniform code that isn't enforced, and which is allowably skipped at least twice a week (per administration), even though uniform wearing was one of their big selling points. Only a few children are their actual priority; the rest are on their own. Skip this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My four-year-old daughter just started in Brighten's pre-k program and she LOVES it! My son just started his second year at Brighten and he is doing so well. The staff involves you in your child's education and really cares about your child's learning and development.
--Submitted by a parent

Brighten Academy's preschool program is a joke. They have unrealistic expactation for children. Their method of dealing with children is suspending them. SUSPENDING THREE YEAR OLDS on the first full day of school! The teachers are not equipped to handle all ranges of student personalities. High spirited children who take a little extra time to get the hang of things are singled out and labled bad. It is absurd.
--Submitted by a parent

Brighten is a wonderful school with a terrific staff!
--Submitted by a parent

We love the dedication and support from teachers and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers/staff support and vision, parents involvment and students enthusiasm and desire to suceed!
--Submitted by a parent

fantastic school and great math program!

The school has great teachers and awesome parents. They work well together to make the children successful.
--Submitted by a parent