Blue Ridge Elementary School

BRE is an excellent school! When we decided to purchase a house in the area while my husband was stationed at Fort Gordon, I did extensive research into elementary schools because my daughter was entering Kindergarten. She has a speech delay, so I made sure to investigate the IEPs and speech language pathologist as well. When I found Blue Ridge Elementary, I knew this was the school for us, so we had slim pickings with homes (due to so many people wanting to live in this area). All the staff and teachers are beyond caring and supportive of the students. They do lots of fun activities, take fun field trips, and are wonderful with the students. My daughter's speech has improved more over the past 10 months with Dr. Skenes (Speech Language Pathologist) then the past 3 years of private speech therapy. My daughter is writing, reading, doing addition, and many other things with ease. I cannot express how much we enjoy this school!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Greenbrier Elementary to Blue Ridge...I could NOT be happier! Communication with parents is outstanding! The teachers are not only accomplished but friendly! My child went from hating school(Green brier) and being sick everyday to loving school at Blue Ridge and she was upset when we had a holiday! Can't say enough good things about this school...I am thrilled!
—Submitted by a parent

i am very grateful to the staff especially ms. manning and ms. finleyand also the lady who works in the office.i am so lucky to have my son in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school so my review is based on new experiences. I have two children in the school. The teachers and support staff could not be any better. One of the things that is note-worthy is that the teachers are seasoned teachers with some of them having 15 yrs+ experience in the same grade and it really is very beneficial to the students. Parents are very involved and my overall experience in this short time has been positive. My children are making wonderful progress and are happy learners. I give this school and its staff an excellent rating!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Our youngest child is in first grade this year, our middle child in 4th and our oldest has moved on to LMS in 7th grade. I have been very happy with my children's teachers, paraprofessional staff, and support staff. I have not had the pleasure of meeting the new assistant principal, but I am happy with our new principal. I know my kids miss the old one, he was fabulous, but we have a few more years to hopefully get to love the new one as well. The front office staff is always friendly to me every time that I have to go up there. After 7 years, they all at least recognize my face and know who my childen are. I have been a stay at home mom and now work, so I give time when I can and I always feel appreciated. My concerns, when I have them are addressed quickly and with the utmost respect. The educational level is fantastic. They teach over and above the standards set by the county and state. My 7th grader is sitting for the ACT this December and I give a lot of credit to the teachers that he had at Blue Ridge for pushing him to meet and exceed his own goals!
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough good things about this school!! Every teacher is wonderful! My daughter is in 5th grade and we have NEVER had a teacher we do not like. My son is a child with learning issues and struggles. I have no idea why anyone reviewing this school would say that they do not offer help to those students. My son has gotten extensive help from them, he does not score low enough to be in EIP but every year I go to the school, meet with the teachers and make the plan from the beginning of the year on how to help him. He has gone from failing everything to all Bs. The staff has bent over backwards to do everything possible to help him. They are easy to talk to and very understanding. I would not have my child in any other school in the county!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with great teachers and staff. All are very thoughtful and caring. They put the children of BRE first. So happy we made the move to Columbia County on the advisement of friends for the schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in Kindergarten one in 4th grade. The teachers have been excellent. The principal is terrific. Love the plays and chorus activities as well. Great school overall! We have been very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

t has been a heaven place where the children are taught by wonderful teachers and to be loved by the thoughtful and loving principal. The school counselor is also very professional, responsive and caring. But I would imagine every thing would change for the worse when the in-training lady principal takes over in 2011. The good news is, we can make our choice!.
—Submitted by a parent

I like BRE for the most part but the main office personnel are so unfriendly. Especially the lady that is usually to the right as you walk in. I despise every time I have to go in there because when I do, she just stares at me with a blank face and usually do not even greet or speak to me until I initiate the greeting. It is like it is such a bother to her when a parent comes in. And when she does speak it is always in a rude tone. If she does not like her job she should find another one. Very bad choice of individuals to have up front to represent the school to parents. The teachers and principal are great though. They show true concern for the children and you can tell they love what they do.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teacher are caring and thoughtful. The principal is so caring that he even drives kids home when they miss the bus.
—Submitted by a parent

I m rating this school low on parent involvement because as a father that loves to be involved in school activities I have met unreasonable resistance. Plus if you look around I imagine other fathers have faced the same experience because there is very little father involvement. They should encourage male involvement not discourage it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Blue Ridge; it has been an excellent experience for us. I have found the staff and faculty to be attentive to all of our concerns. Teachers are engaging and supportive. School leadership in my opinion is excellent. We looked at several options before deciding on Blue Ridge. Now we know we made the right decision. Blue Ridge Mom
—Submitted by a parent

I agree the office staff could be much friendlier....and until this year we have not had the best experience with teachers. Our youngest child will be moving to a new elementary next year and I am looking forward to the change. This school is really hit or miss....
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible. I agree they do not help children who need the assistance. The teachers are not friendly and the front office staff are extremely rude!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has not been good for us. The do not help the children who need help! the staff is the most unfriendliest staff ever!
—Submitted by a parent

Been a great experience for my two grandchildren. Exceptional
—Submitted by a parent

We loved Blue Ridge. When my daughter had problems with reading in second grade they allowed us an easy transition back to first grade. This was excellent for her. We enjoyed the plays they held every year and I was very impressed with everything she learned and experienced. My daughter is really going to miss this school, but she has a great foundation thanks to her years at Blue Ridge.
—Submitted by a parent