Bradley Elementary School

First off the positive. I have found the teachers and staff to be wonderful. The principal is great with the kids and really seems to care. State of the art facility. I don't regret sending my 3rd grade and K children this year. They have really enjoyed it. Previously I homeschooled. I have found that I prefer the curriculum (Abeka) I was using much more. Both of my children are behind where they would have been if we had continued to homeschool. For K it seems the focus is on using pictures to read, not phonics. One of them has dietary issues. I found that I could not get a heads up on treats coming in the class ahead of time in order for me to send something else in. So my child has had to watch others eat treats. This is more of a teacher issue, although I really like her. We had meetings discussing certain things about my child that didn't seem to sink in until about half the year was gone. I wondered why these things were not addressed right away. Considering we brought them up the very first week of school. It seems that she may have so much to do that it's hard to keep up with all the idividual needs of students. Overall good school, but I feel is a bit behind in academics.
--Submitted by a parent

Coming from an excellent school system in another state, this school lacks academically. You may have to supplement your child's learning at home to keep them with their peers in other states. My kindergartner is bored and talks about all the TV he watches in the classroom. He complains about going to school every day. Breaks my heart! We are thinking about sending him to a private school off post. My 3rd grader likes his classroom and teacher. The school is state of the art and offers more than any other school we have seen. The principal is amazing and very involved in everything. Most staff are very friendly and helpful. Overall pleased with the school but disappointed with the academics.
--Submitted by a parent

I am, and have always been, highly impressed with this school. This is our 2nd year at Bradley and I couldn't be happier. My son is ADHD and high functioning aspergers and I have been very pleased with how the school handles children with special needs. Mr. Ernst, the principal, is a very hands on administrator. He is always outside during drop off and pick up times. He knows all the kids by name and is willing to listen to them at any time. He is very visible at all school functions and is very approachable. The teachers are absolutely top notch. Mrs. Crader, my son's 1st grade teacher, is amazing. She really thinks about ALL of her children and what their classroom needs are, so that everyone has a chance to succeed. She has managed to handle my child's needs in such a way that his is involved and engaged in his class and can be himself, but isn't disruptive or separated from his peers. I am awed by her and her techniques. She thought of many things that even *I* haven't and will be adding to his IEP when we move. The school itself is kept in tip top condition and includes a planetarium! I have nothing but good things to say about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I had two children at Bradley for the 2009/10 school year. This was supposed to be the best school in the best district in the state. Not surprised when 85% of the kids come from a home w/ at least 1 parent with a college degree and most have a stay-home parent, and are only there 1 year. Teachers and staff are AWFUL. My 3rd grader was bullied all year, and even though the teacher documented the bullying, Mr. Schwanz did NOTHING about it. Even when the bully told my son he would not live through the last day of school. We have now moved to Virginia, where both of my children would be held back if they were going to public school, so we're going to homeschool this year to catch them up.
--Submitted by a parent

We were HORRIBLY dissappointed in this school. After being told how wonderful the schools on Ft.Leavenworth were, we had the worst school year we have ever had for our 3rd grader. Her teacher was horribly inexperienced and would not take ANY feedback. Thankfully our daughter still did okay, but after many meetings with the teacher and the principal, I would say her year was bearable, at best. I am so very dissapointed for our 3rd grader. She told us repeatedly how much eaiser 3rd grade was than second (at a different school in TX). Her teacher refused to help and give her more challening and exciting work. After testing into the gifted program, things improved slightly, but still feel this school needs a LOT of work, from the leadership on down. Kindergaten better, but not challenging enough... they need to improve their curricullum and teach to all, not just lowest.
--Submitted by a parent

This has been the best school we have had in our 10 years in the Army My oldest son attended 4-6th grade he has ADD and low reading comprehension All the staff has helped him so much he is now at Patton Jr High and is a honor roll student Thanks to all the extra help his teachers gave him. My other son has been there K-2nd grade again so pleased with all the teachers! This school has an excellent science program complete with a lab and planetarium! The kids just love it there! They make learning fun!!!
--Submitted by a parent

From the Principal, Mr. Schwanz, to the school nurse, Ms. Stacy, to many of the teachers this is the BEST Elementary School in Leavenworth, KS. Proud Mom of a Great 2nd Grader
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended half of Kindergarten and half of First grade here. This is simply an excellent school. Complete with a planetarium! He really enjoyed it while he was there!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school for 4 years and it has been the greatest school experience we've had in the army. The office staff is wonderful and the teachers are incomparable. The parent involvement is second to none and the kids love to go to school every morning!
--Submitted by a parent

i love the school because the teachers have done so much for my kids...
--Submitted by a parent