Brimmer and May School

I was a student there for half a year, I was bullied into the ground and I did not have to do any work for the good grades I received, the arts program is a joke and a lie so that parents are sucked in to spending way too much. I did not learn anything, everything that was taught was extremely basic for the grade i was in, and if you or your child does not fit in to the stereotypical popular crowd, you or your child will become an instant outcast. All you do is basically pay for your kid to get good grades, and you would be much better off sending a kid to brookline high school. the teachers there actually care if you do work or not. and that's a PUBLIC school.

Brimmer and May is an exceptional school. We have been very, very pleased with our decision to send our children there. The school is the perfect combination of being on the cutting edge of education while maintaining a regard for the New England private school experience. The school has a strong arts program coupled with an international focus. Our children have had an outstanding education at Brimmer, but they have been able to thrive for other reasons as well. The school really develops the whole child: our children have performed in plays, learned a second instrument, delved into subjects from a variety of angles, and enjoyed a wonderful education. We are so pleased with Brimmer and May - we could not have found a better school for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

I think it's a shame to see a review that criticizes the school in such a vague manner and attribute it to a lack of leadership. In fifth grade, the children go thru a whole series on being self-motivated and do an entire reserach project independently - to which they present to administrators and teachers. There is no lack of leadership being taught. Many of the projects and charity work that the children perform are inspired by or presented to the administration by the children! These kids are being guided to be self-performing, independent thinkers and conscientious contributors to society. I'm proud that my two sons are here and they are realizing themselves to be individuals and not cookie-cutter bots whose whole goal in life is to make money. The kids in the Lower School (PreK-5) get to know each other in their share groups and in presentations throughout the school year. My little PreKer thinks his 5th grade buddy is his best friend. My 2nd grader is best friends with someone from a different religion, socio-economic status, and race - and couldn't find someone MORE like him! This school and their administrators know what they're doing.
--Submitted by a parent

Our three kids have been at Brimmer for five years and loved every minute of it. They have attended public schools in the US and private schools internationally and it is only at Brimmer where they found a " home". They have been nurtured yet challenged academically, creatively, athletically and socially. As a parent, I love the entire school community and authentic focus on educating the whole child for success in the 21st century. In our opinion, Brimmer is the best kept secret in Boston!
--Submitted by a parent

If you're considering this school, keep looking and do your research. I consider this school slightly above our public education option because of the facilities and student - child ratio but the leadership lacks and you don't see any change in place.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school on scholarship. Yes, many families are well to do, but I have never, ever felt that socio-econmic status matters. Great, kind, caring teachers and adminstrators. For my kids, it's the whole package!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school with caring brilliant teachers. The admission staff work VERY hard to place the right child and family into this small school and the balance here is wonderful. A truly exceptional environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Brimmer and May for thirteen years (K-12). I got a fantastic education that got me into a top tier liberal arts college. The community at Brimmer cannot be matched. Its a place where the teachers truly care and every students grows to find their own niche. It is a small but wonderful school.
--Submitted by a student

This is a very small, mostly white, K-12 school near Boston, in the affluent suburb of Chestnut Hill. Judging from the cars in the morning drop-off line, most parents are upper-upper middle class. No Bentleys, but lots of Lexus SUVs. The atmosphere is kind and caring, kids seem happy, the quality of the education is good but not superb.
--Submitted by a parent