Brookdale Elementary School

Both of my children attended Brookdale Elementary School from Kindergarten on. My son graduated last year and my daughter is in 6th grade now. The school is outstanding. The staff, on the whole has been excellent. While we have had limited formal involvement with the Home & School organization, we have been very upfront with our children's education and have gotten to know their teachers and the other school faculty quite well. Their professionalism and capabilities as teachers has been on the whole impressive. The current Principal, Mrs Cherence is an extremely competent executive and top notch educator in her own right. We have found her to be available to us as parents and responsive to needs and requests. My daughter has some learning challenges and we have found that the support for her has been very good, allowing her to thrive academically despite our worries. My son on the other hand was in the magnet program and we found that added another stimulating dimension for him. The school has a very good music program and the town has a great summer arts program. Super school!
--Submitted by a parent

I was not sure about Brookdale whenever my daughter started attending. She entered kindergarten already reading and it seemed like she was not being challenged. I wasn't sure if there was a solution. The principal and the teachers worked to find a solution and eventually they moved her up to 1st grade mid year. At all times they put the needs of my daughter first. They took the time to observe her and test her and they were very clear that they would not move her up to appease us. The principal handled the situation and us very professionally.
--Submitted by a parent

Since the last review for Brookdale has been dated April, 2009, I felt that it was time to give an updated review of the school. Brookdale is an excellent school hands down! We as parents are very involved with the school, which makes all the difference in the school atmosphere & the children's academic scores. The school not only enforces great academics but also incorporates school & community involvement which shows the children the importance of being involved. Greatschools gives Brookdale a 9 out of 10. Lets shoot for the stars! A 10 out of 10 is right around the corner.
--Submitted by a parent

Forget about sending your kid to private school. Brookdale is a warm, nurturing community with involved parents. If those parents would continue to stay involved in the schools the success of Brookdale and our other fine elementary schools in Bloomfield would travel up to the middle and high schools
--Submitted by a parent

When I moved to Bloomfield over 7 years ago, I was told that the school system wasn't good. However, I find that Brookdale school is excellent and at the level of any top school systems in the nation. It is strong in academics and standard test ranking. Most importantly, people are very nice, parents are largely involved and kids feel very happy there. It is a small community with great diversity and safety. My kids have been there for 5 years now and it is truly a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am six grade student at Brookdale and you should enroll your kids here too. The principal Mrs. Cirasella is really sweet and so are the teachers especially mine, Mrs.Carroll.
--Submitted by Danielle Feuerstein, a student

Excellent school with wonderful leadership! The principal puts the safety of the children first. The teachers are caring and seem to work well together as a group. I know my children are safe and happy at this school!
--Submitted by a parent