Brentwood Elementary School

WOW...What a difference a Principal makes!! We have a new Principal and VP combo who are phenomenal at what they do and I have to say, the aura and energy at Brentwood Elementary has taken a huge turn for the BETTER...MUCH, MUCH BETTER than what we've had the displeasure of dealing with for the prior 2 years...I don't dread the thought of entering the building anymore...Our Principal and VP are both very approachable and genuinely care about the school, the teachers, the students and encourage parental involvement; the chaos that was in the past, is no longer...I actually enjoy being there whereas last year I wouldn't enter the building unless I needed to...Our teachers seem happy to be educators at this school and it makes the environment for the children more exciting and engaging! My hope now is that the overall academic grades will improve as much as the administration and atmosphere has because that is an area of the school that really hasn't done well over the years...@ least now, I'm confident we have a team in place that will work tirelessly to move the children @ Brentwood in a positive direction...I didn't feel that way about the school as a whole until now!
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! The new principal is great! She really cares about the students and the school. She is working very hard to get the parents more active, this will be the first year for a PTA at Brentwood, so every parent can get out there and be a part of their child's education. She is also working closely with the PTA to get a lot of funds generated so she can help provide things that are more than needed for the staff and for our kids. The vice principal is so friendly and always willing to answer questions. I call the school multiple times a week and always get a friendly voice on the other end of the line, and my questions are always answered. My daughter loves this school and loves her teachers. They have also came up with a much improved discipline plan and it seems to be working wonders so far. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending this school for four years now. I have them there as a school of choice. My kids love it there. The problem is that sometimes the teachers don't get the support of the parents. Remember that teachers don't get paid what they deserve but they are there everyday because they love what they do. They are there for our children and have the patience and desire to teach. Some parents act like it is the sole responsibility of the teacher to teach. As a parent, we are the first teachers and we are responsible for the way our kids act towards other people. Teachers are there to teach and not be babysitters. We need to support them to better our childrens education. I, as a parent , am always in contact with the teacher. Making sure that school work, homework, and other activities are on track.
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers are wonderful. The administration well they leave alot to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently in the process of looking for another school! From the very first day, when the school ambassador told my daughter to know that the teacher is a yeller! Then the teacher herself telling me that she yells to gain control of the students...I was not happy! My daughter was crying one day when I picked her up from school. I assumed she was subject to a bully. She told me she was making unecessary trips to the bathroom to escape from all the yelling in the classroom! I of course went to the princable who moved her to another classroom in an attempt to make things better and well...it didn't work. My child has seen many fist fights to the point of blood, teachers being called awuful names, and the school not doing much about it. For the sake of my child..I have no choice but to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a single parent and have two jobs (not including raising my children). My children have been attending Brentwood since Kindergarten as a choice school. The past few years I have not been pleased with the shcool in many areas . The main reason my child remains in school at this time is because she has an awesome teacher. Also this is the childs last year and after lots of talks and tears we have remained here. Lately I have had problems with the office staff . I have called to say that I am going to be late, I have called to pass messages to my child due to an emergency and each time i have had contradicting responses. I agree that the school encourages parent involvement, however when I have voiced my concerns about my children I have been turned away .
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year at Brentwood, and despite all of the negative criticism I've heard in the past about this school, it is not bad. The problem with this school is the lack of parent involvement. Parents are not encourage to volunteer at this school they are not turned away. The principal Ms. Roberts is very understanding and prompt when it comes to calling you back or scheduling a conference. She promotes voluterissm in her school. Parents need to stop complaining and jump on the bandwagon with other parents that are involved and want to make a difference for the future children of tomorrow. While the city officials pour money into other schools our children are without a gym and must utilize the outdoors for their physical education. Parents pour your time, and soul in your child's education, the teachers and administrators can not do it alone.
—Submitted by a parent

My Children have been attending Brentwood Elementary School since 1995. I have six children and the two youngest are now in fourth grade and this has by far been the worst year of education. Brentwood has been going down hill for the past six years and nothing seems to be done about it. I think that it is time for the parents to rally together and take OUR school back. It is time to get our heads out of the sand and quit letting our children 'just be a number'. So I say 'Let's take charge'.
—Submitted by Susan Thrailkill, a parent

This is one of the worst schools my daughter have attended it. Unfortunately she has being transfer a few times since we are a military family. My biggest disappointment is how the school (principal) will ask the parents to be involve and when you attempt to or give your opinion you are simply rejected. So do not believe the 'if you have a ? feel free to ask me'.
—Submitted by a parent

I do not like this school. I will attempt to transfer asap or homeschool. Their policy seems in their handbook to be closed to parents, even though they will tell you to your face they want you to be involved. As a new student's parent, I toured the school with an office worker. When I went into a classroom of a teacher in my child's grade, she smiled and said hi and that was it. There was no 'Hi! How are you?' She didn't acknowledge my son, ask any questions, etc. I feel there has been no communication about the goals of the year. Although we came in half way through, this is information that I feel I'm having to pry out of the teacher. I never see the principal out and about. I have yet to hear of a PTA. I have been disappointed which only confirmed what I already felt.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school.We came from a small school and I was some what concern with ratio but it has work to her advantage she has become a more independent student. My only complaints are the lack of extracurricular activities and parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Brentwood Elementary going on 2 years. I am very pleased with the school and it's staff. They are very caring and extremly helpful in many ways. My son will soon be entering Pre- K, I am looking forward to each day to come. Thank you Brentwood....
—Submitted by Misty Mitchell, a parent