Brinson Memorial Elementary School

My daughter has attended Brinson since kindergarten. Although the front office personnel are not the most welcoming, she has received a top notch education. She has had excellent teachers and I could't be more thrilled with her third grade teacher. She has gone from reading on a third grade level at the beginning of the year to reading on a sixth grade level in a matter of months. If you want a strong school without all the fluff, this is one to choose.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved from VA public schools and were very disappointed with Brinson in terms of accelerated and special needs children. They do not have accelerated placement until Grade 4 and all special needs children are lumped together by age. A lot of the teachers have limited expectations for the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very excited to be entering Brinson however I've been very disappointed with the rudeness and the low teacher moral. The school shows very little respect for the children. I haven't found one teacher that sounds excited to be a educator. I feel as if the educators in this school are educators becasue it is a JOB not becasue it's a passion. I am shocked that my child is in school fro 8 hrs and comes home with 3 work sheets. This isn't the school that we thought it was.
--Submitted by a parent

I know outside play time is not why we attend school. However, since my daughter has come home with many blisters, I feel it is time to update the boring and very limited play structures. I think all other areas are looking good. The principal is great too!
--Submitted by a parent

Brinson is by far the best elementary school in Craven county. It's awards prove this. My son attended all 6 yrs at Brinson and my daughter is currently attending. To say that Brinson is like a Military school is laughable. Brinson allows plenty of room for individuality. However it does require that all students be considerate of others. There is also classes for special needs children that do not do well in a normal class room enviroment or do not do well with their peers. There are rewards at Brinson for reaching goals just as there is in life. However each goal is set for the individual child. So they are attainable. The programs are state wide and not Brinson specific. You will not find a better school anywhere but your child will have to work. It will not be handed to them. They prepare your child for middle school and beyond!
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Brinson for 4 years. It is a very rule ('process') regulated learning environment, with zero tolerence. It reminds me of a military school. I have found Brinson's environment not to be flexible for an 'out-of-the box' thinking child. My daughter has excelled wonderfully, albeit she does have a nervous breakdown if she forgets her homework. However, my son's spirit for learning has been severely diminshed. There are goals set by the teacher for accelerated math/reading. If you don't make the goal, you don't get to participate in the reward activity. My son has lost his drive to read and do math. They both require computerized tests at the end of each book and math concept-don't pass, no points. It's taken the fun out of learning. In my opinion, the school's teaching for the accolades at the end of the year and the child is their means.
--Submitted by Christine, a parent

We spent 4 years at this school before moving. We were completely spoiled and it will be hard to find a school that compares. The teachers maintain a very high standard as you can see by their test scores. The main emphasis at this school from kindergarten is reading proficiency and comprehension using the Accelerated Reading program. Not only are academics at a high standard but I was also impressed with the emphasis on character building. They focus on one character building word per month and really instill a zero tolerance of bullying. The children are very well behaved in the halls. My children loved the school. I only have one concern about Brinson and that is the size of the building and the amount of children moving into the district. It is busting at the seams but they are resolving this.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends K at Brinson and I am so pleased with this school! Every month they emphasize a character trait-this month is perseverence. Her teacher, Mrs. Edwards is an amazingly calm, warm and caring teacher. Every class has an assistant. And parents are ALWAYS welcome! Her homework is age appropriate. Time is allowed for play every day-both inside and out. My only suggestion would be for the children to have PE more than once/week. My daughter comes off the school bus HAPPY every day!
--Submitted by a parent