Brennen Elementary School

i am a former student, but I moved to VA after 5th grade. I can say that the bad reviews can't be true. I was only there for 2 years, but those two years were the BEST. I LOVED it. Not saying VA isn't good either, but Brennen shaped me. I read GONE WITH THE WIND there. I was in ALL AAP. I was going to go to Crayton, to MEGSSS. Still, GO THERE. You will NOT regret it.

As a parent of two students at Brennen for the past 6 years, I could not be more pleased. I have one typical child and a child with Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning autism) with an IQ in the "very superior" range. Both are in the Advanced Academic Program. They are so happy and love their school! The support from the teachers and administration to help each child reach his or her potential is unparalleled. It truly is a team effort. The academics and learning are at the top. But we all know that there is so much more to school than that. Besides the academics, the arts programs are top notch (the drama dept will blow you away) and every day you see volunteers, parents, mentors all giving their time and talents to this wonderfully diverse student body. My kids have learned lifeskills, had dozens of hands-on field trips and learning experiences, acted in plays, made sculptures, been colonial patriots, danced, written newspapers...I could go on and on. I cannot imagine being anywhere else! Thank you Brennen Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

With new administration, staff, and teachers, the success of BES keeps getting better! There's a strong social and academic focus on all students, meeting the diverse needs of the school community. The Brennen community is professional, well knowledged and caring. Parent involvement is phenomenal. Parents assist in tutoring, volunteering in the office and supporting teachers through a variety of measures. Parents are welcomed as a part of the school day and can often be found giving tours, mentoring students, and sharing their expertise. If you're looking for a school that focuses on student learning, creating thinkers and not just doers, one that sees parents as partners, and a principal who is aiming for the success of EVERY child that walks through the door, BRENNEN is the place for you and your family.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is a wonderful school, but like most public schools, bad teachers do exist here and have for some time. Talk to other parents, The good news (or bade news if you really think about it) is that these bad teachers are well known and have been around for years, so are easy to find out about. It saddens me that I have to rate this school lower, because of a few bad apples, but they persist thanks to system that rewards bad teachers with tenure and does not want hold bad teacher accountable, nor reward good ones. Be particularly carful with some of the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

With a diverse group of students, a very strong advanced academic program, a very high parental involvement rate, this neighborhood school is celebrating it's 60th anniversary. Highly motivated and educated faculty and staff work with the students and parents to improve every single day. Along with a great PTO and actice School Improvement Council, Brennen enjoys super support from the business community and local neighbors. Now in my 8th year as a Brennen parent, I would say that children who leave Brennen are not only ready to excel in middle school, but far beyond. I love Brennen and would send my children here over ANY school in the Columbia, SC I had a choice to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is very supportive. The kids are outstanding students. The parents are one of a kind!
—Submitted by a teacher

We have the best kids &teachers who are proud of the school community that we've created over the years!
—Submitted by a teacher

Brennen was the perfect elementary school for my children! My children were always excited about going to school and wanted to learn. The teachers and staff were outstanding, concentrating on each child individually. MY children's teachers still serve as excellent role models for my children. The students develop lifetime friendships at Brennen. The academics are wonderful, and the teachers try many teaching methods so they can get across to every child. My children and I love Brennen! There are many opportunities for each child's individual interests! Brennen offers music programs, art, after-school art, PE, drama, dance in PE, and many other activities. Parent involvement rates are extremely high at Brennen! Brennen is the best elementary school in the nation!
—Submitted by a parent