Bright School

I have had at least one child enrolled at Bright School each year for the past ten years. We absolutely love the school and are extremely confident in the educational foundation Bright provides. The extras can't be matched - physical education every day, art, shop, music - all are core elements. The environment is one of high expectations coupled with confidence building and nurture. If you are seeking academic preparedness for your child in a place that values childhood, then I highly reccommend Bright School.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at Bright since PK. We have had a good experience overall with the school. We have found the diversity among the students to be good. We would recommend this school to prospective parents.
--Submitted by a parent

It is my child's first year so I am not prepared this early in the year to determine Bright's academic merits; however, I can complain all day on other issues. COMMUNICATION: The website is the only mode of communication they use. If you don't look for information, you just don't get it . . . unless, they are asking for more money. My child's teacher is very nice, but there is absolutely noooo feedback about my child's progress. I have spoken to a couple of other moms and they are having the same issue. PARENT INVOLVEMENT: A select group practically run the school. DIVERSITY: I find the lack of diversity among the faculty, admin. and the students annoying. But I TRUELY find the lack of diversity (aside from age) among the teachers disturbing.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent who wrote the Feb 27 posting. We had a similar experience. Also, some staff members tell the teachers, the parents, or the prospective parents whatever they think they want to hear so there are conflicting reports which causes lots of frustration for everyone. Also, the Parent-Teacher Association (AKA the Moms) are highly involved - watch your back.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at Bright School for 3 years and love it! When our children have needed extra help or extra challenges they've gotten it. They love taking shop class, gym class everyday and all of the wonderful opportunities Bright offers. My children are in K and 1st. Their teachers hug them and encourage them. Of course, no school is perfect, but Bright is as close as it can be. As for the comments about lower acceptance to middle schools, I think you need to check your facts! We did great this year!
--Submitted by a parent

February 27 posting must be a direct reflection of a personal fall-out! Not all experiences will be alike but the generalization of the statement cannot be applied to the overall of the school's principles. I have had 3 sons in the school over 7 years minus a few bumps inherent with raising sons and interacting with humans, the school is by far a notch above in all regards.
--Submitted by a parent

Please do not send your child here. The Bright School focuses a lot of attention on the Bright Start program and Pre-K and K. After that it is downhill fast. If your child needs any extra help, compassion, and security, this is not the school for you. A few of the teachers are caring if you are lucky to get them. Most are disrespectful and very rude to the students (when the parents are not around..) Plenty of great schools in Chattanooga, this is not one.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child that has been at Bright for five years and we absolutely love the school and the edu@cational foundation our child is building. The school teaches the children academics while also molding a good citizen for the community. I would highly reccommend the school and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent who moved to Chattanooga one year ago, I can not say enough wonderful things about Bright School. My daughter began in the Bright Start program (for 3 and 4 year olds) last year. Mrs. Anne is one of the most gentle and loving teachers I have ever met. Along with the wonderful academic knowledge she came home with everyday, she also learned valuable life lessons such as 'personal responsibility.' My daughter is now in pre-K with another wonderful teacher and assistant. She loves going to school everyday, and I am amazed at her academic progress. One other item...the Headmaster, O.J. Morgan, is a class act. He is actively involved in all of the student's academic lives and he really cares about each family, regardless of income. We even see him on Saturday's at the soccer field, cheering on the students. We are very happy with Bright School!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I am disappointed with my experience at Bright. I have found the school to be too focused on 'standing' and not enough on educating and loving my child. The facilities are nice, but overall, I wish we had chosen another school and I cannot recommend it to anyone. And, I have found that the acceptance rates at the secondary schools are not as high as some of the other elementary schools in town (or across town.)
--Submitted by a parent