Bryker Woods Elementary School

I was a student at Bryker Woods and its the best school E.V.E.R .I TOTALY LOVE IT.Any and every one should go to this green healthy spectacular school.My teachers were amazing and now Im a weepy mess because I no longer go there.I and many others recommend this school for almost any one.Every time I pass by BW I start to cry hope you feel the same.

~ I simply have to say "WOW"! What a truly AWESOME school Bryker Woods is! There is such a wonderfully close-knit, intimate community vibe at this school that I have simply fallen in love with it...and it is only our FIRST year of attendance! I can only imagine the praises that I will be singing this school come First Grade! Honestly, what is there not to LOVE about this school?! I mean, they have MAJOR Parent involvement and participation, they Recycle, they COMPOST and they throw one INCREDIBLE Fall Carnival! Hands Down, this is "THE Best School in Our Town"!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a wonderful community of families. Sadly the new principal is not a good cultural fit for the school and seems to be at the center of much controversy.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful neighborhood school with a great family feel. It is small enough that all the teachers know your child's name and almost everyone knows each other's kids/parents/families, etc. The new principal (as of Aug 2008) is interested and engaging with the kids. She is almost always available to talk about your concerns. My son had a fabulous kindergarten year and is now starting first grade with the right teacher for his personality... a choice that wasn't mine to make (nor did I try to influence that decision), but it was obviously made with great care. The parents are very involved... sometimes too much so... but the overall effect is that "It takes a village..." and this village will take care of your kids. I'm so glad we researched all of AISD and chose this school. The fact that is goes to 6th grade makes it even better.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a bit unruly, creative, odd and an outspoken atheist. He has not had trouble being accepted at the school or in getting an education that is tailored to his needs. The newer teachers are really outstanding, bringing a fresh perspective. The parents are what really make the school, however, pushing for things they believe in and providing the manpower to provide a lot of enrichment activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Bryker Woods has been an excellent and supportive school for both of our children. The teachers are great, the parents are involved and helpful, and the atmosphere is just right. I'd recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

While many will tell you this is the best school in Austin, our family was completely failed by it. Its teachers are entrenched, with some notable exceptions. Its principle is ineffectual. Its families think everything is groovy as long as they can walk to school. If your kid is creative, odd, outspoken or not Christian, you can do better.
—Submitted by a parent

Since kindergarten, my fourth-grader has attended Bryker Woods Elementary, which is not his 'neighborhood school.' For years, either I or his dad have driven across town to take him there, and the journey is well worth the effort. The teachers are consistently excellent. The academic curriculum and programs are challenging and fun. His classmates are friendly and smart. And there are parents everywhere at this school. From standing-room-only PTA meetings to after-school Chess club tournaments to fall carnivals and springtime track & field days, parents are involved and ensuring that their children's years at Bryker Woods are well-spent. The school has a wonderful vibe.
—Submitted by a parent

Bryker Woods is a great community with involved parents, caring faculty, and excellent community values. The small size (less than 400) offers a true community feel and friendly, comfortable place for kids. The faculty turnover at Bryker Woods is very low -- happy teachers make a happy school. The academics are high quality but not overly pressured. Likewise, there are many talented parents in the community, but not many 'type A' folks who are overly concerned about test scores or having the 'right' programs, etc. The down side of a small school is there are fewer special programs and opportunities for kids with special needs. For our family, the pluses greatly outweighed the minuses. Both kids & parents were very, very happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with two daughters at Bryker Woods. We transfered from another highly regarded AISD elementary, not having relaized the huge climate differences between central Austin elementaries initially. BW offers high standards in a relaxed, supportive, nurturing environment. Our daughters are high testers but we are opposed to academic hothouses in elementary, and find a nice balance of stimulation with letting them be kids. The specials are very good. High level of parent involvement, but much less toeing the party line required than at our previous Elementary where no helpful suggestions for the regime were brooked!
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough good about Bryker Woods. The availability of 6th grade in an elementary environment is wonderful, the teachers throughout my daughters 6 years here have been fabulous, the curriculum challenging and the small size is very condusive to forming great relationships. Since there is a large transfer population, kids make friends from all over Austin. If you can't afford a private school, this is about as close as a public school gets.
—Submitted by a parent

Your child can receive a quality education. This is a small campus, where all the staff acknowledges the parents by name. The older grade levels tutor the younger students. My son truly enjoyed attending and hated that we moved out of the district.
—Submitted by a parent

Bryker Woods is exactly what a school is supposed to be and more. The teachers are happy and mostly experienced. The school is small and the parents are involved. It might be the partnership between the parents, the principal and the teachers that make it exceptional. It is hard to pinpoint the success because there are so many bonuses. The PTA and parents have funded a Spanish teacher. Also funding that was lost in the AISD budget was supplimented for special area teachers to get class size and programs back to where they should be. Hopefully the program the 5th grade participates in based on a grant from the Metropolitan Opera will continue. The students did everything beginning with a job fair, employment applications, writing, composing, designing, presenting and funding the yearly opera. Check it out on the school website. www.austinschools.org/brykerwoods/ My son has the best education he could have.
—Submitted by belinda field, a parent

Wonderful, caring teachers and inspired leadership help make this school an Austin treasure. Its small size and high level of parent participation are also among its many strengths. Academic rigor is balanced with a commitment to developing peaceful, happy kids.
—Submitted by a parent