Brentfield Elementary School

My daughter did 6th grade at Brentfield Elementary. I told them that I thought my child had dyslexia. She was below grade level in reading and comprehension. She could not spell and struggled to write. The counselor and teacher said that they would observe her. There were meetings to discuss the many problems she was having and they blamed my child saying that she was disruptive and lazy. Her self-esteem was destroyed. I begged them to test her for learning issues but they said they would do not because she was not failing. I had to have her privately tested which cost me $1000.00. She was diagnosed with dyslexia and slow processing. I lost my faith in public schools. They do all they can to avoid providing services to children with special needs. I put her in Fairhill School, a private school for children with learning differences, for 3 years. She got help and her confidence and self-esteem back. She is now in 11th grade at Harmony Science Academy Dallas, a free charter school. She has a very high grade point average and has taken 4 college credit classes. Harmony Science Academy tested her immediately and she has a 504 plan that she would not be able to succeed without.
--Submitted by a parent

Just transferred from out of state and very happy with BFE.The School has an amazing after school program my kids love Mr.Jason,hes is great with my son.5 stars!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We too moved specifically for the school's reputation, and while there are definitely some things I'd like to see improved, overall I'm satisfied with the school. We did find SOME parents were less welcoming and clickish, and OTHERS were very open and welcoming. (much like any where you go, so if anyone says it's all one way or the other, I would disagree!) I'd rate the school as above average, but the parent involvement is excellent, which is important to me. The teachers are generally good (above average) but I see a trend where new families tend to get the teachers with less tenure. That should be addressed, but still overall, a good school. Get involved and don't let a few bad apples (moms) ruin the reputation. Ignore them.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved into this area expressly for the schools and have not been disappointed in the slightest. The teachers are great and care about the students, and the administration has been very willing to address issues as they arise. We have not found it cliquish at all, and in fact, have been overwhelmed by the friendliness shown to us "newcomers". The learning environment is top notch, and the social aspects of the school, both for the kids and the parents, has exceeded our expectations. I have absolutely no qualms whatsoever in recommending this school to any family. Great familial environment, friendly people, and an excellent academic environment are only part of the reasons why I do not hesitate to give Brentfield 5 stars.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at the school are very nice, but only average. What separates this school is the parental involvement. The parent involvement is extremely high, but comes with a price.... it's very clickish. The PTA is great in organizing fund raisers, but disappear when you bring an issue to their attention. The moms all seem to know each other and are not friendly to new comers. If you can look past this, the school is still a good school, but honestly you could pick any school with high parental involvment and get an equally good education for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year here and we love this school and so does he. The staff takes education seriously and it shows. Which brings me to the thoughtless author of the review dated 9/13. The fact you as a parent entered a rating that is clearly meant to be punitive and not at all based on the educational aspects of the school as a whole, gives me a clue as to why your child is having so much trouble following those simple rules. My son is 1st grader and is a bit rambunctious himself, but is not having a problem with these zones. And if he were I would support the school, those rules are there for a reason. But I must say, you do have a talent for hyperbole!
--Submitted by a parent

I am completely disappointed in this school. The principal states that they are here for "the families" but it's clear that "the" is the operative word. The new "silent" zones this year are unrealistic for small children and the punitive discipline used to enforce it only serves to belittle and shame the students into compliance. Addressing any issues with this school is pointless as they are completely inflexible and blind to their own faults. We will be changing schools as soon as possible. I could find a monkey that would treat my child with more respect than the staff at this school. Of course, if you are of the opinion that children should be seen and not heard or that they are inferior to adults this would be the perfect school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended kindergarten through second grade at Brentfield, what a tremendous school. I have not been able to find a public school even close to the same quality as Brentfield in our new location and have my daughter in private school and there is still no comparison. I also think it is unfortunate that someone felt left out but this school was a perfect fit for this stay at home mom and our family.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in his second year at this school and we are extremely pleased. Brentfield has a great mix of competent, enthusiastic teachers, dedicated administration, and involved parents. Another reviewer mentioned stay-at-home moms that made her child feel left out--that's very unfortunate if that happened, but from my perspective, our school strikes a good balance of working and stay-at home parents that come together for the school. Brentfield does an exceptional job at communicating with the parents. This school provides a safe and caring environment for children to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

I had to get my child out of that school due to the group of stay at home moms that feel they own the school. They made my child feel left out and the administration refuses to acknowledge the problem these moms cause other families.
--Submitted by a parent