Brentfield Elementary School

As an elementary school teacher in another district, I know when my children are in an excellent school. As far as the class sizes, parents need to do their homework instead of blaming a school. Class sizes were changed to 23 with waivers for 24 by the state, not the school or district. Parents in this school do NOT "run" this school. In fact, I've been very impressed how they are great at keeping parents in check, and I'm a working mother. Yes, they have a high parent involvement, and that's why the school is so wonderful. The teachers are very consistent throughout the entire grade level. They have extremely high expectations, and that's why my children go there. The only students I've seen outside the district are teachers' children. I would pick Brentfield over almost every private school in the metroplex. Remember, this school has an extremely high percentage of gifted children, so some may feel this is too much pressure for their child. However, your child would not get the quality of this education at just any other DFW public school. This school is the reason our family has not moved to a larger home in fear of not finding one in Brentfield's boundaries.
—Submitted by a parent

While the school may be good, the culture is a big challenge, and its' VERY political. The student teacher ratio currently is higher than state allowed limits in several classrooms, and they had to obtain special approval to exceed the limits. They take pride in the "involvement" from parents, but that means that several stay-at-home moms run things at the school, and do not really like outsiders or anyone different from them. Children are ostracized by these parents if you are not part of the group. This school continues to take students OUTSIDE the district , even as they are over the limit. Politics at play... the principal is wrapped up in the politics and looks the other way when issues occur.
—Submitted by a parent

Generally speaking, Brentfield is as good a school as you are going to find within the public school arena. They have very good teachers (some better than others though), outstanding leadership from the Principal, and lots of parental involvement compared to other public schools in DFW. If you are looking for a great public school, then I would definitely recommend Brentfield. However, because of the way our public school system is setup (which encourages teaching for passing the standardized tests only and focuses on improving the average kid s performance, but not necessarily the brightest ones ), neither Brentfield Elementary nor any other good public school will challenge or come close to using the full potential of an above-average, gifted, high achieving child. If your child fits this profile and you want to fully realize his/her potential, then you will need to look at a private school. Be careful with private schools though, as I can probably count with the fingers of my right hand the ones in Dallas which will truly make it worth paying their tuition instead of going to a very good public school like Brentfield.
—Submitted by a parent

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

Moved into this older neighborhood just for the schools...we chose this area over Plano hands down, even though Plano gets all the good press, the schools can't touch the quality you get here.
—Submitted by a parent

We too moved to the area for Brentfield - when our 11 year old was 1! Now we have two boys at the school and I continue to be impressed with the caring and commitment of the staff and the entire community.
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far one of the best schools in the area. We purposefully moved into this neighborhood for Brentfield Elementary last year, and continue to be extremely pleased. The principal and asst.principals continue to challenge themselves,their staff,the children, & the parents to strive for excellence.It is such a wonderful community. If you move into the neighborhood with kids,be sure to email the PTA representative immediately.(using the Brentfield PTA website) They will do their best to pair you with a family that has children similar ages as your family. It makes for a smooth transition for your children and you!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here for the amazing press this school received and were very disappointed. We expected something wonderful and it was just OK. This school has all the problems that other schools have--unqualified teachers, bullies, disruptive kids, etc. There was poor leadership continuity with four vice-principals and two principal in four years. Parental involvement here is high--teachers expect a lot. This is a good school, but not any better compared to most.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, truly care about student needs and welcome parental involvement and suggestions. The level of professionalism and teaching is outstanding. It is the Harvard of the RISD!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Brentfield the 1st years it was open and now my daughter is going to kindergarden there. Im so happy to be in this community. Brentfield and Parkhill are not small schools yet I can realy see the individual attention extended to the students from the teachers and faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

School still has that small town feel. Alot of parent involvement. Programs available for the gifted child. Teachers are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent