The Briarwood School

After the struggle we had at another private school we sent our son to Briarwood. Huge change within the first couple of months. He loves school now and is extremely happy. He has been there now for 2 years and all the teachers have been great! Homework load is no where close to what it was at the other school. I felt like I was teaching him more at home that the teachers. Now we have math, reading and grammar homework. Never see much of the science or social studies. Unless there is a project that needs to be done. WE LOVE THIS SCHOOL!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't send my child here. As a former teacher at this school, I know that they do not believe in the students they teach. In teacher conferences, they discuss how middle grade students would never be able to attend college and I would be reprimanded when I would remind others teachers that they have no idea what a student may or may not be able to accomplish. Also, the majority of their teachers have little in the way of prior experience or traditional education or training in working with learning disabled students. Its a shame that this seems to be the only school that focuses on students with learning differences in the Houston area. Send your child someplace that might actually believe in his or her abilities and then stay constantly involved in their educational environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

Former student here. I loved Briarwood. It was the best school I attended. Now, I now some people said it was not challenging. That is because Briarwood is meant to be a school you attend for a few years, then move on to a more challenging school. That is what I did. After Briarwood, I got into one of the most competitive school in Houston and did well there. The teachers I had at Briarwood were all great. They cared, they made sure you learned and they were excellent at encouraging each child's unique interests. I loved the years I spent there and thank them for my current success. I'm in grad school now and I doubt I would be here if it wasn't for Briarwood.

This is my first year at Briarwood and I think it's an awesome school. The teachers actually care about helping you learn. The sports teams are great because the coaches try to get everyone to play in the games. Yes, Language is a boring class, but I think Briarwood is awesome so far!
—Submitted by a student

My son is dyslexic and has auditory processing issues that have made learning hard for him all his life. After experiencing frustration of having our son tracked early in public schools we knew we had to make a change. Our son graduated this year and will be attending a 4 year college. Challenging? I feel every educational experience can be challenging depending on the student and how much they want to be challenged. Without this school, my son would not be where he is today. He has obtained lifelong skills of self-advocacy, self -esteem, and a thirst to do his very best. Five stars is not high enough for the quality of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Fabulous. My child has been in Briarwood for the past year and a half in the PODs program (kinder/first). After 3 years in preschool, he knew only half is letters and only a 1/4 of letter sounds. Within 2 months, he was reading. He still has issues with fluency and tests in the first grade first half in testing (yes, I was hoping for more) and in the middle of second grade in math. Next year he will be moving to the primary where he will be increasing his fluency - with hard work - then to traditioinal school. I love the school, the parents and the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Middle/Upper School is wonderful. The school administration is rapidly responsive, warm, and positive. The teachers love their kids, obviously have a passion for the material they teach, and know their students' needs very well. Can't recommend highly enough in terms of academics for learning disabled kids. The sports program, I think, is absolutely wonderful. Every kid makes the team and plays. Practices are two hours every day except Wednesday. For my child - this has been awesome. My daughter is an only child; she is active, loves to be active - and to have two hours every day after school of running, jumping, playing -- wow. She also studies that much harder in the evening - very aware that her participation in athletics is dependent upon her effort, attitude and academic standing. But there is no music of any sort or school newspaper. I miss that for her.
—Submitted by Kathy, a parent

For the child in grades 1-12 who are lost academically because of learning differences Briarwood has made my child feel competent and confident.The classes are small which is great for kids with ADD.There is independent teaching available for reading and writing skills a few days a week.My son is ADHA & Dyslexic and graduates 2008.He has been there since 4th grade and will always struggle academically but he has a strong foundation to build upon in college. He has great friends who have also been there a long time, he plays sports all school year, went to state in track. There is a strong parent involvement.I believe it is because every child has unique challenges and parents do all they can to be extra supportive which helps their childs'self esteem greatly.Daniel would not be reading and succeeding through high school if not for Briarwood.I can't imagine where he would be today.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended the school for three years. The school was not challenging.
—Submitted by a former student

The Briarwood School builds self-esteem and confidence in students with learning differences. Six years at Briarwood has prepared our son for a 4-year public university. He has progressed from remedial classes in a public middle school to academic honors with A's in Physics and Pre-Calculus!
—Submitted by a parent

Best thing that ever happen to our family. ADHD son went from being two years behind to grade level honor student. They teach 'how' to learn. Our son loves the school and is now motivated to achieve more. The sports activites are better than public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

The classes are all the same level. All of the students think it is easy, yet the middle school coordinator does not care. You never get the electives you want. There are no foreign languages. As well as English, we have Language, where we do kindergarten level activities. We are in 8th grade. The only extracurricular activities are sports. This school was good for elementary but the middle-upper is horrible.
—Submitted by a student