Braddock Elementary School

Terrible school, non help what so ever for kids with disabilities. The staff is not caring and dismiss parents with sarcasm. The lack of efficiency and poor performance is a mayor problem. My child was severely wounded at play ground, the didn't update my information with my new phone number, that I promptly give to them, and they didn't even call any of my emergency contacts. On top of everything, they sent me a letter home, asking me to cooperate with the school. I have found myself frustrated as I have contacted the school several times, went there in person, sent letters, asking for their cooperation with no response what so ever. My child is disable and is showing miss behaviors that affect her life, and they don't want to help her at all. I have several paperwork with her diagnosis, and still "she's not eligible, even if she is struggling. I'm moving out of here in two months, and I CAN'T WAIT. If your planning to move here, DO NOT. This is my personal experience. Also, they're over populated, and the building is to small for that many children.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous reviewer about issues with IEPs and 504s. My child attended this school and we had a terrible experience with the teacher, the principal as well as the school counselor. My child was bullied at this school and still has nightmares about what happened on the playground at recess. The school is also very overcrowded and the school system projects that it will be even worse in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Honestly, I am questioning many of these reviews. I have had a horrible experience with this school. Many of the teachers here are pleasant but it's the administrative staff that I worry about. The principle does not seem engaged with the students and their academic success. My child tends to have trouble in school and much of it has to do with his struggle with impulse. The teacher has been kind enough to "allow" an evaluation to take place but I have had so much push-back from the staff. I understand that it costs the school a great deal of money when doing an IEP, but it's for the benefit of the child! I just want to ensure that my child is getting the specialized instruction he needs in order to be confident in school. The year prior, he came home comfortable with the idea that he is just "not smart".That shouldn't ever be the case. However, Braddock ES has stated that this is due to the fact that he gets too much attention? What? I want to give them the benefit of a doubt- but it's been a few years and I am starting to feel that if your child has any type of disorder, language barrier, or disability- you're in for a world of grief here.
—Submitted by a parent

Braddock Elementary is a wonderful school. It has dedicated teachers, staff, and parents. It is a friendly, warm, caring neighborhood school. Lots of children walk to school with their parents. Braddock Elementary has excellent "specials" teachers like Mr. W. and Mr. Jackson for PE, Ms. Newham for Music, and Ms. Ahner for Art. The librarian Ms. Foley is a great favorite of all. Ms. Botzin, the principal, knows all of the students and most of the parents. The PTA is very welcoming and always wants volunteers. We love Ms. Rauer for Kindergarten, Ms. Davis and Mrs. Wheat for 1st grade. Wonderful teachers who understand children, who are motivating and great eager learners.
—Submitted by a parent

Braddock is a great school,my son loves be there.He has been since 1 grade and now he is in 4 grade now.The school have great teachers,the librarian is a very special person with the students,my son likes to bring many books from the library,The science fair was a great experience for him this year too.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with great teachers and a wonderful principal. Someone noted from 2006 that there is no crossing guard for this school -- this is no longer true, as there is a Fairfax County police officer that directs traffic from Heritage Drive onto Yeatman for drop-off and pick-up. Braddock also has a wonderful School Age Child Care (SACC) program where the teachers work with the Braddock teachers for social development issues. Absolutely wonderful school! My only complaint is that there are not a lot of after-school programs at Braddock.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a rising Kindergartener, I can't say enough good things about the staff and teachers. Principal Botzin has been so welcoming and helpful. The teachers that I have met have taken lots of time to answer my questions. I had an incredible guided tour of the school thanks to Ms. Schrecengost -- she even brought me to an art class, a music class, and a PE class. The PTA has been very welcoming, too. As a working parent, I'm trying my best to get 'plugged in' to the school, and truly *everyone* has been supportive. I am quite happy with our choice to send our daughter to this school instead of private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school but getting to school is quite unsafe. There is a busy street (Heritage Drive) right near the school and no crossing guard there. Parents drive down the street to drop off their children and almost hit younger students who are trying to cross the street without a crossing guard.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are excellent and the community is really wonderful. It is a needy area with many English Language Learners.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school and neighboorhood. I have two children attending Braddock, one is a honor student and the other is an average student, and I feel they both get the same amount of attention and understanding from the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent