Brookside Elementary School

This school is great! My son has autsim and ADHD....the teacher he has had in the past two years has been totally AWESOME! He used to come home from school totally depressed when in a different school, now he comes home energized and happy. I will miss this school when he moves to middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

Brookside is a bit more traditional than some other schools, but they do a great job! I have never seen such a great group of teachers. Personally, I prefer the tried and true, traditional model of schooling. I love that Brookside uses spelling books from 1983, when spelling and grammar were still important and kids didn't rely on MS work for corrections. And that they use math worksheets to practice and memorize times tables, and that kids cant wear head phones, text, or wear hoods and hats in class. The PE teacher is also fantastic! And there are so many after school activities you literally have to pick and choose which your child can do - and most are free.
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed that that no one has noticed the negative aspects of this school. If you love outdated lessons and teaching styles, punitive discipline, an incredible over use of paper, worksheets and a sterile environment, then this school is for you. This school lacks emphasis on creative and experiental learning. There is little diversity in this school. There is great parent involvement as it is in an affluent neighborhood, with many (moms) that are not working during the day. As far as public schools go, it is fine, but certainly not the haven that many parents seem to think it is.
--Submitted by a parent

Great community of kids, parents, teachers and staff working together to provide a strong learning environment! Supplemental art and environmental education, too, plus a variety of afterschool programs onsite.
--Submitted by a parent

What isn't fabulous about Brookside?!?! The teachers are PASSIONATE about teaching - Mrs. Travis in particular, the All-Day Kindergarten teacher is fabulous! We all love her! On the first day of school, she sends home a care package for the mom's which contains a teabag, piece of Dove chocolate, a poem, a kleenex and a cotton ball to hold in your hand while reading the poem, which represents the gentle spirit of your child! Then, the kids also get a care package with a poem, and items that tie into the poem (i.e. smarty candy, a hershey's hug/kiss). Mrs. Travis phones your home that night to check in and see what each child's experience was on the first day of school. Our twins love Kindergarten and Mrs. Travis and are up, ready for school at 7:30 each morning, dressed and all, ready to catch the bus because they love going to Brookside SO much! We chose to live in Lake Forest Park because of the reputation of this school district and my husband and his family all went to Brookside which has an excellent reputation! I can't even imagine being in a better school than Brookside - it is TOP NOTCH!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic little school. Terrific teachers, great community feeling, great parents, and wonderful kids. Academics are top notch, and I love how 6th grade students change classes, and go to camp. Ms. Paden and Ms. McGilvray are just fantastic teachers! Strong leadership in the principal, great office staff. Very organized and efficient. Feels very safe and comfy. I give this school at 10 out of 10!
--Submitted by a parent

Level of parent involvement is incredible. Academic programs are exceptional. No sports but music, art and reading/writing workshops.
--Submitted by a parent