Brent parents: Give me the lowdown on the school
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Anonymous
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What did you like about it?
What didn't you like? Is there an easy community? How do they approach bullying? Any other feedback? |
Anonymous
Seriously? What, did you get offered an OOB spot - like a ride on a Unicorn? And you don't know a single parent to ask in-person? So much better to ask an anonymous board? Wtf have things come to? |
Anonymous
How 'bout this crazy idea, how 'bout you visit the school and or make eye contact with actual human beings?? How 'bout that? |
Anonymous
| Woah - I'm not quite sure why this is an offensive question. |
Anonymous
It's trollish. You're inviting people to either rave or bash. What's the point? Search the archives, or better, why don't you go see for yourself, an anonymous board is better than that? |
Anonymous
What we like: great teachers, responsive administration, nice children, involved parents, good playground, big PTA budget for specials and extras so the school is well-equipped, neighborhood school making play dates and birthday parties convenient What we don't: small 5th grade and no middle school option, lack of SES diversity The community is friendly. I don't know about bullying. I haven't heard of any and my son hasn't ever mentioned any, but I don't really know. It's a great school as far as my son and his friends are concerned. It's a lot better than my suburban elementary school was 35 years ago, and it was good too. We feel lucky to have a great public option like Brent. |
Anonymous
There you go OP - info you could not possibly have gleaned elsewhere. Congrats. |
Anonymous
| OP here. Geez, I had no idea so many angry people were on here. We are thinking of buying a home in Brent boundary and I just wanted some feedback. Had no idea it would offend do much! |
Anonymous
| Thank you, 21:09. |
Anonymous
Welcome to DC! |
Anonymous
Excuse me, but this is the type of question usually asked on this board. This is one way of getting such info. Asking in person is another. Both are Ok and not necessarily trollish. |
Anonymous
Teachers are excellent, particularly those in the ECE Reggio-inspired program, and quite a few live in the neighborhood and have their own children at the school. If you are serious about purchasing IB there are many options for speaking directly with parents and staff. Try local venues like Garfield Park, Marion (Turtle) Park, or even the school playground. It is a pretty closely knit community. Bear in mind, many IB families without siblings already attending do not obtain lottery seats for PS or PK. Other random thoughts: Class sizes are generally 20 or fewer. Supervised care (funded by PTA) and free breakfast is available between 8:00-8:30 AM and Springboard provides after school care with a number of electives from 3:30-6:30. A former teacher runs an afternoon soccer program and there is a Girls on the Run program for Grades 3-5. Performing arts program is well-rounded and robust and includes drama club, school play. Science teacher is top notch and leads annual bird count in conjunction with National Park Service and Fish & Wildlide Service. The school itself is at capacity and needs modernization. After school events like Back to School Night, Math Night, concerts and museum night are well-attended (crowded) and a bit chaotic. |
Anonymous
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What we really don't like-Arrogance at brent is real. The administration and aftercare program seem a bit chaotic and overwhelmed. But I would agree, ask around, people in the community are always happy to talk about their experience.
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Anonymous
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My daughter (in her 3d year - just started kindergarten) is very happy there. I've started to appreciate more and more the continuity of the community - many familiar faces in her classroom this year. Very nice that it is a relatively small school - I like the fact that there are only 2-3 classrooms of kids per year (as opposed to some of the highly regarded NW elementary schools that are massive). Her K teacher really seems to have hit the ground running with the kids - they have been "writing" in their journals every day and practicing reading. Yesterday my kid came home and proudly informed me "I read half of a book!"
Great school, and living in the neighborhood is great too. |
Anonymous
Who lives in the neighborhood? We go there and all of my child's friends live out of bounds. |