Brooks Elementary

This school was wonderful for both of my children who are different in their social and academic needs. I strongly disagree with the rating of this school as I would say it was a 9/10. My only complaint was the pace of learning for my son as there were a lot of days when half the class was held back to try and catch up the kids who had transferred in or were a part of the large number of refugees the school took in. Despite this, still a great experience.

Brooks claims to have a unique program that places students at the center of it all--they're "architects of their own learning," allegedly. However, this is still a public school, and it is still a public school run by the Common Core. Administration and teachers seem have their hands tied when it comes to any kind of individualization for students and everyone receives the same cookie-cutter instruction apart from special education, which is mandated by the state. Non-mandated services are not worried with and gifted students or otherwise exceptional students are basically left alone. Like I said, their hands are tied but mine are not. We left for a private school that appreciates children more wholeheartedly.

Good experience so far. My children love it.

If you have an exceptionally bright child, this school is sadly not for them. If your child struggles with learning or falls slightly above, at or below average, they will do well. As with any public school, the challenges of cut funding, common core implementation and a need to do more with less is obvious. There is a ton of support from the families and this offsets some of the struggles. Brooks has a great community with passionate teachers. However, I have not witnessed a genuine example of teaching to each students' own ability - a lot is done to make sure all who struggle get up to speed, which is fantastic; it just leaves a smaller group to float through without adequate challenges. New teachers, common core implementation, testing, testing, testing are not Brooks fault, but their motto that, "students are the architects of their own learning" is not something I've witnessed in the 6 years I've had children there. Again, the community is great, there are more excellent teachers than not, the grass may not be greener on the other side, but for those students needing more - because they are above average - the school (and the AIG program) lacks.