Bear Branch Elementary School

BBE focuses a lot on standardized tests and following the rules. Very little emphasis on actual applied learning happens here. This is just one of many example - I went to an open house to see my child's work, meet the teacher, etc. I was shown a math worksheet on "stems and leaves." I asked the teacher to explain it, and she did. I asked her, because it didn't seem at all useful, how would one use it in real life? She said, "I don't know, they just told me to teach it." My child came to the teacher asking if there was anyone else by the bathrooms? He said that he heard a man's voice and was scared. What did the teacher do? She argued that there was no one there, but NEVER sent someone to make sure no person was in the school!I've caught the administration telling lies, and caught the teachers violating state policies. They tried to make up excuses, until they found out I was a teacher. As a teacher I am very disappointed in this school. A lot of rules, a lot of testing, very little learning, and even less caring.

BBE is an awesome learning environment for my son. I also like that the school encourages parents to participate throughout the year.

We have been at BBE for 4 years now, my son is about to move into middle school. The teachers have been great, we had one cranky teacher but she has since left the school. Most of my complaints have to do with low funds (lack of field trips, music, computer and art programs are not full year, small and not enough classrooms). There are 28 kids in my childs classroom, it's way too crowded. Two formal parent/teacher meetings a year, in my opinion, are not enough. There are always things a school could work on to improve and I do think BBE is trying. The PTA has a lot of ways to get parents involved in the school. One big way I feel that the school needs to improve is the principal and school counselor. When I tried to reach out to them, neither of them were willing to speak to me unless my child was a trouble maker or had serious learning problems.

My child has been at BB for 3 years and starting his 4th. We've had awesome and concerned teachers. I've had interaction with several teachers and love them all. Most of the critical reviews are old and we don't actually know what the child was like. I have a friend whose child is high strung and won't listen to authority. Does that make the school bad? No. It means you want to school to cater to your child.