Bright Beginnings School #1

400 North Andersen Boulevard

School District

Bright Beginnings School Inc.
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

School Map for Bright Beginnings School Inc.

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 22, 2023

My kids have been attending BBS since 2016 starting with their Pre-K program. Currently one is in fifth grade and the other third grade. We love the fact that it is a smaller school so the classroom sizes are smaller and they have classroom aides which is very helpful. They go to weekly specials, Spanish, Music, PE and Art which my daughter and son thoroughly enjoy. Throughout the school year they put on fun events including an art night to showcase the students artwork which is amazing! My kids have very different learning styles/abilities from each other so the fact that they are able to accommodate each one to be successful and thrive is amazing. My kids love going to school each day and connecting with the teachers, staff and principal there. They are all so friendly, understanding and kind. Overall it has been a very good experience and this is what brings us back each year.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2021

We have been here for two years, and we absolutely love it. My kids were struggling at another charter, and here they are thriving and growing. The accelerated curriculum challenges them, but the individual attention, small class sizes, and small group teaching helps them learn and reach their potential. Absolutely thrilled!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

I could write a novel about the many reasons why we love Bright Beginnings and why we chose to become a BBS family, but I’ll spare you the length and give you the Cliff Notes version. It boils down to this: Bright Beginnings is the best school in our area. They offer strong academics and thoughtful specials (such as Spanish, art and music) that focus on the whole child. This holistic approach to learning helps each child grow into their highest potential. Their low student-to-teacher ratio rivals that of private schools, and there’s also a full-time aide for each classroom. This offers more opportunity for individualized curriculum and support. The teachers, staff, administrators and PTA are committed to working together to create a safe and structured environment for the students. At BBS, every child is valued, heard and supported. My children are excited to attend school. Every morning, they’re greeted by BBS teachers—even the principal and owner—who welcome each child into the school. There’s a strong, tight sense of community; you can feel everyone rooting for each other to succeed. I don’t have much experience with other schools but something tells me this is a rare sight and feeling. I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else. Go take a tour and you’ll see what I mean. (Ps: don’t pay attention to the negative reviews as they are not a true reflection of the current owner and principal, who’ve done tremendous work to make BBS a truly special place.)
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2020

My child has had an incredible kindergarten year at BBS. His teacher and aid are true treasures. They are nurturing, creating a kind classroom as well as really knowing my child as a learner. They do assessments so he can grow from his starting point is. This was a very important point to mention as he came to kinder reading. Through their assessment, they send home books appropriate for your individual child. My child was so happy to get books at his level. In math, he was also relieved to be doing advanced work as he is a bit obsessed with numbers. Again, they assess and work closely with your children and due to their low student:teacher ratio they really can make sure your child will see growth and get the advancement or help needed to be successful. My child adores all the specials teachers and it is amazing that the schedule is such that many specials occur more than once a week. I love that they teach Spanish and it is one of my child’s favorite classes. I highly recommend this gem of school to anyone looking for a school that value building relationships with families and creating future little leaders.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2018

I am a dedicated parent to this school. Bright Beginnings focuses on the whole child. They have talented teachers that are dedicated to teaching Music, Spanish, PE, and Art. My children have flourished in these programs and I believe that experience has enhanced the overall educational goals and experience. There are parents that help in the school and aides in every class. I am so fortunate to be in a community where others also want my children to succeed.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2018

Bright Beginnings School is a wonderful place for children to start their education. Our child LOVES going to school, always a smile and his teachers love him. I cannot say enough great things about the administration, support staff, the new owner and our principal. Everyone, and I mean everyone is a joy and take time to get to know each parent and child. The school had been through some rough patches, but I have faith that with our new principal and the wonderful teachers, the school is at it's best and getting better. We recommend this school to anyone that has a child from pre-k through 6th grade.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2018

BBS is a wonderful place for kids! The teachers and staff are not only talented in their teaching skills, they wonderfully caring and make each child feel special. We have been impressed over our time here at the accelerated curriculum that has interested and encouraged our children's love of learning. Every single teacher we have had over the last 4 years has been excellent! While it is true that the school had gone through some rough patches with new ownership and principal, our new principal, Mrs. Jackman is wonderful! She has the experience, knowledge and personality to lead BBS in excellence. She is a true leader that takes time to make connections with the students.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2018

WONDERFUL! Bright Beginnings truly lives up to its name of making sure children have a great start to their education. They balance challenging kids academically with creating a nurturing, safe environment and a wonderful, inclusive community.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2018

We thought this school was our dream school, we were SO wrong. The school is governed by their school board(3 teachers and a front office assistant) and their principal (to which they have not had one for months) our daughter was relentlessly bullied this school year. Our daughter is 7. The meetings with "school board" were a joke. We were scoffed at and eyes rolled. We were told by Mrs. Peggy French that our daughter would just be bullied at the next school as well. Their zero tolerance policy is nonexistent. They have failed our family and our child.Their awards are all biased as they push and push you to vote for them as best charter school. Please do NOT send your child here. The school just wants your money. We are so so happy to be changing schools and removing ourselves from this nightmare of a school and staff.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2018

I can't say enough good things about this school. When BBS was struggling I considered pulling my child out but we saw it through and I couldn't be happier about it. This is an incredible school with a small town feel. Kids get a top notch education in the class room and the specials classes can't be beat. They teach to the WHOLE child which is so important when they are little. I am extremely grateful for this school and look forward to watching it continue to flourish. It won't be long before this is the school everyone is crossing their fingers that they can get their child into. Great job, BBS! Keep up the good work!
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2017

I had both of my students attend this school. I have had my kids in the Chandler District and the Gilbert District. This school is amazing and truly what charter schools were created for - individualized learning to bring each child to its potential. When my children returned to the public schools they came in at an extremely high level. I believe this school is what set the ground work for their success in junior and senior high and college.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2017

We had an awful experience with this school.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2017

I would like to counter balance a few of the negative reviews that were written recently. Yes, Bright Beginnings had a difficult 2016-2017 school year. We started with a new owner and new principal that were stepping into a difficult situation. There was some turnover and honestly, it was a rough year. But....this school year has started out wonderfully. The positive energy and enthusiasm to be here is so refreshing. The experienced teachers that are here, and there are plenty, are truly 100% committed to returning Bright Beginnings to its previous status. The new teachers are passionate, experienced, and dedicated. There have been some changes on how the administration in the front office works to address the concerns that happened last year. Bright Beginnings is still the best choice for my children and I encourage you to check it out and take a tour for yourself. We offer top notch challenging STEAM curriculum while still addressing the needs of the whole child with amazing specials, small class sizes, and aides in the classrooms.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2017

As a parent I continue to see this school on a downward spiral. Not due to great teachers because 90% of the teachers we have experienced have been stellar. Lately any teacher that leaves is replaced with a sub-par teacher. I am turned off by the office and daughter of new owner who has no educational background. Ethics at this school administration level are below average and its sad. It affects students and teachers. The school was run better when old owner was in place. We are not returning next year and I know many families will not be returning as well. We will miss the teachers (who some great ones are leaving) and families. We will not miss the poor performance of the administration. I do not recommend sending your children here!
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2017

My children have been at BBS for 4 years in the preschool and elementary program. They have thrived due to the amazing teachers, the small class sizes, aides in every classroom, and involved parents. The curriculum is advanced academically but developmentally appropriate. They do a great job of differentiating and challenging the students as well as building their confidence and character. The specials (music, art, tech, Spanish, and wellness) are incredible. My children love going to school and love learning.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2017

My children have been at Bright Beginnings School for the past four years and we have had an amazing experience. The Pre-Kindergarten program is excellent, and my children were taught at a Kindergarten level but catered to as preschoolers. They were incredibly ready to advance to Kindergarten. The school's new ownership are committed to ensuring the school's ongoing success, and the new principal is attentive, caring and a welcome presence in our school. The teachers are all excellent. Additionally, there is a strong community of parents, teachers and administration working together to make sure students succeed. I highly recommend BBS!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2016

I would avoid Bright Beginnings School at all costs...They take on more pre-kindergarten students than they can handle, thus their solution is to fail half the class before arrival to kindergarten. Their tactic is to first tell you your child is accepted, but when they find out they cannot handle the students, 5 months later they change their mind (all while not returning you your deposit). As most people know, schools in Arizona cannot hold students back until after 3rd grade. Karen Edris (the principal) will go out of your way to make you feel your kid is too stupid to be in kindergarten without any objective evidence based testing. When you complain to their board, she will completely change her story. DO NOT send your child to this school.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2016

Mrs. Crowe from the Pre-K class is the best! My two boys learned a lot from her and had fun in the past years. But the school administration and teacher team seems not very stable; the turn over ratio is pretty high. Now they even have a new owner and new principal...
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2016

My son is in Pre-K at BBS this year and has had an amazing experience. He is exposed to so many things, from amazing science experiments and songs, to chocolate playdough and baby chicks. His teachers work so hard to make lessons come to life and it is noticed. We are very lucky to have him here and can't wait to see what's next.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2015

The student - teacher ratio in this school is wonderful, I could not have asked for a better learning environment. The teachers are knowledgeable, caring and my child LOVES to go to school because of them :)