Brimmer & May School

69 MIDDLESEX RD

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 06, 2025

The school is not equipped for sensitivity to children, teachers can be harsh although some are very talented. Administration is focused on quieting complaints and raising money. You are an outlier if person of color or without means. We had serious ethical difficulties around personal safety with a faculty member and no recourse. Soul crushing.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2024

Love this school. My child went through the lower and middle school here. It is expensive but they support a lot of families with financial aid. There is an effort to cultivate a community of different experiences and backgrounds with similar values, especially in the lower school. On the whole, kids are kind but the experience can vary greatly depending on the class cohort. There is a lot of work, and quantity of work does not necessarily equate to rigor. That said, the community is unparalleled and in an age of dwindling social connectivity (and the consequences of this), I really appreciated the tremendous efforts by the school to build, maintain and cohere their community. I found the staff and administration very responsive and engaged. The arts and drama are superb. Sports in the upper school, while varied, seems to be focused on basketball. Within the school community I found the families, by and large, to be successful and accomplished, yet down to earth and unpretentious.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2022

The classroom environment is very laid back and friendly, the teachers are kind and understanding and there are many resources to help students who need help academically. The teaching style is very flexible and able to fit the diverse learning styles of students at Brimmer & May. There are a few teachers that many students dislike, but even they want the best for their students even if people disagree with the assignments or overall teaching style.
Submitted by other on October 21, 2020

Literally the worst. All Brimmer cares about is money
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2020

I would sadly have to say traumatizing
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2017

This is a happy, educational place where you really feel part of a supportive community!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2017

Brimmer is an excellent school -- my daughter has attended since 7th grade and she is now in 11th. The Middle School was amazing in its global focus and project based learning. The Upper School has been even better. She is in the Global Studies Diploma program and has been able to concentrate in political science. Brimmer provides lots of opportunities for students to go to outside lectures and events at local colleges as part of this program. Many of her friends are in the STEAM Diploma program or the Creative Arts Diploma Program. Brimmer provides an excellent liberal arts curriculum and the diploma programs allow the students who want to to concentrate in an area that interests them. The teachers here are wonderful and really understand each of the students. The leadership opportunities are abundant because of the small class size and each student is encouraged to achieve his or her own personal best -- not to compete with their classmates. There is nowhere else I know where the student that is headed for Brown is no more prized than the student headed for St. Lawrence. Nowhere else are students friends with such a wide range of peers with many interests and not classified as athletes or artists or geeks. The worst part will be trying to duplicate this in any way for college!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

A lot of money for mediocre education. If you live in a descent school district AVOID! Nothing special is happening here.From what I can tell, this school accepts any child whose parents can pay the tuition. Most of the students are from Boston, looking for a better option than what is available in Boston, or else they couldn't hack it in the competitive schools in Brookline and Newton, so Mommy and Daddy are paying for their Diploma. Keep looking.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015

This is a gem of a school that has a little bit of everything, packaged in an intimate, friendly atmosphere. The students are happy and respectful of each other, and learning is made enjoyable. Academics, theatre and sports are all integrated in a way that allows maximum student partipation.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2014

Brimmer and May is a great school brimming (pardon the pun) with lots of intangibles -- individualized attention, excellent teachers, a respectful community that teaches integrity and develops great world citizens. A student can explore a a myriad of possibilities here, and will find support for whatever he or she chooses. They also do co-education in a very healthy and sweet way - great on psychological maturation as well.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2014

Brimmer is wonderful, happy place. To be frank - the adolescent world is like the wild west these days - kids compete in the conventional spaces of intellect, arts, and athletics; but also in the social media space. It seems there are few places left to explore, be true to yourself, and take chances. Brimmer remains such a place - in each small class you'll see jockey kids that go on to play at top tier colleges, artsy kids racking up Globe show awards, plays and musicals that involve every type of kid. Doing one's best, in whatever it may be, is alway celebrated. Writing is a major part of the curriculum; and a drop in writing center supports this effort. Dig deep, think critically and participate are concepts learned early. Brimmer and May is a place to become your authentic self.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2014

Our child has been a student at Brimmer and May since kindergarten and the school continues to exceed our expectations. The focus on independent learning enables our child to excel academically. There is a strong sense of community among faculty, administration and families. The continuity of education from PreK to Grade 12 creates unique insights and opportunities both on an academic and personal level for students.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

Do you want your child to go to a school they love? Then Brimmer and May is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2013

If you are considering sending your child to Brimmer and May you might want to send them so place else. My child has been here for six years and yes has made many great friends,but sadly thats all. The academics are HORRID and would be better off sending them to Public School. When people say Brimmer and May they think "wow" But trust me it's no longer that way. I mean Look at their college acceptance rate. ITS A JOKE!!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2013

As a parent who has had experience of great schools in the UK, both private and public, as well as a top international school in Asia, Brimmer and May not only compared well but outshone them in many aspects. My children have attended Brimmer for three years and felt welcomed from day one. Our first good gut feelings about the school turned out to be well foundered. As we have got to know the school and understand the broad ranging opportunities offered here in more depth, we have only become more pleased with our decision to choose Brimmer. Outstanding strong points in my opinion are the high level of critical thinking and global awareness fostered in children. Tools which will serve students well. Exceptional faculty who bring their subjects alive and are always prepared to go the extra mile. A philosophy of life long learning is encouraged and modeled by the faculty. Accessible and approachable faculty. Head who has a clear understanding of the schools history and a great vision for it's future. Small class sizes allow for teachers to develop a child's strengths as well as identify and address any problem areas. Do yourself a favor, visit Brimmer and May & judge for yourself.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2012

I am a product of public schools all the way through graduate school. I have always been a huge supporter of public schools. But I have to say I am so happy to have my children switched to Brimmer and May. Small and interesting classes, caring teachers that promote independence and collaboration, school heads who aim to inspire and nurture, parents who care about the whole child, theirs as well as others... It's a great diverse community with strong focus on active learning. My children are thriving and I could not be happier.