Brennen Elementary School

4438 Devereaux Road

School District

Richland 01
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Richland 01 School District

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 other on June 01, 2023

I attended Brennen Elementary School as a child from 1995-2000 and it was just amazing as it was then as it is now. Brennen has always been unique in their own way and even as a kid I remember being excited to see what was next on the agenda each day I arrived. My daughter now attends Brennen and absolutely loves it. Even if I offer her a day for a mental break (which I feel everyone needs every once in a while) she'd gladly accept going to school and learning while being surrounded by what I consider a refreshingly diverse environment with teachers and students that she enjoys being around. Mark Shea is an amazing principal and keeps all parents updated on school events via email each week and different fundraisers including family nights. My daughter is currently enrolled in 3rd Grade AAP ELA & Math and has soared over these last two semesters and prepared for 4th grade thanks to her teachers, staff, and myself. I wouldn't want her to be anywhere else and look forward to my son starting K4 in the fall.
Submitted by other on January 28, 2023

I'm not speaking from a teaching or instruction aspect, I am speaking of adminstration in order to give constructive feedback. Please be sure to interact with potential hires in a respectful and professional manner. Sometimes, first and second impressions are the only ones we get before we decide whether to go through with the decision to accept the job offer, or not. Don't take it personally when someone declines the position. Teaching canadidates have to do what's best for them, not what is best for you and your school. I think it's important to call the candidate on the phone, or send them an email to confirm whether or not they still want the job before offering it to them without verifying first. I understand it's challenging to fill positions, but candidates arent obligated to take the job just because they were invited to interview.
Submitted by other on January 12, 2023

Administration shows a severe lack of communication skills, and they show favoritism towards staff.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2019

Brennen excels in every category and testing scores reflect that. The administration and teaching staff are second to none. The PTO is very active and supportive (financially and otherwise). There is a reason everyone is trying to move into the Brennen attendance zone. Ask around.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2019

This school could thrive with competent leadership and accountability.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2019

I love this school. It has a great staff ....
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2018

Excellent school that is helping our daughters thrive.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2018

So far, it’s been the worst school experience we have ever had. I’m thinking of pulling my child out and home schooling her for the remainder of the year until I find a better solution for next year.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

To the person who wrote the negative review concerning "some of the second and third grade teachers", I think you should not generalize. To my knowledge, there was one teacher on each grade level who may have been considered below par by some, but the rest are top-notch. By the way, those questionable teachers are now gone, so both grade levels are even stronger than before with the most competent teachers.
Submitted by other on April 10, 2013

i am a former student, but I moved to VA after 5th grade. I can say that the bad reviews can't be true. I was only there for 2 years, but those two years were the BEST. I LOVED it. Not saying VA isn't good either, but Brennen shaped me. I read GONE WITH THE WIND there. I was in ALL AAP. I was going to go to Crayton, to MEGSSS. Still, GO THERE. You will NOT regret it.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2013

As a parent of two students at Brennen for the past 6 years, I could not be more pleased. I have one typical child and a child with Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning autism) with an IQ in the "very superior" range. Both are in the Advanced Academic Program. They are so happy and love their school! The support from the teachers and administration to help each child reach his or her potential is unparalleled. It truly is a team effort. The academics and learning are at the top. But we all know that there is so much more to school than that. Besides the academics, the arts programs are top notch (the drama dept will blow you away) and every day you see volunteers, parents, mentors all giving their time and talents to this wonderfully diverse student body. My kids have learned lifeskills, had dozens of hands-on field trips and learning experiences, acted in plays, made sculptures, been colonial patriots, danced, written newspapers...I could go on and on. I cannot imagine being anywhere else! Thank you Brennen Elementary!
Submitted by teacher on January 15, 2013

With new administration, staff, and teachers, the success of BES keeps getting better! There's a strong social and academic focus on all students, meeting the diverse needs of the school community. The Brennen community is professional, well knowledged and caring. Parent involvement is phenomenal. Parents assist in tutoring, volunteering in the office and supporting teachers through a variety of measures. Parents are welcomed as a part of the school day and can often be found giving tours, mentoring students, and sharing their expertise. If you're looking for a school that focuses on student learning, creating thinkers and not just doers, one that sees parents as partners, and a principal who is aiming for the success of EVERY child that walks through the door, BRENNEN is the place for you and your family.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2012

This is a wonderful school, but like most public schools, bad teachers do exist here and have for some time. Talk to other parents, The good news (or bade news if you really think about it) is that these bad teachers are well known and have been around for years, so are easy to find out about. It saddens me that I have to rate this school lower, because of a few bad apples, but they persist thanks to system that rewards bad teachers with tenure and does not want hold bad teacher accountable, nor reward good ones. Be particularly carful with some of the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers.