Nashoba Brooks School

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on September 24, 2024
  Who wouldn't like to bring their children to a school, where learning can be joyful, and challenging? Each student is known by their teacher and given the time to blossom in character building, leadership, integrity, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community. If your child is a special learner, a team of specialists will follow your child. Middle school students (Gr 4-Gr 8) give the girls to be in a space where their confidence grows through explorative learning, asking difficult questions, and having a supportive learning environment. My own family has been blessed to be part of this remarkable school for the past 13 years, as three of our children have laid their educational foundations at Nashoba Brooks School. Here, they not only discovered the joy of learning but also cultivated kindness and empathy for each other. I can vividly recall my daughter, who graduated in 2022—, started at Nashoba as a very shy pre-schooler. She surprised us as she later took on a lead role in a school play. By the time she graduated, she had taken on several leadership opportunities at the school and was well-prepared for high school.
• Submitted by other on August 02, 2023
  Working at Nashoba was for the most part a wonderful expierence. I worked there for over 5 years. In that time I made some friends that I now consider family. The families and the teachers that work there and attend are lovely, and will always have wonderful memories. However, I will give Nashoba a one star for their very flawed higher administration. The administration is full of nepotism, and if you are connected through that, you are all set. However, if you are not, in a moments notice, you can be dehumanized and gaslit. Nashoba needs an administration change and with that, they will fulfill their school motto.
• Submitted by parent on January 31, 2022
  I currently have two daughters who have been at Nashoba Brooks School for 9 years and a son who graduated 7 years ago. My experience is that the teachers take the time to know the children and their learning needs. For example, when my son joined NBS in 1st grade, he found reading was one that found reading frustrating. He was partnered with a reading specialist who worked with him and got to know him well. By the time, he graduated from NBS he was able to read very well and independently and it was hard for him to put down a book. One of my daughters was very shy and would not say a word in class when she joined pre-school at NBS. It is been amazing to see her blossom into this confident student who can discuss issues confidently with her peers and adults. The class sizes are quite small, with a passionate, innovative, and skilled team of teachers and administrators who ensure that every student is seen heard and meets their varying learning styles. NBS has challenged my daughters to be their true selves, confident and young responsible citizens, and have fun while at school. The school also ensures that they live by their Core Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Empathy, and Resilience. The students exhibit these core values through their classwork, in the arts, science, sports (PE) as well as through different community service programs. In terms of diversity, the school has 27% of students that identify as students of color. In terms of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), DEI is woven in the school’s approach to teaching, several curricula, grievance resolution, and has implemented several community engagement discussions through for example the 28-day antiracism challenge, monthly calendars to enhance community discussion during Women’s History month, AAPI Heritage month, Hispanic Awareness month, etc. There is no tolerance for bullying and there is support available for kids that may be struggling emotionally, or otherwise. NBS interests its students in innovation very early on with Kindergarten kids having coding classes. There is so much to say about this school but I cannot be comprehensive in telling you the story or show you what goes on in the school classes. I hope you consider visiting the school; you will not be disappointed and your child might not want to leave.
• Submitted by parent on January 27, 2022
  We have been here for a few years and we have loved every minute. We felt so beaten down by our experience in the public schools. The classes were big, the attention lacking, and a curriculum that excluded any real science or a foreign language. The teachers and the head of school make this a unique place. They really know each child and the academics are stellar, but more than that, kids are expected to be good people at this school. Even conflict is handled so well and I never hear of the out of control social issues that were happening in our public school. It has been a gift for the last few years to be able to have such blissful school years during Covid. I honestly can't speak highly enough about our experience.
• Submitted by other on January 26, 2022
  Nashoba Brooks gave me a fantastic education, great social skills, and the confidence to believe in myself and my goals. The teachers understand that students learn in different ways and they take the time to ensure that everyone is able to succeed in and out of the classroom — therefore, if anyone is not grasping or struggling with a concept, every teacher I had was automatically figuring out other ways to help the student understand. I can say with confidence that each teacher genuinely cares about every student’s success in the classroom, on the field, and after graduation. As an alum, I look back on my time at Nashoba with so much gratitude for the entire faculty, staff, and administration.
• Submitted by parent on November 29, 2021
  Nashoba Brooks School really has instilled a lifelong pursuit of learning within my children. Teachers spent the time required to get to know each of our children as individuals, to identify their needs and strengths, and to challenge them appropriately. The community is diverse, school spirit runs high, and the curriculum is exceptional. We appreciate all the teachers and happy to recommend NBS to anyone we meet. I highly recommend scheduling a tour of the campus to get a firsthand look of the school, faculty, staff and an engaged group of students.
• Submitted by parent on November 17, 2021
  As the parents of college aged NBS alums - one girl and one boy - we are grateful every day for the choice we made to send them to this gem of a school. We are appreciating the time and investment at NBS in a new way right now. During the past two years, which have been filled with challenges, disappointments and uncertainty for all students, both of our kids have forged ahead with their college studies and made the best of the opportunities they have had along the way. The foundation set at NBS equipped them to do this. Looking back after several years, we appreciate how important it was that NBS nurtured a love of learning that was authentic to each of them and their interests, taught them the tools for learning so that they have confidence they can engage with any topic they encounter (our STEM major daughter still takes notes in the format taught in 4th grade, color coding and all!), and invested so much time in the social-emotional learning that has become the foundation of their strong friendships, connection to community, resilience, courage and empathy. As another reviewer mentioned, the demographic data mentioned above on this site is not accurate. It seemed so far off we confirmed with the school - currently there are 27% students of color, 8% faculty and staff of color, 28% of students receiving financial aid, or approximately $1.4M awarded in financial aid every year. This is an innovative and inclusive school; the numbers on the site do not reflect the community, the mission or the strong leadership here. PS - I am the product of public schools and never planned to send our kids to private school. When we realized our daughter would do better with a smaller class for kindergarten to solidify her reading basics (10 in each kindergarten), we decided to visit the school. What they do here is truly special - not the image of a New England private school many have. Kids are active, joyful, getting muddy. There are no starched uniforms. We knew it was the right environment for her, for our son, and for our family. An adjustment for me, but so worth it. Zero regrets. Go visit!
• Submitted by other on November 13, 2021
  Not sure why it says demographics at NBS is 96% white because thats not accurate. This is a great little school! My daughters were given lots of personalized attention and opportunities to be leaders. They played sports everyday after school at NBS and participated in math competitions through math counts (only all girls group participating) and did a singing group before school and at school events. Unique and empowering school.
• Submitted by parent on November 08, 2021
  Nashoba Brooks School provided my daughter with all the tools to be a confident and poised person. She developed into a strong student athlete who learned how to balance her time and her interests along with a love for learning. We cannot speak highly enough about the lifelong love of learning and community service instilled in our daughter.
• Submitted by parent on November 07, 2021
  Our family has been so happy with Nashoba Brooks! Our daughter has been at Nashoba for five years, in the middle school that is all girls.It is such a caring, nurturing community, where classes are small and very experiential and innovative. The experienced teachers use state-of-the art curriculum and teaching techniques...and they really practice what they preach when it comes to encouraging life-long learning...for example, during the pandemic, the school has been quick to figure out how to teach from a distance and make it meaningful and effective for the students. At Nashoba, they really focus on community, character, and confidence for the students. Our daughter has been able to take advantage of not only academics, but performing arts (music, singing, instrumental, and musical theater) as well as studio art classes twice a week, and great health classes, and an athletics program. In the middle school, the teachers really "get girls", and we are so happy for our daughter that she has been with and amongst a group of teachers, families and students that want to support girls during this time that research shows will make them more likely to succeed both in school and college, in and out out school, and to become leaders in their professional lives and communities in the future.
• Submitted by other on August 20, 2021
  Nashoba Brooks is an excellent school. Not only are the grounds and physical facilities appealing, but the faculty and staff provide a safe and positive environment where students are encouraged to learn and ask questions. NBS provides a balance of academic learning and life skills.Professional development is encouraged in order to stay 'up to date.' Faculty and staff are fortunate to be given an opportunity to follow their interests.It is also important to note that accepting differences (learning styles, cultures, families, abilities) is central to the mission.
• Submitted by parent on July 27, 2021
  My family and I have a nearly 20-year relationship with Nashoba Brooks and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to anyone seeking a superior education/educational experience for their son or daughter. Our daughter's experience was exceptional. The school prepared her academically and emotionally for high school and beyond, and fostered a love of learning that she maintains today.The incredible dedication of the faculty, staff and administration is evident from the moment that you walk in the door. And whether your child is a budding mathemetician, poet, biologist, artist or star athlete. the team's commitment to working with each and every student to help them realize their potential and find their voice is unsurpassed (and I say that both as a former parent and as someone who has spent a considerable amount of time working with independent schools in Massachusetts). One just has to look at the strength of Nashoba Brooks graduates for first hand examples of the product of their years at NBS. In any given year, it is quite common to see Nashoba Brooks graduates as their high school class presidents, valedictorians, captains of sports teams and leaders in the performing and visual arts. This doesn't happen by accident. Rather, it is an outgrowth of the foundation that was a laid during the student's time at Nashoba Brooks.While I could go on and on, let me conclude by saying that I'm struck by, and quite disappointed, in some of the commentary that a small minority of reviewers have shared. I fully recognize that everyone's experiences are different and that everyone is entitled to their views, however, no one is entitled to create "facts" that simply are not true. For example, some of the assertions about the school's lack of focus on DE&I or on attrition are factually incorrect. But don't just take my word for it, visit the school, take a look around and ask to see the data. You won't be disappointed.As a parent I can unequivocally say that you owe it to yourself and your kids to take a good look at Nashoba Brooks School.
• Submitted by parent on July 15, 2021
  NBS is just fantastic. My kids are challenged but come home really excited about the things they're learning. My daughter learned about economics this year and told me about how the ship stuck in the Suez Canal was making it hard for things to get to stores for people to buy. The fact that they made these connections was incredible. The new facilities are great, and the access to nature on their campus really makes a difference in the things they learn. Example: My son (5) can literally identify birds by their song now, as he explains to me that they need to fly south for the winter because it's so cold here. The administration is beyond dedicated as well. Also, I love the all-girls option. Studies show that girls learn better in an all-girls environment. Why does no one talk about this in Concord? My suggestion is to take a chance, contact the school, and learn about what makes them unique.
• Submitted by parent on July 14, 2021
  I am a current parent who has had a son graduate and is now at The Fenn School. I also have a daughter who is entering 2nd Grade. We have had a wonderful experience, even during the pandemic, teachers and staff stepped up to allow students to engage with each other 5 days a week, and SAFELY. Ever since we toured this school many years ago, we called it like walking into a close friend's living room. Very comfortable, welcoming place that encourages each student to be themselves and grow a voice with confidence. As for my son, who is now at Fenn, he is thriving and was very well prepared for his 4th grade transition. Fenn and Nashoba Brooks have a great relationship which helps this process and transition. NBS also has two new facilities that you may not know about- A Discovery Barn used from anything to music, art to science and nature discovery. AND a new STEAM Lab, just ask the students how they are utilizing this new space. Amazing!There is a wonderful and very intelligent/engaged group of new families from all walks of life that are just at the beginning of their time in the NBS community and I am so excited to get to know them more.
• Submitted by parent on May 01, 2021
  This school talks a good talk about inclusivity. It has excellent promotional videos. But, it does not practice what it preaches.If you are considering this school, ask critical questions. Ask about the high attrition rates and who has left before graduation. Ask about the circumstances where students withdraw in the middle of the school year. Ask specifically about the race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status of the students, teachers and administrators who have left or resigned from the school in the last 5 years. Speak with families and staff who have transferred to other schools to get a full picture. Ask why the school does not have a dedicated position to work on diversity, equity and inclusion, like other schools in the area do. A school that is invested in equity and inclusion should be able to acknowledge and openly reflect on its mistakes and shortcomings, learn from them, be accountable, and make reparations. Our experience at this school was the opposite of this.
• Submitted by other on April 26, 2021
  Former student with family involvement in the school for 45 years (began at Brooks prior to merger). The family involvement ended in the past few years. The biggest negative change in the school correlates with the addition of Danielle Heard as head of the school. I use correlates, as I am unsure of what influence the board had on changes made. Aggressive fundraising helped the continued expansion of the facilities at the school. However the core of a school is its teachers and a supportive administration. The school had been like a family. There were many dedicated, well educated teachers with tremendous EXPERIENCE. They provided a solid foundation of support and guidance for newer teachers. Nearly all of these, some having put decades into teaching at the school, were purged in favor of younger teachers that could be started on a lower salary. This set in motion MAJOR turnover, which for the first tine in the school’s history was a concern in regards to its accreditation. “Work Hard, Play Fair, Be Kind” (By Gladys Brooks founder 1928) had described both the faculty in action and the character development/expected behavior the caring teachers guided. “Reach Out” has been added to this motto, perhaps there is more to that than just words and a bit of “show” put on by upper level admin. It no longer comes from the heart and it’s the base of the change of the student experience.
• Submitted by parent on December 12, 2020
  Had a very similar experience with the review above, bullying, offensive teachers etc specifically in the middle school. Unfortunately many years ago. Sad to see the same things going on, and would love to connect with those who have gone through similar struggles!
• Submitted by other on April 29, 2020
  I wouldn't recommend going here. Overall my experience wasn't good. I didn't get the work I needed to excel and learn. Also the types of people that go there are rude, self-centered, and snotty, rich kids. My family is so glad that I left this school when I did.
• Submitted by parent on June 16, 2019
  I am the parent of a current student and 2 graduates of the school. My children have had an overwhelmingly positive experience at the school. NBS has been transformational for their self-confidence and academic growth, has empowered them to advocate for themselves, and has provided a safe space for them to engage in academics, athletics and the arts. They have also had the opportunity to be involved in philanthropy activities, leadership roles, class trips and more. The small class sizes and the caring faculty and staff have facilitated their academic, social and emotional growth.
• Submitted by parent on June 12, 2019
  It has been a wonderful 5 years. I could not ask for a better place for my daughter to have spent her middle school years. She was able to avoid all of the nonsense that is created in a co-ed environment. She was able to focus on herself and becoming the best that she could be. She and her classmates were accepted into many prestigious secondary schools and their futures are brighter because of their time at Nashoba Brooks

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