Brookside Elementary School

1560 Lakeview Avenue

School District

Dracut
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

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 May 01, 2023

They always yell at the kids I do not recommend this school
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2021

Since starting here, my child has been bullied, & shown no compassion or understanding due to her anxiety disorder. She was laughed at by the counselor & asked if she was done yet! Smh Anyone who is educated knows especially a child who has anxiety this onset just happens something may trigger it & you may lose control untill you find that moment that grounds you. I am also Outraged that my child was told by the nurse that calling her MoM was not an option! My child should always know that calling MoM is always an option especially when shes battling with Mental health issues. It's already scary enough to go thru she shouldn't feel scared, lost, or not supported during this time. I'm very discouraged at the lack of knowledge these educators have to support & guide a student thru emotional distress. Many children & adults deal with anxiety issues on a daily basis especially heightened during these times. I expect the School System to support & educate my child to the best of there ability. Discouraged MoM
Submitted by other on August 30, 2015

So far it has been great for my grandson since he has been going there his grades are great
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2015

This school has been great. In general the district may be underfunded but the teachers have still gone above and beyond for my son to see that he is learning and understanding the material.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2014

School Department is severely underfunded by the town. All students are required to bring in supplies for the classroom because otherwise the teacher would be required to spend a lot of money because they are not supplied with any budget for supplies. There is no WiFi in the schools and the students are using 1 computer per classroom which is at least 20 years old. Most do not work at all. The teachers and students work hard with what little support they have from the town. If you value education funding as a huge issue do not send your kids to this school system.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2011

I was a parent at Brookside for 3 years. We have moved from Dracut this year and left with mixed feelings. Our expericence with he staff at Brookside was mostly positive. The principal, Mr. Galello was avalible and open to discussion. He was fair but not a push over. One teacher we had was wonderful. one seemed ready to retire. There are some PARENTS with a chip on their shoulder that want to distroy the school. i am happy to not be around those that were LOUD, NEGITIVE and SELFISH. The PTO worked very hard.I wish the school had more support.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2011

I am so so happy to have discovered that our school's scores have soared in 2010. (click on test scores) What ever the principal and teachers are doing keep it up! My son is so happy here!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2011

Most teachers are really dedicated, great teachers. But the not so good teachers are not held accountable. Repeating First grade is considered acceptable and "normal" here. We needed a principal, but got a strutting peacock. No leadership whatsoever. This is his second year, and I am now hearing that his contract has been extended. Too bad for the kids. My straight-A child, who used to love school, cannot wait to get out of this school. Already broken by the school system by 4th grade. How sad is that? P.S. Dracut Special Ed is one of the worst in the state. They would rather pay huge legal fees than provide the services the kids need. The SPED teachers are great, but there is absolutely no help or support from the school administration and it is nearly impossible to get services. Don't move to Dracut if you need SPED services.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2010

Severely underfunded. Tiny building bursting at seams w/640 students and a tiny cafeteria that can barely manage multiple, short lunch shifts. SPED was HORRENDOUS under its last director who, along w/other cronies, recently migrated to Peabody -- POOR PEABODY! Bullying is a HUGE PROBLEM, as is staff quality (for the most part). Too much focus on MCAS scores -- not nearly enough (if any!) on character development and good citizenship. Dracut's children definitely deserve better and are getting it in 2 out of the other 3 Elementary Schools -- poor Parker Elementary's the only one worse off than Brookside. Principal is totally mailing it in and can't get along to save his life w/parents and staff, for the most part. Brookside is definitely worth a tour before even CONSIDERING enrolling your child(ren). 2 Principals so far since my children's enrollment and we're soon to be going on a 3rd! This school is definitely failing its students, parents and staff.