Big Ridge Elementary School

5210 Cassandra Smith RD

School District

Hamilton County
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Hamilton County 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 student on September 14, 2024

Big ridge elementary is probably the best school I’ve ever been to. You learn but also have fun. Especially if ur in Ms.Fulmer’s and Ms.Ciprani’s class. The teachers make parents feel welcome and excited. I haven’t heard or seen any bullying in this school so that’s good news.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2017

I have had 3 kids go to this school over a 13 year period and it has been consistently good, with at least 4 principal changes, kudos to the teachers, enhancement teachers, advance studies, cafeteria, facilities, parent volunteers, and PTA/PTO.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2017

We are entering our 3rd year at Big Ridge and I have nothing but nice things to say about the school. I was raised in private schools and honestly this is so similar to the expirerence I had in a private school. The teachers all work one on one with developing tactics to suite the child's needs. My daughter had an IEP and the communication was amazing and due to the early intervention she is on par with the rest of the class now. Her teachers have been truly so caring meeting not only educational needs but also emotional needs. The overall feel of the staff is satisfaction and friendliness. Every event I have been to involving the entire class or school the kids as a whole are all so respectful and truly seem to have real connections with eachother and the school.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2016

We moved to the area just for Big Ridge! What a great choice! The teachers and staff are absolutely amazing!! PTA involvement is outstanding! I couldn't believe the amount of volunteers! We have volunteers for all teachers so they can focus more on the children. The PTA itself pays the salary for our Art teacher, which HCDE no longer does. I have been privileged to work with so many great moms and dads!! The principal this year, Angela Askins, has been amazing, although we are losing her and she will be missed!! I cannot say enough about the wonderful, caring teachers! They are all truly dedicated to the children and have great passion for their school!!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2016

Big Ridge is a wonderful public elementary school with outstanding parental involvement! Opportunities abound in this school with a multitude of teachers who truly care.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2015

I can't understand how anyone could have anything negative to say about BRE. Our kids are nearly complete with their time at this amazing school and are far ahead of their peers that attend various private schools in the area. Only once have we had an issue with our daughter's math comprehension a few years ago, and her teacher worked with us one-on-one to develop a plan to catch her up and eventually surpass her classmates in performance. All of our teachers over the years have been excellent communicators, and most utilize Class Dojo, an app that sends daily updates on your child's participation and behavior. People have been known to fake addresses or rent a second home to allow their kids admittance, and in many cases it's well worth that sacrifice. They offer extracurricular activities that no other area public schools offer (art, robotics, violin, science lab, etc), and they have a multitude of field trips, especially for the earlier grades. If you have a young child in Chattanooga you owe it to them to find a home in either the Big Ridge Elementary or Normal Park Elementary school zone. There are simply no other options that invest in and care more for your child and their education.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2014

k was great for my son. The teacher communicated with me and was ways available through email, phone, and notes. Sadly, that teacher has left... Unfortunately, this year, we have a teacher that does not communicate. She has written me passive aggressive notes home about reading ahead I have shown up to every parent teacher meeting and open house. When I asked what material he could study to improve his reading and math scores she refused to help. I purchase from every fundraiser and participate in the book sales, and yet I'm treated like garbage. The teacher has lied to the state and said she tried to communicate with me reguarding my son, and that she can't get ahold of anyone... She has 4 different numbers to reach me or family at and my email! Amazingly, class mothers have been able to reach me via email about class parties, and party invitations make it to my house. The front office staff are rude!! The nurse on duty is rude! I am so disappointed! I moved to this area specifically for this school and I'm having the worst experience. I really regret this decision.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2014

This has been the biggest mistake I have made with my child. We have been with Big Ridge for 3 yrs now and it seems to be getting worse each yr. The staff on the upper level are rude to the children, will not communicate with the parents, nor will you know what your child is learning. If you do not pay all the fees the school request up front, you child will "start missing book " as a way to get the fees from you. Please keep in mind the fees are not required, they are optional. My child has struggled for some time in reading and l have request for extra help has fallen on deaf ears. I have been told that some kids just fall in the "gray area" and there is nothing that can be done. If you are looking at the test scores, please don't be fooled. As the school does not follow State standards. The teacher read the material and answers to the students instead of letting the kids show what has been taught. If you are a family that has time for one parent to volunteer at the school your child will be fine. As for the single parent, your child will be discriminated against and will not be treated as an equal. Hoping this helps someone else not make the mistake I did.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

BRE is a great school. Unfortunately there are some teachers that are full of themselves, that it interferes with the teaching/learning process. I know that flaws are everywhere, but when you reach out to them and have conferences, nothing changes. The last parent teacher conference I attended, one of the teachers came in half way through the conference, was in defensive mode, her facial expression made it apparent that she had something more important to do. It was pretty ridiculous compared to the other teachers that were personable and inviting, had a sense of humor and could actually carry on a conversation. I had even reached out to her for advice, and when I got nothing, I scheduled the conference. From her demeanor the entire time, it made her extremely unhappy to have had to be apart of it. I can't wait until my child moves on to the next grade, just to get away from the 'teacher' that acts like she would rather be somewhere else!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

The education at Big Ridge is excellent. My child is very sensitive, so I have asked for help from the teachers, who have always gone beyond what was necessary to make it a positive experience for him. I addressed one issue with the Principal. During a meeting in her office, she was friendly and understanding. She took notes, asked thoughtful questions and addressed the problem. Numerous times she has spoken passionately about the programs for funding literacy & technology, robotics & strings programs, & school safety. She speaks passionately about the school programs if you attend the general PTA meetings and open houses. There are only 2 employees in the front office who are responsible for payroll, kids transportation, maintenance & personnel issues and more. When you walk in the office, you aren t greeted with big friendly smiles, but they have a huge workload. They are just trying to take care of you and your child s issue and get all their work done. Overall, I think my child is getting a great education. I have friends with kids in the private schools, and I know that Big Ridge does a better job than some of them, and I suspect as good a job as any of them.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

I have been at Big Ridge for four years and very happy with how the teachers and staff go above and beyond! My child is very emotional when it comes to certain things and his teachers have been very sensitive to his needs. Everytime I needed to call a meeting with the teacher or principal they wasted no time in meeting with me. His first and third grade teacher actually took the time to call me when he was having some difficulty. That is above and beyond in my book. Since our new principal has come to Big Ridge, she has made so many positive changes. The main change is the safety of our children! I have a child going into kindergarten this year and I can say that I have NO worries! The school welcomes and LOVES all of the volunteers and parent involvement! There are always negatives and positives to every school and teachers we like and don't like. We the parents are the only people that will stick up for our children so if you have a problem and feel like you aren't getting any help then you fight until you do!!!!! Don't complain FIGHT!!!!!
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

Last year we were very disappointed with Big Ridge school. Three out of the four teachers our child had last year were out of touch, unattainable, and just plain rude. We could never get a face to face conference with the teachers after multiple attempts. Mrs. Parker is oblivious and will just pacify everyone until it "goes away". Along with the rude front office staff, we would say Big Ridge has been a negative experience overall.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

Big Ridge Elementary has been an excellent choice for my children. The teachers are caring and the atmosphere is pleasant. Is every teacher the best in Hamilton County? No. Are all of the students perfectly behaved? No. It is a school! It is full of 5-12 year olds! The current principal, Mrs. Parker, has been very proactive in her involvement at this school and has met any concerns that I have personally had head on. The parent participation is excellent and enhanced by a very active PTA group. I hope that anyone considering this school for their child's elementary education chooses to take the plunge and give it a try. Remember that every school will have it's pros and cons and you will surely not be disappointed!
Submitted by teacher on May 28, 2013

At Big Ridge Elementary, we work hard to put children first. Any concern that is brought to our attention will be addressed. Sometimes folks don't always like the outcome and if that is the case here, we apologize. As you can see, we show a 9 out of 10 Great Schools Rating.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2013

There is a hostile environment at BRE from the front office to the classrooms, some of the teachers are high-strung , agitated and with negative animosity towards the children. these teachers need to be identified and removed. It is impossible to see the Principal to address concerns, and when you get a phone call "everything" has been decided. Presently Teachers play a "gotcha" game with the discipline on both parents & kids. I've offer to volunteer and organize programs to help students, I was ignored repeatedly for 7 yrs. I know there are good teachers in BRE, specially in the early grades, to them Thank you. The board of Education needs to look closer at BRE.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2012

Parent involvement makes this a good school. Atmosphere has changed and it seems different than when we first started there.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2011

I am a parent who spends a lot of time in the school. The last two reviews could not be farther from the truth about what actually happens. When a class is walking through the hallways, if the are talking it is absolutely disruptive to students who are in classes. At lunch they most certainly are allowed to talk, provided the decibel levels are appropriate. I apologize if this seems personal, it is not, I do not not know you. But, be assured that your children are being taught a vast range of descriptive words that are more than 4 letters. And, as recently as yesterday, every child in the school had a hilarious good time playing 'minute to win it" games with the principal and their teachers. The administration can not please everyone all the time - myself included - but I know that putting the best interest of the child first, is their priority.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

I love Big Ridge!! All 3 of my children and 2 of my brothers have attended this school. This school is great at making sure that the kids are prepared for middle school and beyond. There is good and bad everywhere that you go. All of my experiences with the teachers there have not been positive. However, part of the responsibility for that lies at my child's feet. Most of my experience there has been excellent. Part of this school's success is because of the parental involvement. 99% of the time, I have found the staff to be extremely welcoming. I have and have had great relationships with the majority of my children's teachers. This is because of my involvement in the school and building a strong relationship with the teachers there. My daughter is now a Senior in high school; she is constantly telling me how much she misses the school. Thanks to their dedication for academic excellence, she was more than prepared for middle school. This comes from a child that has ADHD and learning disabilities. I gladly stand by this school and am constantly raving about it. If I have my way, all of my nieces and nephews would attend there also.