Varnum Brook Elementary School

10 Hollis Street

School District

North Middlesex
Grade

K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for North Middlesex 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 parent on December 04, 2024

There seems to be a high social emotional need at this school. Students are exposed to a lot. Kids come home reporting teachers constantly chasing tantruming students around the building and putting hands on kids. Building is out of control.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2018

I had two daughters go through this elementary school. We've had a mixed experience here. A couple of the teachers are known for shouting at their students throughout the school day (this is did not happen to us, but I've heard it first hand from other mothers). Another teacher would tell me in person how well my daughter is doing, "but she's a bit talkative... it's ok, we'll figure it out." Two days later, she's sending me a note home saying how the talking is terrible, uncontrollable, etc. I'd offer to meet with the teacher in person - and then in person she'd recant her story... this happened SO MANY TIMES. Teachers are inconsistent in their grading from grade to grade or even teachers in the same grade. If your child is not 'special needs' then there isn't much help offered after 2nd grade. I had to push to get a tudor for one of my daughters - outside of school - in the 4th grade. The teacher felt that it was an issue with paying attention, not the comprehension of the math work. After we utilized a tudor, her math work was excellent.School is outdated to say the least.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2017

Exceptional school and staff! Wouldn't send my child anywhere else
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2017

I love VBES- I've had great experiences with both of my boys!
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2015

The staff here are friendly, caring, and supportive. I was a student here and I know how wonderful VBES was to me.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2014

I pulled my son Out of another school after a Terrible experience.. He was nervous and so was I but This School Has given him So much confidence He Is Doing So well Academically Way above Grade average! We couldn't ask for more
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2014

The team of incredible teachers at Varnum Brook are second to none. The positive impact they had on transforming our son's view of school is priceless. Compassion, kindness and respect for students at this school is consistent and genuine. I heard great things before arriving to this school and they were all accurate. A smile goes a long way when kids look up at the faces of teachers and they are abundant at Varnum Brook. Thank you for your service to our community!
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2012

This school failed our son... We choiced out our son to Varnum Brook from a nearby town based on the previous excellent MCAS scores attributed to this school system. Our son had great difficulty in this school and seemed to have been "lost in the system". We were very involved parents and met or communicated with the teachers daily/weekly, but his grades averaged in the C's with great difficulty and overall anxiety about his grades. It seemed like we were fighting the teachers and staff each week to get more attention to our sons "learning difficulties". We have since choiced in our son back to his original school system (page hilltop, ayer). He is now doing fantastic with an A average (some B's mixed in)... he is now extremely happy to go to school again and loves the teachers who seem far more invested in his learning and overall well being. What a difference leaving Varnum Brook behind has made in our son's overall success.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2010

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