Brittan Acres Elementary School

2000 Belle Avenue

School District

San Carlos Elementary
Grade

K-3
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for San Carlos Elementary 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 November 08, 2024

Wow! As a credentialed teacher myself, this is an amazing school! It has literally changed our entire home life and my son’s never been happier! Transferred from another SCSD school to BA for first grade and I have a whole new child. Mrs. Fast is a top notch leader who displays her love for the school by actively participating in every aspect! I will NEVER forget my son’s first week at BA! He received a warm welcome goodie bag from his two team 1st grade teachers who went above and beyond anything I’ve ever seen. (And beyond what I’ve ever done in my own class)room Little star dust to place under your child’s pillow at night to help with any first day jitters, a “happy” journal, and all the little fillers that would make any child feel at ease. We are always welcomed by a warm and devoted principal who I have never seen behind her laptop!!!!! Her physical presence is obvious and she is gifted at multi-tasking! She is always engaged with a student program or assisting a student’s need. She’s willing to work hard and treats her staff with respect and gentle care/hunor. I always feel that my son is safe, being respected, cared for, and these elements have driven him to be a stronger learner. There are many events which parent(s) can get involved with and there are plenty of opportunities to support events from work or home, too. The campus is humongous and has more than enough room to run and play or sit and be social. Again, almost 3 months into the school year and I have seen Mrs. Fast every single day outside working hard or engaged in something that helps the school and students. The curriculum is “just right” and this is a very difficult balancing act for any teacher. My son’s work is at grade level, has a purpose, and covers every subject possible! As a veteran teacher, I have the utmost respect and admiration for the teachers and it’s clear their priority is your child!!!!! For example, my son’s teachers are fully engaged the minute the morning bell rings at 8:25am. The teaching starts then and your child is the focus. I love the patios each classroom has and this set-up provides so many opportunities for outdoor activities and social opportunities! It did take us some time to nail down our morning parking drop off routine, but with the safety crossing guard, and student safety patrol, things run I smoothly. Add an extra 10-15 minutes for drop off as the area is residential and coexists with another private school. Sincerely, A Happy Parent!
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2023

This is our child's second year there and we are very happy. Great teachers, very research-based and holistic approach to learning. Our child is growing and learning a great deal and is happy to go to school.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2021

My daughter started Kindergarten in Brittan Acres this year. What an amazing school! We were a little skeptical about public schools and its resources but it's been a great experience so far. Our teacher Mrs. Mecchi provides great learning opportunities for the kids both academically and personally. The school is open to many different volunteering opportunities for parents as well (including weekend activities for busy parents!)
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2021

This school is still recovering from going through three principals in three years. The staff talks down to parents and talks about parents to each other and other parents. My child said that the school allows children to be mean to each other and allows bullying.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2019

3 principals in 3 years. Currently programs like maker space, bugs being reduced or nonexistent even though they are funded. No programs for gifted education. Several non-teacher parent volunteers are teaching my kid at least 3 days a week. While in office one day, principal was talking with secretary with a "don't care" attitude about the school and upcoming school functions as if she was being inconvenienced. She did not even know what some programs on her calendar were.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2017

Some lovely people here. Involved parents and lots of opportunities and exposure through the school garden, art, artist in residency, and music. They also have a teacher that comes in and talks about social and emotional support. Unfortunately, most of my child's teachers have seemed too burned out deal with any child that doesn't easily conform to traditional school structures. If your child is independent, creative, curious, energetic, or needs a bit more support than usual, don't get your hopes up. There is not a lot of bandwidth for real, progressive problem solving. I think they are trying to keep up with innovative best practices, but it's slow going and just hard to get a fresh perspective from faculty that have been doing this for a long time. Your child will likely be fine here and will make some good friends. But I'm not convinced that "fine" is good enough when it comes to who my child spends the majority of their time with.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2016

Just a couple months into Kindergarten and our child is reading to us. We couldn't be happier with Brittan Acres. Wonderful campus, terrific library and a nice blend of nature and gardens, and skilled and dedicated teachers and administrative staff. They always seem a step ahead. Reasonable level of parent involvement too, which makes it feel like a strong community. On top of that, our child looks forward to school every day.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2015

The teachers and staff at BA are absolutely amazing. I am extremely grateful for their level of dedication to providing a positive and nurturing learning environment. The parents leave much to be desired though, especially the entitled PTA moms who think they get special privileges from the dozen cookies they baked. Expect 3-4 altercations per year from those that have lost track of why we're here in the first place.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

BA is a great school! My kids love going here. We have a wonderful principal and a great community! So lucky to be going to BA!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

BA is the BEST!!!! We have been going to BA for Transitional K, K and Preschool. The teachers are amazing, caring, wonderful and Mr. Triska and Cathy Eitel are so responsive, dedicated and really focused on quality care of our kids. I feel very lucky to be at BA and am sad that it only goes to 3rd grade (or will by the time my kids are ready to move on to Central).
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Love love love BA!!! How is it possible that Mr. Triska has always a smile on his face??? Always! He is the best! Mrs. Eitel is another angel, always helpful and super nice. All the teachers, facility, programs are excellent. We looked at private schools....why??? Brittan Acres is the best school!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2013

Mr. Triska and Mrs. Eitel, they are a super team running the school. Mr. Triska is loved by everyone at school. I help with my daughter's class event, and also work as a PTA member. I get to know many kids through the events and the weekly volunteering. The kids at BA are great. Thanks to all the parents/grandparents, and the staff of BA.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

Wonderful school, from the principal, Mr. Triska, to Mrs. Eitel, to every staff member and parent. Had checked out many private schools and Brittan Acres surpasses almost all of them, in terms of education and all round development of the child. Very fortunate to be in this school. Not to mention my kids are happy to go to school every day!
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2012

We are truly lucky to have our kids in this wonderful school. Every parent, teacher and of course, the principal, Mr. Triska, is fantastic! Mr. Triska, works tirelessly, continously making BA such a wonderful experience. His postive energy, attention to every possible detail, and responsiveness, while continously encouraging kids to achieve their goals, is truly amazing. My kids transitioned at the end of the school year!They blossomed due to the wonderful BA community.