Brookside Middle School

3636 South Shade Avenue

School District

Sarasota
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 teacher on February 07, 2025

I had been a sub here for a few years. We see the inside of schools in all their totality: admin, teachers and the all-encompassing variety of subjects and students taught. We also see morale. In this latter respect, this school seemed okay despite a lack of equity. In view of subjects, however, the strongest departments were math and science. Civics, social studies and history were also good. Other than this, I found the following. This school lacked inspiration and giftedness, Art was flagging, and language arts were terrible. ESE and Spanish students were often left without aides and the ESOL department there failed to give their students a sense of acculturation. This latter department seemed like just a gateway for immigrants and the head teacher was unpleasant to work with, therefore making you wonder about this school's claim to give sheltered English.Other than this, I didn't find many students willing to learn and their ISR department was often filled. Support had to be called often in classes. Admin seemed to turn a blind eye, or rather took the students' side, (as most SCSD assistant principles and principles do).. There was also a lot of disrespect to teachers, which made this an unpleasant school to work at. This, in effect, was probably why I found jobs here so often.In the end I felt admin just couldn't run the show and I felt a real disconnect with the assistant principle and admin staff. I actually made a complaint about this department to the Equity Department and must say, there really isn't a sense of equity for teachers and possibly even students, when it comes to teaching and learning at this school..
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2025

The bullying and violence at this school is outrageous. The quality of teachers is hit or miss. There are some teachers who virtually scream at your child. My child used to be a stellar student and now despises school. The administration seems caring but the follow through is inconsistent.
Submitted by student on June 24, 2024

I went to this school for a year & I was torn to shreds. Please do not send your children here.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

I have two children who attend this school, and I really don't have any complaints about the school, but in the contrary, my children like the school, they have good grades, and they have good classmates. But like everything there are some students who have no idea what Respect means but I think is because at home these students don't have adequate discipline and responsibilities. I dare say that the Golden Rules disappeared from some family group, and we need to work in that.The Staff are really nice and professional, the facilities are great.
Submitted by teacher on December 07, 2022

I work at this school as a substitute. I have found it peaceful and benign so that it makes for a comfortable setting for students and teachers. By this I mean that problem students are monitored and therefore not too disruptive and that the environment feels friendly. Foreign and struggling ESE students, likewise, are also given help and accommodations. Many staff speak Spanish as well.As an international traveler and expat, therefore, I feel this school is open minded to a more cosmopolitan mindset which I perceive is of importance for each student's assimilation and achievement. This means, and in my experience traveling to Asia, it opens you up to people, cultures, and norms of the world at large and that by academics and assimilation. More over, by looking outward students can see within themselves and their own cultural values. Or at least this is what I have learned after having lived in Asia for almost twenty years. There's a whole other world out there and it may begin here.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2019

My son has been very happy at Brookside Middle for the second year. I am impressed that he was taught CPR with mannequins/AED and economics. Bullying is nonexistent in this school despite my son’s disability. A+
Submitted by other on September 18, 2019

This is the best school. The rules/ admin are fair and maintain high expectations. Middle school is usually known as the worst for bullying, but the students here are so accepting and compassionate to each other. The curriculum is also challenging - not just drill. Students actually learn by thinking about problems they will see in their lives, as well as global issues.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2019

Very Very good. Staff is so great they really care about the students. We have one more year here and then I only hope I can find a high school that will be as great for her as Brookside.
Submitted by other on May 23, 2016

Good school, all the staff is kind and collaborative.This school have a very good IB program! The principal Mrs Lawrence is very dedicated to her job and always available for parents and students!
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2015

Our student is getting ready to finish the 6th grade at Brookside. High praise to their Cuda program and the teacher's recognition of an excelling student. The work load is heavy, but the rewards and the motivation are top notch. Looking forward to 2 more great years.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2014

I pulled my child out of this school last year. Mental abuse by teachers is unacceptable. Can you imagine teachers telling students how stupid they are and they will never get anywhere in life while only handing them packets and not actually teaching them? This is a horrible school and I am so glad my child no longer has to endure the negative attitudes from the adults here.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2014

Brookside middle is not a school for an African-American child. This past 2013 2014 school year was like a horror movie for my child and my nephew. Both of them were put in a underground railroad skit and my nephew was in a skit where he played the role of a female slave. The teacher that was responsible for the skits was fired but only after long discussions with the school board and the officials of Brookside middle. These claims are 100% true and I feels it be my civic duty to warn anyone thinking of sending their child to this racist school. But by all means don't take my word for it check the school out yourself ask questions you owe that much to your precious child . Please by all means ask questions.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2010

I have really enjoyed our experience at Brookside Middle School. The staff is dedicated and very helpful in every way!!! I want to thank all of you!!! Michael Z
Submitted by student on September 22, 2009

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Submitted by parent on November 12, 2008

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