Brown School

150 Corlaer Avenue

Schenectady, NY 12304

22 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-11
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on May 07, 2024

Today my husband and I (both retired) visited Brown School's Museo-a program sponsored by middle school students at Brown emphasizing different aspects of Mexico-history, art, food, the pyramids and music. Because it was a lovely spring day, Museo took place outside on the lovely campus which includes extensive fields for sports and play. Lower grades and grandparents (and parents) attended.It was a lovely experience-like visiting a street fair. It typifies Brown's welcoming inclusive nature involving the whole school community. My granddaughter who is in the 7th grade has been at Brown since she was in the nursery class. I remember taking her into school when she was little being greeted warmly by the staff, teachers and students. And, yes, there have been many instances when I wanted to be in a particular teacher's class. This was particularly true during the pandemic. We set up a computer and desk in our living room for my granddaughter to participate in her classes. I often followed the lectures and learned more about New York history especially the Indian nations than I thought possible. The teacher involved all the students sometimes grouping them to insure they were involved in the discussion. And the fast math games-what fun! Brown School has provided my granddaughter with a loving supportive atmosphere for her education. She has been treated with respect and inspired to work hard. She is not a natural athlete, but her best friend at school is. She and the staff have encouraged my granddaughter to participate in sports which she has done every marking period. I am so proud of her! Visit Brown School!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2022

I keep getting impressed in my dealings with Brown School by how clear it is that everyone working there LOVES kids! You might think, duh, they work at a school, but after interacting with two "top" school districts here in the Capital District and a similar one in Western Mass., I call or show up at the door at Brown School and think, wow! This is nice! They "get" kids here. They want to deal with real kids and their families. Instead of acting like guards at the Tower of London, they're kind and helpful... and hey, one of the core staffers is willing to pretend to be in the Tower Guard, but only because it makes my youngest child break out in peals of laughter.Brown School has very strong academics, but they really do treat their students as individuals, so the academic rigor does not translate into pressure. If you're looking for a school that broadcasts how alternative it is in every way, this might not be the best fit, but based on the experiences of my kids and their friends, Brown School is a place where students who have struggled elsewhere can really blossom. When I've needed to bring up a concern, the school director has been more than ready to take that concern seriously. At the same time, she and the board really do seem to appreciate that teachers are the heart of a school!All of my kids have learning issues of different kinds, and the approach Brown School has taken has been very helpful before and after those issues were identified. At one point, one of my kids was going over to a very highly regarded public school for support services then coming to Brown School... the teachers were incredibly helpful, and the contrast became so clear: on one side, the administration reviewed my son's assessments and said, "oh great! He's making so much progress, we can reduce his sessions each week!" At Brown School, the classroom teacher reviewed the same assessments, applied her own observations, and said, "oh great! He's making so much progress! He's participating more in this way, but I'd like to see him participating even more fully! Here are a couple suggestions for how else we might support him..." And the Brown School administration backed her up, and my son really benefited. A world of difference.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2021

Our daughter started at Brown for PreSchool and we loved their program. As our daughter graduated to elementary school, we moved over to the public school because we were in a good district. When COVID happened, we moved back to Brown as our daughter was starting Middle School (a bit hesitantly at first because we were generally happy with our current school system preCOVID) mainly because of the smaller class sizes. We have been so happy with our decision and have zero regrets. Brown has provided such a wonderful learning and support atmosphere, even during the pandemic. They focus on the “whole child” (a term that a lot of times gets overused — but in this case, it’s very true). The teachers and administrators truly value each child and embrace their differences. There is also a respect between the students - which we know that in Middle School doesn’t always happen. The level of education and learning has been superb and they don’t give homework just to keep the kids ‘busy’, but focuses on what is important and also makes the learning engaging. Our daughter looks forward to school each day and her comment at the end of her very first week at the school “It’s like Brown School is my second family” still holds true 6 months later. I highly recommend Brown School for an engaging, supportive, and challenging learning environment.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2018

It's hard to describe the Brown School difference with just words, it's really something that should be experienced. There is no graffiti written on bathroom walls, no bad language yelled in the hallway, no one smuggling in cigarettes or alcohol (or worse), no one bringing weapons, no bomb threats, no bullying. It's the kind of school environment we all want for our kids. There is respect between all students and teachers. How do they do it? How does this school succeed where the public schools fail? I surmise there are numerous reasons such as: (1) Small class sizes. Your child will not get lost in the crowd or fade into the background. They will get focused attention. (2) Teachers take the time to know each student, and can customize the curriculum to the way your child learns. There is no "teaching to the test" here. (3) Plenty of clubs and activities to keep kids busy and engaged. (4) Brown offers their IGNITE program which assists students who either need a bit extra help or who are advanced among their peers (5) Brown was the first school in the country to adopt the MindUp program, which encourages mindfulness, kindness, 'brain breaks', and acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgement. (6) Healthy lunch offerings (including gluten free and dairy free options) that are nutritionally sound. (7) An active parent community that provides fun events throughout the year for families.I could go on and on. Call them and schedule a free tour and see the difference. I know some people have a hard time with the tuition cost, but there are some discounts you could get, they have very flexible payment plans, and also a generous financial aid package. I can't put a price on the value of my child being happy to go to school (sometimes not even wanting to come home!), not being bullied, having wonderful friends, and a genuine support system of teachers and staff who are always there for you. This is more like a family than a school.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2017

The Brown School has been a wonderful choice for our 4th grade daughter. Brown School is unique private school where the administration and teachers understand that all children learn in different ways. The curriculum emphasizes individualized learning to develop the strengths of each student. The IGNITE program is a unique program that helps each child to set individualized goals, both academic and social, and supports them in reaching their goals. It supports both children who need extra help by providing valuable resources, as well as those who want to excel in an area of interest, such as art, music or theatre. The Head of the school truly cares about each student and family and creates a genuine welcoming environment that encourages enthusiasm and life-long learning. We could not imagine sending our daughter to school anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2016

Brown school is a safe, wonderful place for education. We are so blessed to have this school within our community. Children are challenged academically, and nurtured to grow the direction they are meant to reach full potential. The teachers are excellent, engaged, and very approachable. One of the only schools in the country to teach the Mind Up program, this passes on much needed skills to our children we are raising to become competent adults. This emotional intelligence program includes empathy, compassion for self and others, with mindfulness of self and others. We currently have a 2nd, 4th, and 8th grader. The 8th grader has been there since 1st grade, we now feel we know the school very well. Our children love school, and we love it too!
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2016

Our family is so excited to be provided an opportunity to continue the in-depth education and individual support that has been provided to my son during his education here (Brown High School is opening in the Fall of 2017 with a 9th grade). Brown School not only has strong academics, but places focus on hands- on learning and teaches students about collaboration and working together. In addition, they provide a mindful education that incorporates giving back to the community and developing empathy for others. It is a vibrant learning community that will now prepare students for college and beyond. Highly recommend Brown School!!!
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2016

Brown School has been an excellent choice for our two children. The teachers are incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable and flexible about accommodating a wide variety of learning styles, and clearly love their work. Their joy and positive attitude permeates the culture of the school. The administrative infrastructure of the school is professional yet personable. And last, but certainly not least, the school's generous financial aid has made it a feasible choice for our family.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2016

So why did we choose Brown? We wanted a genuine, authentic environment that fostered a love for learning, without gimmicks. My son is not just a name, or an attitude, or a grade. He’s a boy going in and out of developmental phases, with various things going on in his life at home. And they get that, and embrace it. Kids and teachers walk the halls with smiles on their faces. What impressed me (and still does) is how the older kids and younger children interact with such respect towards each other. It is a community of kindness and compassion in a world that can be anything but. I am so glad for Brown’s PreK-Grade 8 spectrum which gives young students opportunities to see what’s ahead, and lets the older ones guide those who are up and coming. Should you be concerned that Brown is all about environment, and not content, let it be known that the kids who come out of Brown are routinely placed in AP high school classes. The academics are challenging, for sure. There are so many bright kids at Brown who will knock your socks off when they open their mouths to talk. I am also really impressed by all the hands-on classwork they do. Lectures, note taking and exams are NOT the model here (thank goodness!) There is lots of collaboration, discussion and action!The lack of standardized testing for the young children allows Brown teachers to go beyond worksheets, and into hands-on exploration of both academic subjects and the arts. Yes, the arts! The interior hallways of Brown are covered from floor to ceiling in the student’s colorful artwork. My husband, who is an art professor, noted that many of the 8th graders in Brown are more skilled than his college freshman. Music and drama are also given the same kind of attention which is such a treat when most schools have cut them entirely. As a parent of an energetic child, I am happy to report that he comes home not just academically and emotionally satisfied, but physically content as well. There is plenty of recess, physical education, and music/movement time. Even within the classroom, he is not expected to sit at a desk all day long. For those who are kinetic learners, students can sit on yoga balls in lieu of chairs. What a relief to know that he wouldn’t be labeled as a hyper child because he needs to move, and instead is accepted for what he is: an active, healthy boy.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2014

When my husband and I decided that we needed a change from our public school s increasing class size, decreasing budgets, and almost complete reliance on then test, test, test model of education, we toured many private schools. And while many private schools offer small class size and families who value education, we found that Brown School offered something that no one else did: a learning environment that truly educates the whole child, and teaches them to be confident and independent thinkers. Brown accomplishes this with dedicated and caring teachers, who go above and beyond to provide a creative, project-based, hands-on curriculum where children thrive. Brown offers diversity, in both the student population and in educational opportunities. Brown School employs a reading and a math specialist, to offer additional support to children who might need it. They also have, on staff, a teacher certified in gifted education who, working in partnership with the classroom teacher and the student, develops personal and scholastic goals for each student a truly personalized and customized education based on a child s individual strengths and weaknesses.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2014

My kids love learning at Brown! The programs, class lessons, special classes, and extra curricular activities are amazing. In addition to art, music, P.E., computer, Spanish, and library classes, my Kindergartener will be taking a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) class twice a week. For my middle school children, I am constantly amazed at the depth and diversity of their curricula their favorites: art, technology, guitar, science, history of rock n roll (an elective) as well as the after-school activities available to them.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2014

My daughter has had a wonderful experience at Brown. She started in Pre-K and is about to enter third grade. The teachers challenge their students in a supportive and nurturing environment. There is an emphasis on character development which I really appreciate. The kids treat one another with kindness and respect. The focus is on matters of importance--academics, the environment, social responsibility--and not overly focused on pop culture. It has been a great fit for my daughter and well worth the money we pay.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Our son has attended Brown School for the last three years. It has been an amazing experience for him and our entire family. Our family was quickly included into the Brown School Community. The school has provided a quality education, utilizing a small class size. His teachers have been kind, loving, and creative. They have also addressed his individual learning style, while going above and beyond what is expected. We are so thankful that we found Brown School for our son's education.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

Brown School allows our children to thrive in a nurturing, comfortable and challenging learning environment. The children explore a variety of topics from multiple perspectives. They hear, touch, discuss and engage friends in projects related to the topic they are discovering. They are taught to be leaders, good friends and encourage all to find their voice. Everyone gets a chance to perform on stage, present to a group of peers as well as parents and play sports. The remarkable glue that knits this community together is the sense of family that allows for resolution of conflicts as well as individual growth. We always walk away from school events with a huge smile knowing we are giving our children the best learning opportunity. Watching the children run into school every morning is a great way to start my day.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

Brown School offers our children what few other others in our region are able to do: the opportunity to grow into confident, independent and joyful learners. At Brown, my children have thrived and have developed remarkable critical thinking skills and creative expression. Brown School's commitment to educating the "whole child" is clear and their celebration of the Arts is impressive. One of the most amazing things about Brown is the opportunity for children to feel at ease participating in diverse activities without being "judged," or stereotyped. For example, this year my son quite happily joined the Science Bowl Team, starred in the School Musical, played in band, joined select strings and competed on the soccer and volleyball teams without being "pegged" as a "geek," or a "jock." I love that at Brown, kids have the chance to explore their interests freely and to express their enthusiasm without fear of being teased or bullied. Brown School is a fantastic place, and I highly recommend it!
Submitted by other on February 09, 2014

I was sold on the quality of environment and the educational experience from day one when my granddaughter entered pre-k .she is now in second grade. As a past educator, who recognizes the individuality of learning for children, I was impressed that this was a core awareness and focus of the faculty. Brown provides a ground of nurturing that sets the stage for an excellent learning and growing experience. They truly offer a home away from home and wonderful sense of community. Their inclusion of a mindfulness awareness program helps the children deal with distraction and frustration. Their Ignite Program, which allows students to set personal and scholastic goals for themselves, is a positive method for giving the child power in their own development and learning experience. If one values small classes, with an emphasis on critical thinking where children learn to appreciate and respect themselves and others in a community setting ..Brown School is the place to be.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2014

My sons say Brown School is awesome and we agree! Brown School has been a great school for us. The classes are small. The teachers know my kids well and care about them. We have great communication with the teachers. My boys are excited about what they are learning at school. I credit Brown School with making both my boys avid readers. My boys are into sports, but what is so great about Brown School is that both of my boys were in the school musical this fall. My kids get to do it all at Brown School. Stuff they would never get to do at a large school. We love the school. We highly recommend Brown School.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

Brown School offers an outstanding program that begins in nursery and continues through eight grade! Children learn best when they are happy, willing to stretch their thinking by asking questions, trying new things and getting involved in the educational process. The teachers, administrators, and staff are genuinely committed to each child's journey by providing an environment that celebrates and values learning. The Brown School philosophy truly looks at the "whole child." Children learn much more than purely academics at Brown. They develop love of learning and a genuine respect for other students and the entire Brown School community.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2013

When we moved to the area from the San Francisco Bay Area, finding the right school for my daughter was a top priority. As the daughter of an English teacher and a journalist, I valued academic excellence first and foremost in a school. As a social psychologist, I knew the social-emotional environment was also incredibly important. I wanted my daughter to love school, to develop her own personal creativity, interests and style and to learn real foundational academic skills. Brown school has offered us everything we wished for and more. The curriculum combines mindfulness education, the arts, extensive writing programs, and increasingly impressive science programs to create whole-child development of the highest order. My daughter has thrived. She loves the Brown community like family. Her friends are kind, comfortable with adults, and skilled beyond their years at resolving conflicts, integrating new class members, working in teams and individually. Her class is diverse and just the right size to allow for individual attention and good social opportunities. We wouldn t have her any other place.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2013

We absolutely love having our son attend Brown School. I wish it continued through high school in fact. I really appreciate that my son is not just learning, but really enjoys learning. It's not about going through the motions, not about taking test after test at Brown School. It's about learning & building upon that sense of wonder that every child has. And to have that along with such a warm, caring community of children, teachers, staff, and families makes for a truly great school.