Braly Elementary School

675 Gail Avenue

School District

Santa Clara Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Santa Clara Unified 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 June 25, 2022

Better schools in Santa Clara, not great. Principal hand picked by super - enough said. Few good teachers but not enough. Whole school needs a real leader who will shake up entire school
Submitted by other on March 11, 2020

Really nice. Had fun and loved going here. Still have memories. This school helped me learn English.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2018

Excellent school and learning and caring is well done by all grade teachers
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017

I have just one word to rate my experience with this school. It has been really "Great". I always believed ratings of the school are just the numbers. They don't determine the actual quality of teaching learning process in school. I am happy Braly elementary school helped me upheld my belief. It has been first year of my daughter in the school. But the confidence that she has been able to built up in her is remarkable. she started reading simple books in august but her teacher encouraged her to do well with her reading habit, by January she was reading chapter books (100 pgs). she has already surpassed the reading level that needs to be completed in first grade. Her writing skills were equally developed by her teacher, the story she wrote in class was chosen for young author exposition at district level. I would have loved to mention the name of her teacher but I don't know whether I can. But at the end I will only say, that as parents we are very happy with the school. To all those who will read this review only remember, rating of school is not everything.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017

School is small, safe, and at a nice location for us. We have had a better year last year but this academic year has seen it going to worse. Leadership has changed and some new teachers and classes are not up to the standard.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2017

This school is smaller and feels more like a private school in size and attention. The kids have wonderful community-minded projects and the PTA hosts special nights for the kids. Our daughter has really thrived here, we love it!
Submitted by other on March 20, 2016

My son attended Braly in special day class. His teacher Mrs Duval is the best teacher in the whole district. She is so hard working and makes sure that the kids will surely progress in her class. If your child attends special class at Braly - you can be rest assured their each day at school will be enriching, learning, fun filled and wonderful. She challenges our kids to learn more , work harder, never thinking our kids are any less than other kids. My son learnt so much from her in a short span of time. She is the only person who has ever appreciated and encouraged him so much. Thank you mrs Duval for your contributionTo the district and to our kids. Pranits mom
Submitted by other on June 05, 2015

Today is the last day of my son's Transitional Kindergarten (Class of 2014/2015). We love everything about Braly especially our class teacher! The school is not too big which is perfect, in my opinion. The principal, teachers, staff and parents are helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by other on May 19, 2015

I am now in high school, but after looking at this website, I decided to make a review of my elementary school, Braly. I went there from 3rd to 5th, so I don't know if it has changed or not. The academics in this school is pretty bad, I was a complete loner for all of elementary school because I was smart. However, if you have a smart kid going to this school, it will end soon because Peterson Middle School is great for academic achievers (The kids from Milikin and Laurelwood go there)
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2015

The current Principal Ms. Marshall came to office just 2014 Fall. But I have to say, she is much better than the previous one. I am sure Braly will become better and better under her leadership. My son is in Kinder now. He is happy. I am happy he made a lot of friends from the families with all kinds of cultures. Small, but good!
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2015

Braly is not what it used to be. The old principal cared about the kids and did not tolerate bullying. She had a heart of gold and she stood for the principal of being safe, kind, and responsible. I am sad to say, it is not the same. If you have a shy child which tries to do the right thing and needs support and understanding, think twice before you go to Braly.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2015

Two of my kids attend Braly, and my youngest will start in the Fall. I love Braly. It's a great school, with fantastic teachers and staff, a wonderful community with the right amount of diversity, and awesome programs in place. The school is small in size, which I like, because kids don't get lost in the crowd, they are better able to develop their social-emotional skills/behaviors, more individual attention can be paid to students and their needs, and it's easier to get to know the community. People who are wrapped up in the scores of schools clearly don't understand that scores don't define a school. There are so many other, actually significant factors that come into play. And you're not really comparing apples to apples when you compare schools with different student body sizes, and different demographics. Interestingly enough, the schools with higher scores tend to have more incidents of bullying, depression, and sadly, suicides. I like the down to earth feel and the size of our community, and have been involved in the PTA, the school and my children's school work since day one. I have nothing but great things to say about Braly.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2014

This is my son's first yr... He's in Kinder! We love our teachers and the office staff :) the Principal is awesome!!! We love our cross guards dearly! My Son looks forward to going to school every morning! We LOVE OUR SCHOOL!!!
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2014

It's a shame this school has such a low rating because we love it in every way! This year my son started Kinder and I was so worried about signing him up for school, where to go, did I make the right decision...etc. We are extremely happy we are going to Braly and it all seems so silly now. It is a small school which I love, the principal knows everyone and is extremely active and personable, she is very involved. The Kinder teachers are wonderful and loving/caring, they are very on top of things and promoting good behavior, are big on anti-bullying and overall the activities and things my son has done in school so far have made him so excited to go here. I wish there were more staff/volunteers for recess and lunches, but that so far has been my only negative. Great school!
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

I love this school, if your looking for a great school. This is te school for your child. It's sad that the ratng is so low, it's only for th reasons parents don't get involved. I'm a parent and I'm a very happy parent, that my child loves his teachers and the kids that attend this school...
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2013

My son attended Braly Elementary for 4+ years. This school is wonderful for kids learning. At times, the focus was more into bringing up the least performing kids up to the speed and thereby the above average kids get left out. Like any school, Braly has mix of great and ok teachers. Ms. Kamstra has done lot of improvements in the school compared to the previous principal. She has definitely contributed lot more towards safety and academic performance. The school suffered some setback with the API scores due to large exodus of people from the surrounding apartments as a result of huge rent increases. Nothing wrong with the school for the API going down. Its the same great teachers.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2012

BRALY IS A TOP NOTCH SCHOOL! My son thoroughly excelled during his 3 amazing years at Braly, and is now excelling in Peterson Plus. Braly totally prepared him for middle school! There s a tremendous Writing Program, 4th & 5th grade Alex and Math Olympiad, participation in District Science Fair, and 3rd through 5th grade have weekly Critical Thinking class! Teams include Football & Volleyball and the PE teacher is awesome! The PTA supplements a fabulous Music Program, Reflections Arts, and many events and assemblies. Safety is key & anti-bullying strategies are worked on daily. Children learn boundaries & respect! The principal s compassionate wisdom, fairness, flexibility and open door policy is a stand out! (The Kids adore her!) The exceptional & supportive teachers and staff exhibit advanced levels of care. Their IEP/Resource is a cut above! There is a strong and close community of families and a constant striving to improve process. We are so happy we chose Braly for our son s 3rd through 5th grade experience. We highly recommend this academic dream! Check it out. Peruse their website and go talk with Ms. Kamstra and see for yourself. Truly a Great School!
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2012

This is our second year at Braly. My daughter loves her school a lot. Currently she is in First grade and her teacher Ms Smith is absolutely wonderful though we did not find kindergarten experience as great as first grade !
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2011

This is our second year at braly. Last Year my daughter's teacher was great , but the management wasn't much. We need our children to learn more in math/art/music and science, but by the budget cut it's impossible. as a parent we should donate some money so our children can have a better education.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2011

My daughter has been in Braly for 2 years, she is in 1st grade now. I've liked her teachers so far. They have been very attentive to the students and really encouraged reading, comprehension and writing in the class room. I am not impressed with Math and Science thus far. I hope it has more focus in 2nd Grade. I wish there were more arts/music/sports programs in school. But it is not from lack of trying. District wide budget cuts have hit hard on extra programs.The PTA is trying very hard and help with fundraising for the schools extra curricular activities but they need many more members and involvement from the parent community to make a big difference and have a big impact. Ms. Kamstra is an okay principal but I feel like she is hard to approach and does not come across as a very friendly person. I've been here two years and have had very little interaction with her. I feel like its easier to approach my daughters' teacher for various matters regarding the school and district policies etc. than to talk to her. The school is very particular about safety of their students and have many procedures in place and enforce it strongly to make sure kids and parents feel safe.