Chesterbrook Academy

1190 McDermott Drive

West Chester, PA 19380

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

1-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 23, 2017

The handbook states a "Zero Tolerence" stance on bullying. My child was bullied a lot last year and not much was done about it. In fact, I was made to feel as if it was my child's fault that the bullying was happening (even though the boys doing the bullying had been behaving this way for over a year, before they met my child). The long time Principal of this school left last September, 2016. The school is going through a transition, looking for a new Principal. Aside from the bullying not being delt with effectively, there are other concerns. Children in First Grade seem to have a very difficult time adjusting to the schedule and behavior was an issue last year. Several children were disruptive all day long. I believe this was due to the fact that they were given only 20 minutes of recess per day. In the Winter months, kids stay in their class room. It's also sad to see that while so many kids spend 10 hours a day at this school (with both parents working in some cases) they must go home and complet an hour of homework. An hour of homework seems like it's way too much for a child in First Grade. I would much rather see kids going home an simply spending quality time with their families. I think this school needs to rethink some things beacause the way they have structured the day and the curriculum does not seem to be meeting kids where they are (ie. its' not age appropriate). If you are considering this school, go meet the new (hopefully, soon to be determined) Principal. Ask about recess and homework. Ask about their bullying policy and problems they've had in the past. Ask about the behavior in class rooms. I think even the public schools now are looking at implementing 2 recess periods and some are doing away with homework because there is no research supporting the effeciveness of more homework impacting overall academic performance. My advice would be to ask questions about these things.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2017

I chose Chesterbrook Academy Elementary after comparing the academic curriculum to that of my son's current school. What Chesterbrook was teaching was a full year ahead of where my son was and my fear was that by the time he reach 5th grade and went into public school, he would be so far behind that he would lose confidence and self esteem. The best thing I ever did for him was move him in the middle of the school year. He fit right into the class and even his teacher said it was as if he'd been in her class since the beginning of the school year. He has since continued at Chesterbrook for three more years and each year his teachers provide outstanding academics coupling their curriculum with individualized teaching styles as well as providing the appropriate level for each child - not mainstreaming and teaching the middle ground. Every child in each class is provided the opportunity to learn at their pace without feeling they are too far behind or too far ahead of their peers. Communication between teachers and parents is constantly. At a minimum, you connect with your child's teacher on a monthly basis. You have access to them via email or before and after school if you ask. Even the principal will call you with a status update on how your child is doing half way through the school year. My son feels he is part of a community, a family and loves that he knows everyone in the school, not just the children in his grade. There are many opportunities for the older kids to provide guidance and interaction with the younger children and vice versa. My son's education and social skills learned from this school will take him far in his next level of schooling and throughout his life. I am most appreciative and grateful to every teacher and staff at this school as they are all wonderful, educated, degreed and caring individuals.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2016

The individualized learning program for each child creates an excellent environment for learning and being able to apply each skill learned in all areas continues to grow with each child. The personalized hands on approach creates an atmosphere of comfort and confidence. The staff and parent community at the school allows for great communication with each family.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

My child loves his teacher and his school. His love to read, to draw and to write is coming from the school's excellent personalized program. After care program also is well organized. My child is enjoying his paino lessons and a chess club. Besides, tuition fee is very reasonable compared to other private schools. Highly Recommended!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

Chesterbrook Academy is a great school which maximizes each child's learning potential. Given the small classroom size, the teachers are truly able to tailor their teaching content and style for the child. I never question if my child is being challenged, in a good way. I have had one child graduate from here and she is a standout academically and from a leadership perspective at her current school. My other children still attend. It also has a nice sense of community where we are very comfortable and have made lifetime friends. I definitely recommend this school to others.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2014

This school is a great value. I have two kids here and the teachers and the entire staff truly care about your children. You can expect that they are safe, challenged and prepared for middle school. I only wish they went to 8th grade.
Submitted by other on January 21, 2014

This school is a great school. They do serve children with minor problems and individualize instruction. A great value for your money.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2014

unsupportive, unwilling to work with students with minor problem. Waste of money poor value for what you get. They do not provide any support if the child has any challenges. They sell the school on providing n individualized education because class sizes are small, but they deal with problems by not servicing anyone with challenges.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2013

Great school! Caring and effective teachers, challenging academic program, great after school program and efficient school management. My son has been studying in the school since pre-K, he loves his school and his teachers!