Birch Lake Elementary School

1616 Birch Lake Avenue

School District

White Bear Lake
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:8
Type

public

School Map for White Bear Lake 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 02, 2012

Birch Lake Elementary continues to be a fantastic school for my kids to attend. Each of the four years so far has impressed me a great deal. Here s just a few reasons why: The teachers are excellent and consistently demonstrate how they truly care about our kids The kids are not numbers here and they are always encouraged to reach their full potential School test scores keep rising The Title I program here has incredible teachers the Core Values that are stressed are the kinds of things that make for a positive school and family environment The PTA goes above and beyond to help the kids and the school overall The great partnerships the school has between the YMCA, the guest Artists, the McPhail Music Center (giant kudos here), multi-cultural guests, etc, etc, are so appreciated as well. I love this school, and am so grateful that my kids have the opportunity to attend such a great public school. Truly it has exceeded my expectations.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2012

It was our dream to come home to the school district that offers our son (who has an intellectual disability) opportunities to be successful and become a valued citizen in our community. We wanted him to be given every opportunity to learn and grow, and to build friendships like any other child. When we came back to the WBL school district, he was offered that opportunity through special education and community- based programs. We knew we made the right decision to move back to my hometown. Our son has been blessed with great teachers and educational tools to excel. He is given the opportunity each year to learn beside his peers, building those life-long relationships that we all need to be happy and engaged in our society. This is such a valuable learning opportunity for him and for his peers and teaches understanding, compassion, caring and respect. Because of the services being offered and the mainstream opportunities given to children with intellectual disabilities at Birch Lake, these children are being accepted and included by their classmates. Great School/Great Teachers/Great Students!
Submitted by other on March 31, 2012

I went to Birch Lake Elementary, so I know what really goes on in it. The education isn't great at all, not even average. The teachers are teaching lessons straight from their lesson book. Most students from Birch are in many specializes classes for getting their skills to a level expected by their age when they go into middle school. That is just sad. It's an extremely cheap school. The teachers don't know how to handle situations in an anonymous way either. They aren't fair. I can't tell you how many students were accused and punished for something they didn't do. Those good reviews you see? Those are made by the teachers from Birch. There's something you might hear. People might say, "They have such a large, dedicated special education system!" but it's terrible. Students constantly make fun of the special needs children and the teachers pay very little attention to them. Please, send your student to ANY other school. I can't say ANYTHING positive about this school. I'd give it no stars if I could.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2010

This school has a dedicated, caring staff who work to guarantee each student is successful. The teachers help all students reach their potential.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2010

I love Birch Lake Elementary School. The staff truly care about the kids and the students are well-rounded individuals being prepared for their future.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2010

This school has not reached my expectations. Though the education is good the teachers handle situations thoughtlessly and don't care about the student. They are rude to the parents and then try to cover up their mistake. The students gossip and have many cliques. I was disappointed with this school.
Submitted by student on November 06, 2009

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