The Briarwood School

My son study in the briarwood school for one year. 1. The teachers teaches him in fun way so he enjoyed studying 2. The teachers gave him confidence 3. The teachers are warm, caring, understanding and kind 4. No ambiguity/ confusion in school and school policy. 4. Easy way exchange of ideas.and thoughts without any judgement

Disappointing experience with middle school. We were told the school works with learning differences other than language-based issues and that our child would settle in within weeks, relax, become engaged and we'd seem improvement in ability and confidence. After two years, we have not. Many teachers do not return emails, communication is lacking. Curriculum is outdated. Although webpage states they work on Executive Functioning for kids with ADHD they do not. Supposedly there is someone on staff in the lower school who has done executive functioning tutoring and would be working with middle schoolers, but have never heard from that person. When asked if they'll be overtly addressing Executive Functioning in high school, was told they are "piloting a program." Our child is still struggling in spite of the existence of evidence based interventions, of which the school does not use. Teachers do not seem to have specific training in learning differences. Some require students to write note cards even though they have dysgraphia... one teacher was not aware of talk to type feature in Google suite. That seems like something basic they should be aware of and offer as an accommodation. Many classes seem too elementary. There's a difference between dumbing down content vs creating rich learning experiences for those who learn differently. Discipline in the middle school is lacking. Not sure if admin doesn't have a discipline plan or they're afraid of disciplining kids of some families ($$), but for two years our child has struggled with kids bullying. There should be intervention/conflict resolution skills taught to all students, as a part of community building, who because of their learning differences tend to be less mature than their chronological age. Our child has not felt safe or supported. Overall, not sure the school knows their identity. They began as a school for language based disorders, but have taken on kids with other learning profiles and are failing at serving them. I personally know other middle school families who feel the same way and who are not returning for high school. Two years spent here and we are no further along.

My granddaughter was/ is dyslexic. Her parents had frustrating and disappointing experiences with trying to get any help for her. To be discouraged and unhappy in 1st grade because you can’t keep up or read is no way to start an academic career! Her parents enrolled her in Briarwood where she thrived and learned. She is now in her HS years at St Francis where she made a seamless transition. Her PSAT in reading is in the top 1%. And other scores not far behind. So thankful for the part Briarwood played

My child has been at Briarwood since 6th grade, and they have flourished every year. The teachers and counselors have such a love for the students, and they are truly invested in making sure our kids succeed. My child's confidence in his academic ability is iight years past where it once was. New leadership is working really hard on a refresh for school policy and curriculum, and the kids have access to tech that they didn't have a few years ago. I've seen a lot of positive change over the last couple of years, in spite of the hardships with COVID. Most importantly, character is just as important as the academics.

We love this school! Can’t imagine our child going anywhere else!