Briar Vista Elementary School in Atlanta

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: December 18, 2025

My child has been at this school since kindergarten. I definitely believe your experience can be teacher dependent because like with most things some care and some just dont. We have yet to be blessed with a teacher that really values her role as a teacher. I understand that teachers DO NOT get paid enough and do not have enough support. My expectation is to collaborate in my childs learning especially if in the classrooms there is a lack of support for the teacher. However, there is a huge communication in regard to all things but most importantly my childs education. From what I heard this did use to be a great school. I tried to give grace initially because I heard that things had changed but at this point they have just not gotten better. There are activities for parent engagement but the notice you get maybe about 48hours or less. So far with my child I get no real communication or information on what he is doing in school or how I can reinforce it at home. Its not for lack of trying I ask questions and typically get no response or some type of deflection. Also this site says ratios are 1:12 which is false, they are typically 1:25 min. no matter the classroom, traditional, traditional inclusion, or Montessori classroom.

Posted: December 18, 2025

Posted: September 29, 2025

no te recomiendo esta escuela para nada las maestras son groseras con los estudiantes ami hijo me le an gritado en su cara y ala hora que vas. a decirles te ven con ojos que te comen viva. se hacen como las que no saben. en reliadad no la recomiendo menos poner maestras jóvenes sin paciencia

Posted: September 29, 2025

Posted: June 8, 2025

As a former teacher at this school, I am concerned with the low morale at the school - I could feel the tension when I visited - and several teachers spoke to me about non support from admin. The Montessori program seems to be going downhill because of a lack of understanding of the process from admin and the superintendent. Its such a shame that we over this wonderful educational method, but teachers arent given the opportunity to practice and implement it.

Posted: May 23, 2025

Im really dissatisfied with the new school administration. The school doesnt feel warm and welcoming to families. Administrators seem dismissive, frustrated, or are not present. Theres been a negative shift this school year that didnt exist in previous years before the principal retired last school year. Teachers have seemed stressed and frustrated more so this year. Also school communication has not been great.

Posted: May 23, 2025

Posted: January 4, 2024

I've been very pleased with Briar Vista Montessori Program; this is our third full year at the school. The use of Montessori materials, the differentiated and tailored teaching to each child, as well as the 3-year mixed age classrooms have been great academically. Our experience at BVE has been better than what we found at some of the local private Montessori schools in the area. BVE teachers seem to genuinely love what they do, including the music, art, and PE programs. Like others have mentioned, BVE is small enough where the principal knows your child's name when they walk into school each morning, which is pretty rare in most of the overcrowded DeKalb County elementary schools.

Posted: January 4, 2024

Posted: April 11, 2023

This is our oldest childs 3rd year at BVE (Montessori) with her first being virtual PreK. Having such a rocky start to our elementary school chapter of life I can definitely say that I am so glad that it was with Briarvista. The small neighborhood school atmosphere is truly a hidden gem in Dekalb county where rezoning has all but wiped out the neighborhood school. It feels like a real community where all of the staff know all of the kids and their families. Our child has definitely thrived here and we are so excited for our youngest to start PreK next year. I only wish Montessori was school wide.

Posted: April 11, 2023

Briar Vista is one of only two public Montessori schools in the DeKalb County School District with both Montessori and traditional-class tracks offered.

Posted: April 11, 2023

Posted: December 13, 2022

Our son has had an amazing experience at Briar Vista in the Montessori program. We are so thrilled this Dekalb School Choice option exists.

Posted: December 13, 2022

Posted: December 10, 2022

My children are both in the Montessori track, and I cant begin to share how incredible the teachers are and how well my kids are thriving. Its rare to have a Montessori track in a public school, and Im blown away by how much my kids look forward to going to school each day. The school also utilizes a texting app which allows me to chat directly with the teachers about my kids and get regular updates from them. I was worried about the bureaucracy of the public school system limiting my direct contact with my childrens teachers but that has not been the case.

Posted: December 10, 2022

Posted: December 9, 2022

Briar Vista Montessori program is outstanding and has paid great dividends for our Granddaughter. Ms Williams and Ms. Wilson are outstanding educators empathetic, caring while always doing what is in the best interests of their students. We could not recommend Briar Vista more highly a truly outstanding elementary school.

Posted: December 9, 2022

Posted: November 20, 2022

My child has been at Briar Vista Elementary for the past 4 years. We live in the attendance zone and when she was reaching school age I went on a tour of the school and found it to be warm and inviting. She was attending a Montessori pre-school and so we decided to utilize School Choice and try for the Montessori program. She got in and started as a Kindergartener. If Montessori is what you are most interested in in this school, you can increase your chances of getting into the program if you utilize the Pre-K program which is GA-funded preschool program. In our experience, the teachers and administration at BVE have been excellent. COVID hit during our first school year and that was a big strain on all involved. When I would speak with my friends with children at other schools, I found my child's virtual learning experience to be much more involved. They foster independent learning but have accountability as well. Being back in the classroom has been great! The aftercare program is also very well-run. I love the small size of the school and how most of the children know each other.

Posted: November 20, 2022

Me gusta mucho esta escuela,sin duda alguna es la primera escuela, que mis pequeñas an llegado a los Estados Unidos, y me encanta la forma en como me an brindado ayuda con ellas..

Posted: November 20, 2022

They really do what they can to ensure your children do well.

Posted: November 20, 2022

Posted: April 25, 2022

One of the best schools! Love my sons pre-k teacher. Couldnt ask for anything better from teachers & staff. You will NOT be let down.

Posted: April 25, 2022

Posted: March 17, 2022

I love this school, most of the teachers are very nice. You should definitely put your kid in this school, they will love it.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Posted: April 10, 2021

Teachers managed the transition to online pre-K classes so easily. Kept kids motivated to join and learn without compromising the discipline even when studying from home.

Posted: April 10, 2021

We have been with Briar Vista Elementary School, as a school choice family since Kindergarten. Our rising 4th grader has had an amazing experience with the public Montessori program. The teachers, faculty, and support staff have always gone above and beyond to facilitate a positive learning experience.
Briar Vista Elementary School embraces the diversity of all the families that attend and celebrate us all. The PTO has been extremely supportive and often works with the counselors and administration to make sure lower income families are given tools to help them succeed. As a Title 1 school, we do have many families in need, and lots of families willing to help. There is a very kind strong community with the students, family, teachers, administration, and support staff.

Posted: April 10, 2021

Posted: August 19, 2020

Briar Vista is a great school. The older buildings may be a turn off at first, but once you go inside, you realize this school has so much heart. The PTO is very active and involved, and Cammie Neill is a dream of a principal. Every teacher at this school wants their students to succeed - I would see it in the halls every day at pick up. The compassion is through the roof. Also, once it's safe again, International Night is so much fun - Briar Vista celebrates its diversity and has all the families prepare dishes reflecting their culture. It's massively attended and just a joy. I had the option to send my child to Fernbank and I'm so glad I chose Briar Vista. Students thrive here, whether they can ace a standardized test or not.

Posted: August 19, 2020

We were given a chart to complete over a month - some simple activities, some a bit more involved. A lot were really fun, like having my child help write a grocery list. It felt like learning and not busy work, and I loved the flexibility it offered.

Posted: August 19, 2020

Posted: February 15, 2020

Briar Vista Elementary School is a hidden gem. The teachers, administration and staff are dedicated, caring and extremely competent. Our child has thrived at this school and we couldnt be happier with her progress academically and emotionally. Do not be turned away by this schools rating as only a 5/10. They have increased their CCRPI score increased to an 85.6 which is the same or better than surrounding schools. I strongly encourage prospective parents to visit and your this amazing school.

Posted: February 15, 2020

Posted: January 31, 2020

I sent to a school tour and was blown away with school and the Principal Cammie Neill. I have done several school tours and it was the first time a principal took the time to show me the school. The pride shown in the students, faculty and Administor was felt in each class room I toured from Pk to 5. She has me excited and the possibility of my daughter attending the Briar Vista Elementary.

Posted: January 31, 2020

I meet the Principal Cammie Neill at the school tour. She was information and excited about her school. She explained all the programs (Montessori and Traditional Classes). The environment and the cultural of school.

Posted: January 31, 2020

Posted: March 23, 2019

While the physical space is older and could use major renovation and updating, the people inside the building are amazing. I was very apprehensive about sending my kid to BVE, but when my student is picked up and I see them run to hug teachers and admin, I know they are truly cared for. Awesome school!

Posted: March 23, 2019

While busy work isnt totally absent, it is very rare!

Posted: March 23, 2019

Bullying, physical contact, and being mean is addressed compassionately but firmly.

Posted: March 23, 2019

Posted: October 24, 2018

We have one child in 5th grade, who arrived at BVE in the middle of his 1st grade year. Our other son is currently in kindergarten, and started last year in their Pre-K program. We absolutely love BVE. The parent community is extremely active, the teachers are reasonable and caring, and I feel like our children are genuinely immersed in the diversity of the world they will live in as adults. It's a place to build lifelong relationships in addition to achieving the learning goals a school should deliver. Our sons are both in Montessori-style classrooms.

Posted: May 24, 2018

The teachers we have had are awesome! We have had Ms. Lakus for the past 2 years. She loves her students, has high expectations for them, and does amazing projects with them.

Posted: May 24, 2018

The school is extremely diverse, with over 20 different countries represented. The diversity is celebrated. My son is friends with students of all backgrounds. It is refreshing to walk into a classroom and see so many different students together.

Posted: May 24, 2018

Ms. Neill received the award for Region II Principal of the Year this year, which is so deserved. She knows the name of every student in the school. It's amazing! She works hard and gets things done. You can tell she is committed to making BVE the best school it can be.

Posted: May 24, 2018

We have had the best experience at BVE. My son started in kindergarten and is just finishing up 2nd grade with Ms. Lakus. One thing that really makes BVE stand out is its Montessori program. The students learn independence and decision making through hands-on learning. Also, with the mixed-age classrooms, the students learn wonderful leadership skills as they become the "leaders" in the classroom. This also lends well to challenging the students by allowing them to move ahead in lessons or even move to lessons from a higher grade level, if they are ready.

The families are wonderful. The school really has a great community feel. I can feel it any time I walk into the school or at any school event.

I would absolutely recommend Briar Vista Elementary to anyone.

Posted: May 24, 2018

Project-based homework assignments which help the child to incorporate their learning in a meaningful way.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Great with awesome parental support. The school has such a caring environment. They thoroughly prepare students for middle school. They do very well with ESOL students also. Very diverse environment for students to be apart of.

Posted: March 20, 2017

My son was in the Montessori pre-k last year with Ms. Carter and loved it. The teachers were all great and seemed to really know my son and the best way to teach him. The principal is wonderful. Very personable and I can tell makes an effort to know each child in the school. We moved this year and are in a district with a higher great schools rating but would switch back to Briarvista in a heartbeat if it was logistically feasible for us. The school community and parent involvement is so strong. This is a great neighborhood Montessori school and I can tell it is only getting better. The rating on great schools does not do this school justice.

Posted: July 24, 2016

This is a great school! My grandson didn't like the private school so we went to Briar Vista His teacher Miss Patel is so wonderfuland patient. He learned a lot there. Ms. Patel found my grandson's unique potential in even called The parent to make a decision to choose a school for my grandson's kindergarten because we have to move from Decatur.

Posted: December 17, 2015

Fantastic school. The administration are so helpful and actively engage parents and children in dialogue. I've personally witness the principal identify each child she sees by name. The faculty have a great demeanor and there are some real gems teaching in the Montessori program. The faculty within Montessori are energetic and teach with such passion. My daughter started in kindergarten (now first grader) and my son began in pre-K. They enjoy waking up everyday to attend school! They love their teachers and friends. My husband and I love the diversity among families. We love Briar Vista!!

Posted: December 17, 2015

My children are in the Montessori program at Briar Vista and the growth I have seen in them over the past two years is amazing. The teacher's have recognized their strength's and built on those but they have also recognized their weaknesses and have given suggestions on how they can improve. This school has such a caring environment and a focus on learning so much that my children are excited each day to go to school and to come home and share what they have learned.

Posted: November 2, 2015

Posted: October 31, 2015

The Montessori program is experience. There is a lot of parental involvement, and the teachers are dedicated. The new principal is amazing. There have been a lot of improvements to the exterior of the school - a new playground and a new sign. The same great teachers are there, and the students seem so happy when you are walking through the building.

Posted: May 14, 2015

This was our first year at the school, and I couldn't be happier with my son's Montessori experience in Kindergarten. The PTO is highly functional and such an asset to the school. Principal Neill is fantastic and has done great things for the school in the short time she has been here. The facility, especially the kids bathroom, could use a facelift, but they are working on that. This is such a great community school.

Posted: November 16, 2014

My son is there for two years & my daughter just got admitted there in pre-K . It is great school & deserve better rating. I have to mention about Mrs. vina Black who help my son in his 3rd grade to get selected for Discovery program. The school needs fund for face lift. Great stuff over there.

Posted: June 6, 2014

Through my experience as a parent , I do like the school. My son also loves it and though he is non-native speaker, he develops himself significantly in a short time. The teachers are great, nice, committed, and helpful. Whenever I sent an email, I got the reply immediately. I would like also to praise the principal and her assistant for their great effort and support for students. When I registered my kid and see that greatschool.org rating it as 3 out of 10, I felt disappointed, but by experience I see the opposite and this school does deserve a higher score. All the best for this school, God bless its management, teachers, ESOL unit, and everybody

Posted: June 5, 2014

As a whole we love BVE. It is a great diverse neighborhood school. My son has been at BVE for two years. He had a wonderful teacher this year. Our new principal has made many positive changes at BVE. I know that change does not occur over night. Physical change occurs much faster than teacher changes. There are a lot of wonderful teachers at BVE howwever, there are still negative teachers and staff at BVE that are part of the old regime. I agree with the reveiw about the PE teacher. My son dreads going to PE. He says they mostly run laps and do push ups. I know there is a curriculum to follow however, one would think PE could be more fun and creative. My son loved olympic week because the dancing was fun and creative. We have a counselor at BVE that never smiles even at school events. She does not appear warm and friendly to parents or children. How can a counselor not be warm, friendly and welcoming? Children should feel comfortable going to a kind and friendly counselor if they ever had a problem. We look forward to many more positive changes occurring at BVE.

Posted: May 22, 2014

My son has been going to BVE for 4 years and really likes the PE teacher. I went to the Olympic ceremonies and thought they were nice, if not a little hokey. But they were not for me. They were for the kids, and the kids thought they were awesome! They even had a real Olympian talk to the kids. Yes, it took a while to get the kindergartners in position, but if you can get 50 five year olds to line up in formation quickly, well, good luck. It would be nice if there was air conditioning in the gym, but the kids didn't seem to mind the heat as much as I did.

Posted: May 20, 2014

Overall, this school has potential. New leadership has made a difference in welcoming people to the school. There are still numerous totally unfriendly teachers in the school who do not greet parents , don't smile, don't relate to the students and are rude. These are not isolated observations. The staff could use some training of how to communicate with parents and stop the negativity with children. Too many derogatory comments and hurtful things said to the students.

Posted: May 20, 2014

Nothing but packets of worksheets by some teachers who teach very little. Since when do worksheets teach? Some teachers are not well trained and do all the so called teaching through worksheets. Tons of them. Please show those teachers the door. Test scores reflect poor teaching by some and years of lack luster investment in our children. Some teachers are so I invested and could care less about their quality of teaching and interpersonal skills with children and parents. What are their redeeming qualities? We keep hearing that the more affluent children score better and the poor kids don't. What is the school doing to teach all kids? Montessori works much better and should be expanded. Get rid of dead beat teachers. The new principal has done cosmetic things and helped morale, but academics where it is ultimately. Get rid of mean teachers. Those who appear nice, but are mean and vindictive behind closed doors. Listen to our children. Get rid of impolite and unfriendly staff. Breathe more life into this school. Do a much better job teaching all children. Get rid of teachers who teach using nothing but worksheets and having kids answer the questions at the end of chapters for months

Posted: March 15, 2014

Briar Vista Elementary offers Montessori and traditional education tracks in a diverse multicultural setting. The new principal, Cammie Neill, has breathed fresh life into the efforts of teachers and support staff. The school will be receiving a face-lift to bring it into ADA compliance this year and the PTO is well on its way to funding a new playground. The atmosphere at the school is warm and friendly - teachers and staff know kids and parents by name and greet them as they walk through the school. School events such as the Food Truck Fridays, International Night and the Fun Run get all the families involved. Our son has had a wonderful year in kindergarten, is devoted to his teacher, and feels completely at home in the school. The Montessori program has suited him well and he enjoys after school activities including extra-curriculars. Positive changes, large and small, pervaded the school this year after the arrival of the new principal. The parents and teachers all seem to feel that she hears their concerns and works to address them. This, in turn, has encouraged renewed investment of time and effort from the school community. Briar Vista is the next Fernbank!

Posted: March 15, 2014

Briar Vista is a hidden gem! The 2013-2014 school year will be marked as the year this little neighborhood school was reinvented. The new principal has turned Briar Vista into a school that will soon be THE sought after school to send your kids. Very much looking forward to when the secret gets out and Briar Vista gets the accolades it deserves!

Posted: March 15, 2014

I am a teacher at Briar Vista Elementary. I am extremely happy to be part of this great school. Ms. Neill is an excellent principal. She is a team player and promotes a very positive atmosphere for both staff and students.

Posted: March 5, 2014

My school is Briar Vista Elementary. BVE epitomizes a truly "neighborhood" school. It is small, friendly, diverse and full of life and energy. Teachers we've known are outstanding and care deeply for the students - not just how they perform academically (although they care about this!) but on a sincere, personal level. Our child has been taught well and loved well. Contributing to this environment is the new leadership at the school. Ms. Neil, the principal, has made an unbelievable difference not only in faculty morale but with school spirit and parent involvement. We are very pleased with BVE now and see it trending even better in the near future.

Posted: March 5, 2014

My son is enrolled in the Montessori program and loves it! The new principal has brought the school to a new level. I've seen the reviews from the past years and please know that under this new leadership, we expect the school to take off!

Posted: March 5, 2014

We went to Briar Vista after 3 years of private Montessori schools and we were not disappointed! The staff and parents are dedicated to the Montessori way while helping students with important tests that wouldn't be presented in a private Montessori program.

Posted: March 5, 2014

Briar Vista is a gem of a school. This is our second year there and it only keeps getting better. We have a new principal this year who has dramatically improved the whole morale of the school. i love the fact that we have a choice of Montessori and traditional school tracks. Our daughter has thrived there and we are thankful for the diversity that exists in Briar Vista. We feel like she is getting a taste of the real world! Her teachers have been amazing and she has thrived there!

Posted: March 4, 2014

Briar Vista is an incredible hidden gem in our community. Our new principal is dedicated to making Briar Vista a viable school and to meeting the needs of our children. Not only to do they provide traditional classrooms, but their Montessori program is outstanding. My son is in the 1st grade Montessori classroom and whenever I enter the classroom every student is engaged. Not only are they working, but they are happily working and helping each other. The parent and teacher involvement is also on the rise. Our PTO has done a fantastic job raising money for our campus and teachers.

Posted: March 4, 2014

BriarVista Elementary has been such a pleasant surprise for our family's first experience in public school. We were so apprehensive to place our child in a public school, not knowing how they would be treated when dropped off and what type of education they are getting. Well, I can not say enough praise to the amazing men and women who care so deeply for our children day in and day out! Our new principal is a true gift to our kids, teachers, parents and community with a true desire to help us grow into the school the kids deserve!

Posted: March 4, 2014

Recently, this school has implemented new measures to improve overall performance of students. The new principal is instrumental in bringing all these changes. Teachers are working hard in the classrooms which is directly reflected in the students. The also have special classes on Tuesdays to boost students knowledge. Parents are also seen to be very keen in participating extra activities. I wish good luck for all the efforts made by the school in making it a top school.

Posted: March 4, 2014

My child has really enjoyed her experience at Briar Vista. Caring teachers, wonderful Montessori curriculum, and so much diversity! It is easy to get involved and make a difference, every family is welcome at BVE and it's not clique-ish like other nearby schools.

Posted: March 4, 2014

This is a great school. The teachers are involved, well trained, and are always very quick to answer any questions or concerns I've had as a parent. The new principal already knew all the kids after being at the school for only a couple months. The extra classes (gym, health, art, music, science) are interesting for my son. The Montessori Program is really special here. My son is never bored and is allowed to work along at his own pace. Plus working with older kids in his class has given him some great role models close to his own age. The events outside of school are great (Fall festival, Spring Fling, International Night, etc) and bring the community together.

Posted: August 7, 2013

Briar Vista is an excellent elementary school with a caring and engaged staff. It offers teaching in the Montessori method, a unique opportunity amongst public schools. The size of the school is not overwhelming. There is good parent involvement and support.

Posted: August 7, 2013

I have three girls at BVE in 3 grades, this is our third year there. I had always heard lukewarm reviews about the school, but we were determined to make our local school work. The girls are on the Montessori track and we have been thrilled with the education they are receiving. The teachers are engaged, smart, and caring. At BVE, all of my girls have blossomed into students who love learning and who are EAGER and EXCITED to return to school this year. As parents, we are proud of the school and proud to send our kids there. Under the leadership of a new principal this year (Cammie Neill), we have great expectations for the best year yet!

Posted: August 7, 2013

Positive changes at Briar Vista are making it a great place to be! This will be our second year in the Montessori program with daughters going into first grade and pre-K. Last year was great thanks to our wonderful teacher Ms. Mendello! I'm expecting this year to be even better thanks to the leadership of our new principal. The mood at the school is positive, welcoming and vibrant. Our PTO, administration and teachers worked so hard over the summer to reinvigorate into our school. With parent involvement continuing to grow we are looking forward to an exciting year with Ms. Lakus and Ms. Rogers!

Posted: August 6, 2013

I c bad reviews above esp regarding the teachers and staff. However this year in 2013 We have an awesome new principal who has turned the school around we also have at least 10 new teachers. Our pto has expanded and done tons of improvements in the school that I'm so happy with. I think this school is up and coming. This is also a school that is part of the cluster charter with get bank elementary. This being a new year I would give this school another chance!!

Posted: July 8, 2013

Ran into a problem when trying to get my son in for prek. They were unorganized about how to sign up and downright RUDE. The front office and principal need to find another career path bc they hate what they do. So sad because children are involved. We moved to Gwinnett for the better schools since and couldn't be happier. I would NEVER have sent my son here. We aren't desperate. I wasn't going to post a review until I read the reviewer below me. I completely agree with her words. I cannot speak for the teachers or the school only my first impression of the front office staff. That was enough to scare me away.

Posted: June 9, 2013

Briar Vista has an awful principle and the staff is extremely rude. It's seems like they dislike the children and it pains them to be there. The afterschool is not any better, the parents are spoken to aggressively and so are the children. DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE....

Posted: May 2, 2013

My son is just finishing his first year in the Montessori program here in Kindergarten. He is able to read beyond a first grade level, he can do math I wouldn't expect to see until 2nd grade and his maturity level exceeds my hopes. His teacher was committed, responsive, involved, and completely dedicated to her class (how many teachers have you met that would come to one of her student's birthday parties on a Saturday afternoon). Everyday my son comes home telling me what he learned and excited to go back the next morning. I don't think you can ask for much more.

Posted: October 4, 2012

This is our first year at BVE and we are really excited to be in a public Montessori program! It is fantastic and our teacher this year is wonderful! We have been following what has been going on with the PTO and are excited about our future with BVE!

Posted: September 4, 2012

I was not pleased with my experience at BVES. The focus is not on children in younger grades, only on CRCT testing grades. I was forced to move my child to a private school because I felt that the education being provided was inadequate. The school has a very high hispanic population and I don't feel that their voices are being heard. Administration leaves a lot to be desired. There is a disconnect between the needs of parents and the support provided.

Posted: October 4, 2011

I am very happy with my childs progress this year and the 1rst grade teacher. He is very happy about going to school and seems to be learning well. I do do not know how to communicate with the facality and wonder if they even want me to be involved. I do not feel we are a team. It is hard to meet the other children and their parents. My son wants to have play dates but there is no school directory and many parents do not speak English. The apperance of the school is poor. In the end...my son is happy and doing well.

Posted: April 16, 2011

Briar Vista is a very unique school in that there is such heart among the teachers for the students. You can see it at school events when you see a child light up at seeing their teacher and the teacher shines right back. Many parents volunteer at the school doing in class rooms and support roles for the staff. Culturally the student body is very diverse due to the location near the CDC and Emory University. When the school has their annual International dinner it is very much a international affair. The school has been doing this for over 2 decades and really shows how wonderful life could be if we all could sit down and break bread with one another

Posted: January 26, 2011

Our daughter is in her second year at Briar Vista. She has excelled there and is in the gifted program. She loves going to school and hates to miss it when she is too sick to go. The two teachers she has had, have been very good and committed to there work. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: January 23, 2011

Briar Vista is a diamond in the rough. I little gem of a school. We offer 2 tracks of education - Montessori and Traditional. We have music, PE and Art.

Posted: December 21, 2010

When we choose Briarvista we had seen the negative comments but spoke to parents, who said the contrary. My daughter is excelling and she loves the school, this is the most important thing in the world. I also have other family members that have children at the school and they love it, too. The preschool program is amazing and I hope to get my youngest in, next year. To provide a balanced review, Briarvista is not perfect but they are dang good. The administration seems to have a top down approach to leadership. I have noticed that teachers do not seem happy to be there many times. I understand that having discipline is very important but I want my daughter s teacher to be happy, period. I also wish there were more afterschool activities for the lower level children. I have not noticed that teacher discontentment has jeopardized my daughter's education in any way. I get weekly reports and curriculum updates from her teacher letting me know how she is doing. I have noticed that the school is always trying to improve, so I am sure some of the negative aspects of the school will correct themselves in due time. We are very happy with Briarvista and I am sure you would be, too.

Posted: December 20, 2010

Briar Vista continues to prevent the nonsense going on the DeKalb County School System level from penetrating to the classroom. We have 2 children there in the Montessori program and they are receiving an excellent education. Adding the traditional track has been a boon as Montessori teachers are no longer forced to try to teach the Montessori method to upper elementary children with no prior experience; imagine being a 4th grader who has already learned long division using a paper and pencil and having to learn how to use the beads and other manipulatives--annoying to say the least. At the same time, students who do have the self-control to direct their own learning are not frustrated by having to wait passively for the teacher to tell them what they are doing next. Montessori is great! This is our fifth year at the school and we haven't had a bad teacher yet. The only negative thing about the school is that there is a small core of parents who are involved, and a large number of parents who are content to sit back and let others do the work.

Posted: October 27, 2010

Don't get hung up on standardized test scores. Until this year Briar Vista was a 100% Montessori school, a teaching method that emphasizes the individual not the test. This is the best kept gen in Dekalb county. As of this year both Montessori and Traditional classes are avaialbe but the empasis on the individual remains.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		3 mi
2	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		18.7 mi

Base	Distance
Dobbins ARB	12.5 mi.
Fort Gillem	12.9 mi.

Briar Vista Elementary School

Atlanta, GA 30324

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Briar Vista Elementary School

Atlanta, GA 30324

School Ratings

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