Brennen Elementary School

Posted: August 6, 2025

I have 2 children in Brennen and have been there through 2 different principals. The teachers, staff, administration, etc are all exceptional. One of my children has had 2 brain surgeries while attending and learning and support has been fantastic. From getting IEP’s and learning disabilities to the Advanced Academic placement classes, both of my children are thriving. My brother (their uncle) passed way and the counselors and teachers added another layer of support emotionally for their and my loss. I can’t recommend this school more…it is the best Elementary School in the district, state, country and I love and thank them all!!!

This is the greatest school ever, send your children here!

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: August 6, 2025

Posted: June 1, 2023

I attended Brennen Elementary School as a child from 1995-2000 and it was just amazing as it was then as it is now. Brennen has always been unique in their own way and even as a kid I remember being excited to see what was next on the agenda each day I arrived. My daughter now attends Brennen and absolutely loves it. Even if I offer her a day for a mental break (which I feel everyone needs every once in a while) she'd gladly accept going to school and learning while being surrounded by what I consider a refreshingly diverse environment with teachers and students that she enjoys being around. Mark Shea is an amazing principal and keeps all parents updated on school events via email each week and different fundraisers including family nights. My daughter is currently enrolled in 3rd Grade AAP ELA & Math and has soared over these last two semesters and prepared for 4th grade thanks to her teachers, staff, and myself. I wouldn't want her to be anywhere else and look forward to my son starting K4 in the fall.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Posted: June 1, 2023

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Posted: January 28, 2023

I'm not speaking from a teaching or instruction aspect, I am speaking of adminstration in order to give constructive feedback. Please be sure to interact with potential hires in a respectful and professional manner. Sometimes, first and second impressions are the only ones we get before we decide whether to go through with the decision to accept the job offer, or not. Don't take it personally when someone declines the position. Teaching canadidates have to do what's best for them, not what is best for you and your school. I think it's important to call the candidate on the phone, or send them an email to confirm whether or not they still want the job before offering it to them without verifying first. I understand it's challenging to fill positions, but candidates arent obligated to take the job just because they were invited to interview.

Posted: January 28, 2023

Posted: January 11, 2023

Administration shows a severe lack of communication skills, and they show favoritism towards staff.

Posted: January 11, 2023

Posted: January 11, 2023

Posted: January 11, 2023

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Posted: January 11, 2023

Posted: January 11, 2023

Posted: January 11, 2023

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Brennen excels in every category and testing scores reflect that. The administration and teaching staff are second to none. The PTO is very active and supportive (financially and otherwise). There is a reason everyone is trying to move into the Brennen attendance zone. Ask around.

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: September 18, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

The administration will not take a stand, or deal with obvious behavior issues as long as they think they are the “best” elementary school in the district.

Posted: August 29, 2019

This school could thrive with competent leadership and accountability.

Posted: August 29, 2019

Communication issues between the classroom and home.
Homework is busywork, not enrichment.

Posted: August 29, 2019

The K-3 teacher’s are fantastic.
Fourth and fifth grade are a huge disappointment.

Posted: August 29, 2019

Posted: August 29, 2019

The principal is not an effective communicator or leader. He will avoid confrontation at all costs.

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 8, 2019

I love this school. It has a great staff ....

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 8, 2019

Posted: August 19, 2018

Posted: August 19, 2018

Excellent school that is helping our daughters thrive.

Posted: August 19, 2018

Homework starts in 1st grade, but not a heavy load

Posted: August 19, 2018

Great caring teachers and staff- very helpful and work to make it a great school

Posted: August 19, 2018

Focus on helping everyone, and respecting others

Posted: August 19, 2018

Posted: August 19, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

So far, it’s been the worst school experience we have ever had. I’m thinking of pulling my child out and home schooling her for the remainder of the year until I find a better solution for next year.

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: June 10, 2014

To the person who wrote the negative review concerning "some of the second and third grade teachers", I think you should not generalize. To my knowledge, there was one teacher on each grade level who may have been considered below par by some, but the rest are top-notch. By the way, those questionable teachers are now gone, so both grade levels are even stronger than before with the most competent teachers.

Posted: April 9, 2013

i am a former student, but I moved to VA after 5th grade. I can say that the bad reviews can't be true. I was only there for 2 years, but those two years were the BEST. I LOVED it. Not saying VA isn't good either, but Brennen shaped me. I read GONE WITH THE WIND there. I was in ALL AAP. I was going to go to Crayton, to MEGSSS. Still, GO THERE. You will NOT regret it.

Posted: January 24, 2013

As a parent of two students at Brennen for the past 6 years, I could not be more pleased. I have one typical child and a child with Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning autism) with an IQ in the "very superior" range. Both are in the Advanced Academic Program. They are so happy and love their school! The support from the teachers and administration to help each child reach his or her potential is unparalleled. It truly is a team effort. The academics and learning are at the top. But we all know that there is so much more to school than that. Besides the academics, the arts programs are top notch (the drama dept will blow you away) and every day you see volunteers, parents, mentors all giving their time and talents to this wonderfully diverse student body. My kids have learned lifeskills, had dozens of hands-on field trips and learning experiences, acted in plays, made sculptures, been colonial patriots, danced, written newspapers...I could go on and on. I cannot imagine being anywhere else! Thank you Brennen Elementary!

Posted: January 14, 2013

With new administration, staff, and teachers, the success of BES keeps getting better! There's a strong social and academic focus on all students, meeting the diverse needs of the school community. The Brennen community is professional, well knowledged and caring. Parent involvement is phenomenal. Parents assist in tutoring, volunteering in the office and supporting teachers through a variety of measures. Parents are welcomed as a part of the school day and can often be found giving tours, mentoring students, and sharing their expertise. If you're looking for a school that focuses on student learning, creating thinkers and not just doers, one that sees parents as partners, and a principal who is aiming for the success of EVERY child that walks through the door, BRENNEN is the place for you and your family.

Posted: January 13, 2012

This is a wonderful school, but like most public schools, bad teachers do exist here and have for some time. Talk to other parents, The good news (or bade news if you really think about it) is that these bad teachers are well known and have been around for years, so are easy to find out about. It saddens me that I have to rate this school lower, because of a few bad apples, but they persist thanks to system that rewards bad teachers with tenure and does not want hold bad teacher accountable, nor reward good ones. Be particularly carful with some of the 2nd and 3rd grade teachers.