Browne Academy in Alexandria | Military Town Advisor

Posted: November 9, 2023

We have been at Browne academy for the past 4 years. It has been nothing short of amazing. Our son has grown and thrived in a supportive and challenging environment. He gets special support a few times a week in their guided study program and it has been a game changer for him. Its helped him with executive function and how he learns best. The teachers are all very committed and the parents are warm and welcoming.

Posted: November 9, 2023

Posted: November 2, 2023

One of the most striking aspects of Browne Academy is the unwavering commitment to community happiness. The school's environment is filled with positivity and joy, making it a place where students truly enjoy learning. Teachers go above and beyond to create engaging and stimulating lessons that not only educate but also inspire. This focus on happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a lasting foundation for personal growth and well-being.

Posted: November 2, 2023

Posted: September 8, 2023

We have been with Browne since JK, now in 5th grade and love every ounce of the school! It is the most loving and educationally enriching environment! My daughter continues to come home every day filled with excitement to go back to school so I couldnt be happier.

Posted: September 8, 2023

Posted: March 5, 2019

Not a great experience. Had to pull our kid after a couple years because weren't getting enough bang for our buck. Made far more sense to go public and have 30k to use as we please on tutors/lessons, etc.

Posted: March 5, 2019

Posted: October 28, 2018

Peggy Otey is second to none. She loves her students and knows them all by name. She is communicative and highly responsive to feedback. She responds nearly immediately to emails. Both heads of the lower school have been fantastic and highly knowledgeable.

Posted: October 28, 2018

Learning differences are acknowledged and supported. The individual learning differences and learning styles are all addressed specifically according to the individual's needs.

Posted: October 28, 2018

Bullying is not something I have witnessed or heard about at Browne. There is not a status culture at Browne, and the kids develop great conflict resolution skills.

Posted: October 28, 2018

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my experience at Browne Academy a 100. My child would probably rate it higher, if possible. There is a strong culture of community at Browne, your first time on Campus you'll notice you are greeted by every person (no matter the age!) My child shows such enthusiasm for school. She is challenged academically and supported emotionally. Browne empowers their students by teaching them as early as PreK that their ideas matter. Beyond the classroom, the relationships you gain from the teachers, faculty and other parents have impacted our lives in the most positive ways. I feel very connected to the Browne Community and to my daughter's experience at school. I can not stress enough how lovely the Browne students are; they are some of the brightest, unique, and passionate little people I have ever met. I am so grateful to have my daughter surrounded and supported by such a kind community. I should also mention that diversity in students and faculty is a priority for our family, and this is a shared value at Browne. It is highly inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Browne has been a magical place for my family, and if you're looking for a school for your child to feel "at home" at, look no further.

Posted: October 28, 2018

The homework is effective has been a great interaction tool with my child, and gives my child an opportunity to bring ideas from the classroom home to us.

Posted: October 28, 2018

The teachers are a primary reason we are enrolled at Browne. They are so passionate about their work! The teachers are highly invested in the children, and the their affection for their students is obvious. They are the height of professionalism. Each teacher Ive had the pleasure of knowing seems to be answering a calling; if you want your children to be challeneged and loved on send them to Browne

Posted: October 28, 2018

Character development has been a central theme throughout my child's experience at Browne. Starting in Preschool, the children are taught to be kind to one another, and taught about feeling empathy. Respect for oneself, others, their things and space are taught in little and big ways.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Our daughter at Browne Academy just Loves School! We are so appreciative that we discovered Browne. A challenging curriculum, talented and passionate teachers, and small class sizes provides personal hands on learning experiences on a daily basis. The range of extracurricular activities are AWESOME-pottery and soccer to name a few. Of equal importance is that our daughter's learning expands beyond the classroom. Browne's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the school's Values are interwoven throughout our daughter's daily experiences. Browne provides a challenging curriculum, builds character, and promotes empowerment in a safe and nurturing environment.

Posted: October 17, 2018

The Junior Kindergarten homework reinforces the academic learning and students provide oral presentations of their homework product to their teachers and peers.

Posted: October 17, 2018

The teachers are talented and passionate about their work and they provide a collaborative learning experience throughout the students' curriculum.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Browne provides a nurturing learning environment that expands beyond the classroom. The school's Mission and Values are interwoven throughout the students' daily experiences that builds character and positive engagement with others, and their environment.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Leadership is transparent and is always available for discussions. Leadership consistently communicates with the Browne community and encourages dialogue.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Posted: September 11, 2018

We have been proud parents of a Browne Academy student for the past seven years. While every school has its ups and downs, overall we have been satisfied with the quality of education he has received so far, as well as the supportive and nurturing environment that the faculty and staff provide. You can't beat the small class sizes and individualized attention and instruction. There are many opportunities for students to participate in enrichment activities, performance arts programs, sports, and leadership roles. The leadership team is approachable and responsive, and is creative, progressive in curriculum advancement, and passionate about the school. Browne Academy is also, by far, the most diverse local private school as well as having a very friendly and familial community environment.

Posted: September 11, 2018

Posted: August 23, 2018

The teachers are always ready to help any student who is having a problem with their learning ability.

Posted: August 23, 2018

This school makes sure no bullying is accepted. The students get along with each other very well to the best of my knowledge.

Posted: August 23, 2018

My child always brings home her homework assignment and finished before going to bed. Sometimes she calls her friend on phone and discusses it if she has a problem with it.

Posted: August 23, 2018

Teachers are always ready and have time for the students if they are having a problem with any particular subject. They are very dedicated and spends extra time on one to one basis

Posted: August 23, 2018

If a problem arises from the students, the Head of the school including the Faculty will have a meeting with parents to see how to resolve it.

Posted: August 23, 2018

The leadership at this school is great. The Staff and Faculty work together to make sure every student succeeds.

Posted: August 23, 2018

My experience at this school is 100%. I am very satisfied with this school.

Posted: August 9, 2018

After a couple of amazing years, we have decided to pull our children from Browne. While the teachers definitely try to be effective, there has been too much change this year and we're not convinced it will improve in the 2018-2019 school year. At a price tag of 30K, I would expect more of an emphasis on education.

Posted: August 9, 2018

Posted: May 17, 2017

Great school.This place has been everything anyone could ever want in a school.I have twin girls we came here as 5th graders and now we are rising 7th graders.

Posted: April 24, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

This school is horrible school in comparison to the tuition (30,000). For the most part Browne has been good over the years but it's gone down hill. Teachers single students out and constantly go after them. Most students only care for themselves and have no manners. So much for one of their core values, character. It's gotten so bad that a teacher was singling a student out so much that the student said something vary rude about the teacher. The thing about this is she was expelled for this. Don't get me wrong Browne has a decent education and gets students ready for highschool pretty well. But you better hope your kid won't say something about a teacher online, or else they'll get expelled. Save your $30,000, check out other schools.

Posted: June 23, 2016

The small class sizes allow the teachers to develop strengths and teach each student in a way that suites their ability and personality best.

Posted: June 23, 2016

The small class sizes and one on one interaction between the teacher and each student fosters inclusiveness.

Posted: June 23, 2016

My daughter has been at Browne for 4 years, she loves it! We are pleasantly surprised by the community and the education she is receiving. I almost feel like Browne is a hidden gem in the DC area. We looked at several schools and have not been convinced that the high ratings and reviews that some of the more popular schools receive would be worth the switch. if your looking for a down to earth place that will provide your child with a great education I suggest you give Browne a look. This is not another snooty school where one upmanship is the norm.

Posted: September 9, 2015

My daughter is starting her second year at Browne. She loves coming to school and was so excited to start the new school year today! The environment is nurturing and the teachers truly love what they do. The community is close knit and very down to earth. Coming from a daycare environment where I rarely got to know other parents, I'm thankful that the many school functions allow parent interaction. Teachers and administrators have responded to my questions and concerns quickly and appropriately. As with anything, you need to visit to make sure it's a good fit for your family. We're glad we found Browne and can't wait for our youngest to attend!

Posted: August 21, 2015

My 2 children have been at Browne Academy for many years. There truly has never been a time when they were not happy. They have been given a stellar education supported by wonderful teachers and administrators. During these years, they have become confident and well rounded children, who are ready for what comes next!

Posted: August 13, 2015

Our daughter is entering her 10th year at Browne having started in the early preschool level. Browne has fostered her growth not only academically, athletically and artistically, but in character as well. The partnership towards excellence that exists between parents, students and Browne staff develops critical thinking skills, but also a love for athletics , the arts and foreign languages, as well as a firm knowledge of varied academic subjects. However, just as important is the diverse and community-minded environment. To sum it up, Browne has equipped our daughter to take on the world with confidence, skill sets and compassion. A parent could not ask for a greater foundation.

Posted: August 13, 2015

Last year, as we were considering kindergarten, we visited several schools, both public and independent. When my daughter exited her classroom visit at Browne Academy, she exclaimed, "This is where I want to go!" Her assessment was the same as ours: Browne Academy was the perfect fit for our family. Starting with Day 1 of kindergarten (a daunting time for little kids), she was excited to come to school every day. Her teachers were outstanding educators, as well as warm, lovely people. The Browne community as a whole (faculty, staff, families) is down-to-earth, engaged, supportive, and approachable. We could not ask for more from a school.

Posted: August 12, 2015

The teachers at Browne Academy are extraordinary - whether it is the ones that have been there forever or the new hires - they all go above and beyond.

Posted: August 12, 2015

Yes. In fact one of Browne Academy's four core values is character and they focus on cultivating integrity, moral responsibility, service, and citizenship in students.

Posted: August 12, 2015

I joined the Browne Academy team last year and there is an incredible sense of community. Being completely new to the area I felt like everyone (staff, teachers, and parents) reached out and made me feel at home whether it was an invitation to dinner or a recommendation for a dentist. I am always impressed with how teachers go the extra mile to support the school community. It just feels different compared to most places.

Posted: January 17, 2015

I m a parent of a child attending Browne Academy. Who caught wind of some information regarding a teacher mishandling and mistreating children very unsettling. I have major concerns about my child's safety and fear that they may be placed in this teacher s class. Browne has not addressed the issue on such matters, which leads me to question the schools priorities and leadership. I will not renew my contract with Browne Academy next year and currently seeking new school options, which lead me to this site. If I would have known about the GreatSchools website before hand and read some of Browne Academy s reviews, I wouldn t have placed my child elsewhere. Finding a new school takes away the worry and concern for my child, but leaves these pending issues in the balance for other parents and students to ponder until the matter is resolved.

Posted: November 16, 2014

Wonderful (and truly diverse!) school with dedicated, enthusiastic and loving teachers. (The school makes significant investments in professional development, which is why I think it attracts - and keeps - this great staff year after year.) The head of school is responsive to parents and consistently in the classrooms with her students and teachers. From a parent perspective, it looks like there is a lot of collaboration between the classes and administration. Parents at Browne are really involved too - it's a small, tight-knit community. The campus is gorgeous and the kids are outside A LOT - the kindergarten class recently learned to "write like scientists" by investigating the school's gardens and trees. Not a bad way to learn ...

Posted: July 22, 2014

Our children will begin their Browne academic experience in the fall and as parents who are dedicated to providing our children with an outstanding education, we found Browne to be an excellent fit. The warmth and attention we received throughout the application process has been wonderful and we are so excited about the new head who started in the summer. She has so much energy! Our kids adore her already. We sent our children to Browne's summer camp to help acclimate them to their new surroundings. They quickly made friends and were embraced by the Browne students. They already feel comfortable on campus and have received insight from current students on what to expect in the fall. We can't wait for school to start and are looking forward to and anticipating an awesome year.

Posted: July 17, 2014

Browne is in obvious shambles. Massive exodus, half of the faculty is gone. Schools website is very deceiving. Lots of teacher vacancies and low student enrollment. I met the new head of school...more of the same.

Posted: May 14, 2014

Wow I would guess that the negitive person complaining about asking for money does not understand that this is a non profit organization and the donations help to keep the school open and offer the best teachers available. We have two children at Browne who thrive. They have become lifelong learners and are excited and proud to be students at Browne. Believe me it is is not a country club school we have students and families from all walks of life.

Posted: January 24, 2014

As a current Browne parent with two children in the school, we now have experiences with each division (we have been at the school for 7 years). While it has not been perfect, it is a great community and has served both of our children well. The PS is awesome, the LS is good (we could use a change in LS leadership, but there are good caring teachers in this division) and from what I can tell so far the MS is great. Browne lives up to the progressive school label, meeting children where they are. They do push, but with care and are an open environment that will work with parents to make sure their children have what they need. It's unfortunate that others did not have the same experience, but my belief is that part of that is due to mis-aligned expectations. It's a school, made up of people, not all will be perfect. It's an independent school and as a product of a Pre-K - 12 independent education, I will tell you ALL independent schools ask you for money and every school will have issues with one or more staff member every year. It's the nature of the beast. It simply boils down to what is right for your child and your family and for us Browne has been a great choice so far.

Posted: January 20, 2014

Browne is a fantastic school. Any parent will see great social & academic development from their children while attending Browne. My two children who are in different grades have had excellent teachers during the 3 years the have been enrolled. This school is amazing because they take all types of children and succeed in turning them in to smart, capable and curious students! A parent couldn't ask for a more caring & academically focused environment for their child.

Posted: January 13, 2014

Horrible private school. My daughter went there. I moved her to another school due to incompetent teachers and staffs. All they care is your money. Really nice until they got your money. Save the headache and go somewhere else.

Posted: February 20, 2013

My child must be in a different school compared to the most recent reviewers. Our experience is more in alignment with the "will be leaving" parent from November 26, 2012 review...

Posted: February 18, 2013

Browne Academy is a wonderful school with supportive teachers and a wonderful student body. My child has thrived and grown so much due to teachers that truly care and love the kids. The environment is friendly and the resources are great. I have only seen children enjoy, thrive, and love coming to school. Browne is a great choice!

Posted: February 13, 2013

Browne is a loving and nurturing community. The children enjoy coming to schools everyday. It is a positive and welcoming environment and my children are having a great experience. If you are looking for a school that really knows the students, Browne is the perfect school.

Posted: December 3, 2012

My daughter is thriving at Browne Academy! The preschool is a special place where she is loved and cared for by kind and pleasant teachers. The director of the preschool is a friendly and helpful presence at the school. I love the small class sizes and all the activities(art, library, PE, music, math, reading, handwriting, French!) my daughter is engaged in everyday. She is building a very strong academic and social foundation, I couldn't be happier with her development since we started at Browne!

Posted: November 25, 2012

Most reviews seem to be from younger parents. It does not get better. Disciplinary issues, academics for above average students, bullying, lack of leadership, constant hounding for donations, etc are all issues at Browne. Not what we wanted or expected. Will be leaving!!

Posted: September 27, 2012

My son has been a student at Browne Academy for the past seven years. I have seen him mature and thrive due to the stong academic and nurturing environment at Browne. His academic abilities exceed those of the public school at the same level and he continues to be motivated to learn. Am I happy with everything - of course not. But as a parent I remain involved with my son's education and speak up and out often. The classes are small and most teachers are very passionate and really get to know the children they teach. I would like to see better leadership and involvement from the heads of school - a changing of the guard is needed.