briarcliffe elem (Cary: how much, elementary schools, living)

[cary crowd]

Could anyone tell me about Briarcliffe Elementary school? Is this school a good school as far as academics, pta, etc.? We are new to the area and trying to decide if we should use public school.
Thanks!!!

[lamishra]

Briarcliff does not have one of the best reputations amongst Cary elementary schools (but is probably decent when compared to schools in the county overall). I hear a lot of complaints about it, but you never really know.
I heard people say the same thing about Cary Elementary before we moved to that school and you know what? We LOVE it there.
Are you already enrolled there and trying to decide between and private school? If so, maybe you could give it 1/2 a year and see how it goes since you have the option of private school too. It takes a while to really get to know the ins and outs of a school, the principal, the PTA and the overall feel for it.

[cary crowd]

Thanks for the info....We are currently living here. I have heard rumors too, this is why I can not decide. I have also found out the school is Title I and that they are in a upgrade status which means we have the option of Reedy Creek Elem. but I am not sure is this is any better.....any info is so much apreciated..

[lamishra]

Well, I DO know several familes who go to Reedy Creek Elem and they seem to like it.

[cary crowd]

Thanks for the info.....2 questions....would you pick Briarcliffe of Reedy Creek? and what are some of the rumors about Briarcliffe?

[lamishra]

Just that they are title I, as you mentioned and that academically the school doesn't do very well. I've heard little of this and a little of that about overcrowding, high FNR numbers compared to the rest of Cary schools, high ESL population "bringing down scores" , unhappy teachers etc. I really don't know how much is true and how much is just people complaining, but I hear other parents talking about things like that at scout meetings, birthday parties etc.