Discussions

My son is going into kindergarten this year. We had tried to get him into st. Augustine’s but unfortunately our application was not selected in the random draw and we are currently on their waiting list. SO it looks as though he is going to be attending the next school in our catchment area which is New Era. All i have heard are terrible things about this school, so im wondering if anybody has any comments or anything to say if they have children currently or previously attending New Era... positive or negative. Im nervous, but i also know that its unfair to believe everything that i have heard. Thanks!

We had heard the same stories you have, we were even told to move rather than send our kids to New Era. But we’ve had kids there since the early 2000’s, with our youngest still having two more years, and we and the kids love the school!!  
 
Admittedly our kids are in French immersion, but New Era gets a bad rap, I think in large part because it’s in the ‘core’ and has a lot of immigrant and native families. I love that my kids are exposed to and make friends with kids from other cultures. And I will say that, while NE has a bad reputation, those stories occur at EVERY school, they just aren’t repeated as much when they occur at Waverly or Riverheights.

My oldest attends New Era(with our three youngest going to be attending as well in the next few years) for French Immersion and we have never had any problems at all, nor have we heard of any major issues at the school either, in fact the School has been nothing but amazing in helping her with her anxiety issues  
(Ps our parent council always needs new members)  
 
Edited by zxymomma, 2018-02-12 18:29:23

I don''t get the bad rep either, both my kids have been going there since Kindergarten and we''ve never had to deal with anything that wouldn''t happen at any other school. To be completely honest it''s been a good school as far as I''m concerned. It's got a real multicultural vibe and they staff has been largely supportive to both our kids through their time there.  
 
Edited by Degenerate108, 2018-02-12 18:34:34

New Era is one of the better schools in Brandon. Every school has their negatives and positives. But New Era is a very good school.

Have you thought about Christian Heritage School? It is a excellent school with smaller classrooms which in the long run gives each child more time with the teacher. We would never choose another school!!

brandonblondie said "Have you thought about Christian Heritage School? It is a excellent school with smaller classrooms which in the long run gives each child more time with the teacher. We would never choose another school!! "

Those prices yikes, great if you can afford but think it's more for the elite of brandon:  
 
Kindergarten 1/2 day - $ 1,800 per yearKindergarden full day - $3,600 per yearFirst student (Grade 1-8) - $ 4,160 per yearTwo students (Grade 1-8) - $ 5,960 per yearThree or more students (K-8) - $ 6,720 per year

Stay far away from new era I feel!! It’s a rough area of town and I have heard nothing bad about this school and that’s from kids right up to the teachers there. First it’s in a rough area so the school is going to teach to the slowest kid, kids academically are going to be all over the charts... a friend of mine had her child in that school and couldn’t stand a few teachers that taught to her child... she was told at a parent teacher interview that her child is in a class with kids that don’t have the same resources as her child and they had to teach to the lower end of the kids levels. I researched each school in Brandon and never been in our catchment area and very happy with the school we picked for our kids. Meet with the teachers also as the teachers are what makes your kid love school. Sit in the classroom for a bit see how they teach and how the kids respond to the teacher. The kindergarten teacher is what makes the child love school. Bad teachers kids aren’t going to love school. Same as to the administration staff. It’s your child’s education and interview anyone or everyone. If your already asking questions regarding that school ur not going to be happy

Our child goes to St. Augustine’s. It only costs $50 for the year. Class sizes are max 20, only 1 class per grade. Students that are baptized catholic get in first then they fill any remaining spots with non-catholic families.  
 
Our catchment school was Earl Oxford. That school is overcrowded (as I was told by the teacher when I toured the school). I was also not happy with things I saw when I was there. We love St. Augustine’s and could not be happier.

My little ones go to New Era and they love it. I’ve dealt with and loved both kinder teachers. Had a little bit of an issue with bullies in the first little bit but it’s all been dealt with and squashed. As a parent with children in their first years of school, I was nervous and anxious. The regular communication and open contact has helped with that. I’ve also heard the negative things about it but I, personally, am very happy with everything that the school has offered to my children this far. Highly recommend it.

I’m sorry newgirl that you have heard such terrible things about this school from others. From first hand experience we sent our child there for 2 reasons: to learn French and for cultural diversity. When he first started I remember hearing terrible things too and I’m glad I didn’t listen!! He loves it and has come such a long way. His teachers have been amazing, and has made great friends. He is ahead of where he should be with his home readings and can speak French better than I ever could! Yes there is a large spectrum of culture at this school but that isn’t a bad thing. We ourselves have a very good home life and I’m glad my son is learning to treat everyone with respect and is learning some of these different cultures. I am glad with our decision to send our child hear. Hope you find what you are looking for!

newgirl999 said "Stay far away from new era I feel!! It’s a rough area of town and I have heard nothing bad about this school and that’s from kids right up to the teachers there. First it’s in a rough area so the school is going to teach to the slowest kid, kids academically are going to be all over the charts... a friend of mine had her child in that school and couldn’t stand a few teachers that taught to her child... she was told at a parent teacher interview that her child is in a class with kids that don’t have the same resources as her child and they had to teach to the lower end of the kids levels. I researched each school in Brandon and never been in our catchment area and very happy with the school we picked for our kids. Meet with the teachers also as the teachers are what makes your kid love school. Sit in the classroom for a bit see how they teach and how the kids respond to the teacher. The kindergarten teacher is what makes the child love school. Bad teachers kids aren’t going to love school. Same as to the administration staff. It’s your child’s education and interview anyone or everyone. If your already asking questions regarding that school ur not going to be happy "

Speaking of the slow kid, "you're", "ur" and "your" are not interchangeable, cupcake. The second example isn't even a word.  
Secondly, you've provided nothing but hearsay. Not one of your statements is based on firsthand information.  
Thirdly, Rough area of town? we've lived downtown for over ten years. Not many complaints personally. Also,her school of choice is literally kitty corner to New Era, does that church somehow make it safer?

I hate it how ppl think, Waverly, Riverheights, at the to go schools in Brandon. Whats next.. when we get the new school built in south end that it will be the best school in town?  
 
Nothing special about either schools. Plus as of January.. there are no acceptance for school of choice anymore, due to over crowding schools. So people should be going to their catchement schools, or move to an area where you prefer where your child would like to go.

Schools like New Era (~52 nationalities) provide something that many expensive private and religious schools lack- diversity.  
In this modern age, diversity and socio-cultural awareness have become more important than they ever were before. On of the places where this evident is at international schools, where people from different cultural background come together.  
And really, how is it possible to impress in a child the importance of inclusiveness, solidarity, fairness and diversity in a schools that prides itself in exclusivity.  
Many students enjoyed sharing a desk with kids from different parts of the neighborhood and, indeed, the world. Their eyes are open to new perspectives and views, and their minds stretched by stories related by kids who come from wartorn regions and oppressive regimes.  
What parent wouldn’t want their children to be educated in a culturally diverse and harmonious schools environment in which every child, regardless of their social, economic and cultural circumstances, interact and learn about the world and the human conditions through the exchange of views and ideas?  
As Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc observed, “It is those who haven’t experience diverse perspectives and outlooks in life who tend to provide very linear and unimaginative solutions to problems” “the broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have”.

newgirl999 said "Stay far away from new era I feel!! It’s a rough area of town and I have heard nothing bad about this school and that’s from kids right up to the teachers there. First it’s in a rough area so the school is going to teach to the slowest kid, kids academically are going to be all over the charts... a friend of mine had her child in that school and couldn’t stand a few teachers that taught to her child... she was told at a parent teacher interview that her child is in a class with kids that don’t have the same resources as her child and they had to teach to the lower end of the kids levels. I researched each school in Brandon and never been in our catchment area and very happy with the school we picked for our kids. Meet with the teachers also as the teachers are what makes your kid love school. Sit in the classroom for a bit see how they teach and how the kids respond to the teacher. The kindergarten teacher is what makes the child love school. Bad teachers kids aren’t going to love school. Same as to the administration staff. It’s your child’s education and interview anyone or everyone. If your already asking questions regarding that school ur not going to be happy "

Are you really suggesting that because a child is from a core neighbourhood that they are academically slower? That is ignorant and appalling. I have nothing but positive things to say about New Era, it was in fact my school of choice.

Just so you know “religious” schools also have diversity. Many of the children in my child’s class come from different countries.

First of all, ANY school, and ANY classroom is going to have a wide range of learning abilities and needs. That is not unique to a 'rough' area. I think your friend may have misinterpreted the 'teaching to the lowest', and I would definitely question that statement. Secondly, 'rough'? Really? This isn't downtown L.A. I understand Brandon has its problems, but they are not always related to location, and teachers are (hopefully) doing their best, no matter where they teach.  
 
The only thing I agree with you is in regards to asking questions. Absolutely - talk to as many teachers, admin, and parents as you can. If there are disgruntle parents, get to the bottom of their complaints. Make an informed decision, not just the 'friend of a friend of a friend' hearsay.

My two young children go to new era, my daughter hasn’t had any problems, but my son is constantly getting bullied, teachers won’t do anything until I show up mad. His stuff is always being stolen like his food, his stuff. My son is the only,kid that has to put all his things in the classroom. But I don’t have the option to move schools. No one bullied him for the past month now but it could happen again. My little,guy is so sensitive and only has a few friends.

I went to Riverheights School in the 80’s and 90’s, K-9. Lived in a nice neighbourhood in a beautiful house. I was bullied to no end. Every day was hell.  
Now my son goes to Betty Gibson School which we live close to. It is a GREAT school. He is an easy target for bullies. Has been going there for 3 years and has NEVER been bullied once. He loves the school and the teachers and supports, and students are fantastic. Never ever would I send him to Riverheights school because of the horrible experience I had there years ago. You can’t just assume good schools are in the “nicer” areas....

In my personal opinion every school has its own issues (bullying, lack of discipline) my son goes to one of the school in the east of town and I’ve heard some horrible things but my son loves this school. So far he hasn’t had any problems. But One of the things I heard from other parents and some of the staff is that the same kids are always the trouble makers.

Our son attends New Era French Immersion. We have had no issues, he is in grade 4 - has loved all his teachers and loves the school.

So if I read this thread correctly, there is a total of 1 negative reply about New Era based on second-hand information and absurd assumptions, and everyone else has been positive. To the OP, I hope you read with an open mind. You will be happy with New Era, unless you already don't want to be.

My granddaughter goes to New Era. She is in grade 4 and started in kindergarten. She has had wonderful teachers. The administration has been very supportive of her as she comes from a home that is not exemplary. As she lives with us, they have been available at any time. I would never hesitate to send a child there. She is in French immersion. I do not feel that there are 2 different student cultures in place for French or English students

Every school does their best. My kids school certainly does , it’s not New Era but situations that have come up have been handled well. There will always be kids who for a myriad of reasons and factors that seek that power in bullying behavior. It’s next to impossible to stop things if someone wants to do something bad enough. There are not certain schools who just allow things to happen and have a reputation for saying , “ oh, here at school X that’s the norm.” That is ignorant to think that. But with education, empowering kids , support from the school these situations can be limited , handled well and all schools do this. Schools are like communities with some over 1000 students. No one adult is perfect in any town or city. Yet when a situation happens in a school lets jump on eBrandon or social media and blame the school. Do we blame the mayor or the city of Brandon or the police for assaults , human trafficking and the meth epidemic ? Or homelessness?  
 
For all the time people on eBrandon whine and complain about salaries for city , overtime for our police and responders, problems at schools , BSD budget, city budget etc should do the following. Go spend 5+ Years in university and be part of the solution ... , run for council , put your life on the line everyday dealing with a meth- head or at least volunteer in local schools and make informed decisions before running on here thinking you know everything.

My daughter went to New Era from Grade 1 (we did not live in Brandon for K) till grade 8. The school was nothing but great. They, like any school dealt with kids who struggled, and kids who excelled (like my daughter). The kids who excelled got what they needed to keep them from getting bored with the easier work, while those needing extra help. She had nothing but excellent teachers for her core learning (one year, she had a few problems with one of her 2 teachers - but nothing major). As a matter of fact, one of her teachers my daughter considers one of the most positive influences on her life. When she had an issue with bullying (as happens everywhere), the school dealt with it. If I had another child at that age, I would not hesitate sending them there.