Bryden School is the attendance center for the
Beachwood City School District’s Kindergarten, First and Second grade
students. With an enrollment of approx. 320 students and a staff of 70,
Bryden prides itself on its efforts to meet the individualized needs
of all of its children and the spirit of teamwork and cooperation
among staff members.
Bryden offers a wide range of curricular programs geared specifically
to meet the needs of the young children it serves. Children are
flexibly placed in small instructional reading groups and presented
with language experiences using a balanced literacy approach. Math
instruction is aligned with State of Ohio and National Council for
Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and is guided by the recent
adoption of Eureka Math program.
Bryden’s Science curriculum is aligned with the State of Ohio learning standards. Science lessons emphasize a balance of hands-on process skill, scientific thinking and solid science concept development.
The Unified Arts block is made up of visual arts; general music; physical education; technology and guidance classes.
Bryden follows an inclusion model in serving its special needs
population, has an active Intervention Assistance Team, and offers a
range of academic and behavioral support services. Specialized
instruction is provided to Bryden’s gifted population using a variety
of instructional materials and approaches. Before- and after-care is
provided on site for Bryden students and their school-age siblings.
Bryden’s mission statement, “To provide an environment that will
nurture the growth of each child,” helps direct staff decision-making
and program design. As a team, the staff decides goal-setting
priorities each year within the parameters of broader school board
goals. Bryden staff and students take great pride in their school and
in each other’s accomplishments. Visitors to Bryden often comment on
how pleasant and comfortable the school feels. This is no accident,
but the natural result of caring adults making deliberate conscious
decisions on the behalf of students, their families and each other.