In the heart of Brilla Schools’ ethos lies a profound commitment to nurturing wisdom and accelerating academic and personal growth, particularly evident at Brilla Veritas Middle School (BVM). This year, BVM has seen remarkable strides in its pursuit of excellence, a testament to the dedication and expertise of its educators and the resilience and ambition of its students.
Central to our achievements are the outstanding contributions of Ms. Jimenez and Mr. Bell, whose commitment to our 5th Grade Mercy College Cohort has led to unprecedented success in mathematics. Through their innovative Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) model, they have fostered an environment where hard work and collaboration translate into significant academic gains. This year, a staggering 65% of scholars in the Mercy College cohort met their ambitious NWEA Math goals this winter, marking a 40% improvement from their performance in the 4th grade. These ambitious goals, internally set by Brilla, truly represent accelerated growth compared to national normative data. Their dedication not only uplifts our scholars but also sets a benchmark for educational excellence.
At BVM, the culture of valuing intelligence and perseverance is palpable, making it a place where it is indeed “cool to work hard and get smarter.”
This ethos is vividly brought to life by our 6th-grade teachers – Ms. Diaz, Mr. Dalmasi, Mr. Kadzik, and Ms. Hermes. Their relentless focus on providing meaningful, daily feedback has significantly elevated the academic standards at BVM. As a result, 70% of our 6th Graders now score at or above the 50th percentile in both ELA and Math, according to NWEA, a clear indication of the high expectations and supportive learning environment fostered by these educators.
The teachers’ unwavering dedication to their students’ success is matched by the scholars’ embodiment of virtues such as courage and perseverance. These virtues are not just abstract ideals at BVM; they are lived experiences, visible in how students approach challenges, celebrate their peers’ achievements, and persist in their learning journeys. The culture at BVM encourages every scholar to embrace hard work, fostering a community where striving for knowledge and personal growth is celebrated and encouraged.
BVM stands as a beacon of a culture where hard work and intellectual curiosity are not just encouraged but celebrated. This ethos of “Wisdom Accelerated” permeates every classroom, corridor, and conversation within the school. It is a place where educators like Ms. Jimenez and Mr. Bell inspire not only through their teaching but through their commitment to every scholar’s success. Their collaborative efforts and the achievements of our 5th and 6th graders are shining examples of what is possible when a community comes together to elevate the standards of learning and character.
As we celebrate the accomplishments at this point in our year and anticipate the continued progress of our scholars, we attribute a significant portion of our success to the impactful leadership of Principal Patrick McGowan and his dedicated team at BVM. Under Mr. McGowan’s guidance, BVM has not only embraced but embodied the ethos of “Wisdom Accelerated.” Together with his team, Mr. McGowan has cultivated an environment that champions the virtues of courage, perseverance, and the joy of learning. Their collective commitment ensures that at BVM, we are not merely imparting knowledge for today but are diligently nurturing the wisdom of leaders of tomorrow. Through this leadership, BVM stands as a testament to a team dedicated to improving their own practices for the sake of their students’ achievement.
Brilla Public Charter Schools 