I can't help but write my own review after reading the filtered reviews and Ms. Candace's questionable review. I have been sent to many academies throughout my years as a college prepping student, and Brown Academy is definitely not a one star academy to be compared with the worst of them. When I read the filtered reviews for this place I smiled as my mind flashed back to the times when my friends in high school would tell me "What are you doing after school? Oh, which academy? You're going to Brown Academy? I heard that place makes you turn psycho!" I really felt the sincerity in the two filtered reviews because I've seen those exact feelings before within my friends. It's very frustrating to be sitting in an academy for hours when there are so many other preferable things to do. But that doesn't stop the myriad of American parents from sending their children to college prep academies. Is it because they are abusive parents? Probably not. I believe it's rather because the parents hope that in the end, their children's hard work will pay off and that the children will appreciate what had happened as well. And ironically enough, it's because Brown Academy excelled at its job of making hard work pay off, it gained notoriety instead of fame, and spite instead of appreciation over the other academies among my peers at the time. In order to make hard work pay off, there must be hard work in the first place. How do we work hard? We need to apply ourselves. But as much as we don't want to believe it, we can hardly control ourselves, nor can most of our parents. That's why most of the parents turn to academies to push their children. Brown Academy pushed its students to their limits. If you don't like any pushing and you're just looking for a quiet studying atmosphere, I'd recommend the library over any academy. But I wanted to study like I had never before and Brown had me doing just that. It was this particular trait that made the students hate Brown over the other academies. They constantly assigned us with work that would take hours to finish. When we felt like we deserved a rest, Brown had yet another batch of problems ready, fresh and literally warm out of the laser printer. When some students were waiting for their parents to pick them up after their classes ended, and if the parents couldn't come for another hour or so, Brown gave the student yet another set of problems to work on while waiting, free of charge. And these problems were not some cheap homemade problems on A4. They were legitimate problem sets from established companies be it SAT, AP Physics, or whatever. Now you might ask, "why didn't you just buy those books and do them yourself instead of going all the way to some academy?" But like I mentioned before, we can't control ourselves. At least for me I know I can't because I bought a bunch of those books but got through at most 30 pages out of 500 pages of those books if I opened them at all. Now Brown wasn't some place filled with a bunch of inhumane people that made us work like machines. Mr. Kim was very approachable with his hearty laugh and was very reasonable. He tried to help students understand that there is more than just the present to their lives. What's important is he talked to the students if they were willing to listen and he had lots of great things to say. He cared for the students and knew everyone in the small academy by name. Mrs. Kim was also very caring and she would never simply shrug off a mother who has come to her to ask what's up with her son getting an 1820 on the SAT. She has pride in her pupils and would never leave her clients disappointed in her students. She could be assertive at times but what I learned throughout my time in Brown is she is still a woman at heart and cares for us like an aunt. I know this review is stupidly long but I just wanted to make some things clear. I know the filtered reviews aren't supposed to have any influence over its readers as they are just rants and are filtered for a reason, but if it is affecting you at all please remember the rants are just a byproduct of a progress that results in a greater appreciation. This is not just for Brown but for other academy reviews as well. Throughout the 1 year I've been attending Brown, I've seen many high school seniors and graduates who came back to visit the academy to show their appreciation. Finally, for those of you who place more importance on straight up facts over opinions, here are the facts: I was a student at Brown Academy throughout my junior year. The first practice SAT test I took there got me a score in the 1800's. That was in June, at the beginning of my summer vacation before Junior year. 7 months later, I took the official January SAT test during my Junior year and I got a score above 2300. The 3 AP tests I took at May of my Junior year all resulted in 5's and I qualified for the National Merit Scholarship finals which earned me $2000 dollars in allowance at my college. read more

BROWN Academy more like DROWN In Your Own Tears Academy. This place is as phony as it gets. There are a few reasons as to why: (1) First, and the most important reason, is their emotional abuse towards students. The owner of this academy, Mrs. Kim, has no real kindness in her heart towards the students. I've seen many children break down into tears because she told them that they were not as smart as the other children in their classes, and that they were never going to be as good as them. Instead of working on improving skills with the students, Mrs. Kim threatens them by saying things like "You won't even break 700 if you work at this level" or rubbing star students' grades in their faces by saying, "You know ________? They got 800 on Biology and Chemistry. They even got 2300 on SAT." - THAT'S NOT GOING TO MAKE KIDS FEEL ANY BETTER. I've witnessed this woman scream at students who barely speak in class to shut up, and threaten to make them pay $1 or $2 per WORD that they speak. They often keep students late into the night to memorize vocabulary or just because they don't see these kids as smart enough to go home yet, even when the students beg and plead to be let go to study for school tests they have the next day. The paid high school seniors often use physical means of blocking the door to prevent students from leaving. If a class ranges from 6-8, for example, Mrs. Kim almost always makes the kids stay until 9 - so why can't she just say so in the emails? Instead, the parking lot is almost always packed with parents waiting for over an hour, expecting their kids to come out. I feel terrible for these kids and parents. They were told class was FINISHED at __pm, so why can't they LEAVE at __pm?? It just doesn't make sense. Mrs. Kim's constant 1-hour+ lectures about "working harder because you're not as good as ___" aren't a crowd-pleaser either. STOP TRYING TO MAKE THE STUDENTS COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER. They're crying. Please stop. (2) Second is their sense of favoritism. It's clear that Mr. and Mrs. Kim favor the naturally smarter students in the classes and pay more attention to them. It's heartbreaking to see the lower students fail to improve because of the lack of energy being put into helping them. Mrs. Kim even gives a monetary incentive for the highest-scoring students in the class, which, surprise surprise, are ALWAYS the same people. I've seen many a discouraged student being moved from room to room, being separated from the "smart kids". They're always being put down just because they don't have a natural gift for the subject, or because their school is behind in teaching the subject. Brown Academy, it's time to start treating ALL students equally. (3) Third is their lack of privacy. I don't think that Mr. and Mrs. Kim have even heard of the words "privacy" or "consent". Mrs. Kim constantly blabs to other parents about students' standardized test grades or GPAs WITHOUT these children knowing. In addition, Mr./Mrs. Kim sends out mass texts to the parents after receiving scores from children of their NAMES and their SCORES. To ALL PARENTS. Other children's scores besides their own shouldn't be of concern to parents, so in essence, they're trying to brag about the top scores some children received. Interestingly, however, the texts only include about 1/3 of the entire class's scores. Why aren't you sharing the REST, Mr. and Mrs. Kim??? (I wonder why..) Lastly, I've seen these owners release and publish SAT scores of students WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT. Anyone can see how this is wrong. Literally a dog could probably see how this is wrong. (4) They're just so fake. Many of the hidden/not recommended five-star reviews for this place are written by people whose names I recognize - they were hired as teachers or student helpers at Brown. Some are even reviews written with the student's name, but in the perspective of a parent. Real fishy. Overall, some of the teachers here are overly rude and conceited. I've heard numerous inappropriate jokes about sex said by TEACHERS. Also, the students that Brown Academy claims to cultivate since middle school are some of the most arrogant people I've ever met. Sure, they may get high test scores, but they'll never show any sort of compassion or humane characteristics if they stay here. Don't go to Brown Academy if you're a human with emotions. It'll scar you. read more

I am a student who has much experience over several years attending Brown Academy since I was a sophomore in high school. Attending Brown Academy was honestly key to get into Cornell where I currently attend. Brown Academy and its owners are very dedicated to bringing the best out of each student, regardless of his or her beginning position in their academics. With a large variety of classes with some of the most effective and talented teachers that I have come to known, I truly believe that although Brown Academy is intense and oftentimes challenging, it provides students with the type of education and experience that is necessary to help them succeed outside of academy. Many other academies lack the same type of dedication to the student body and personalized relationship with TAs, teachers, and owners. The owners Mr. and Mrs. Kim are known to be very accommodating of students in various circumstances, including those with financial, emotional, or personality-based problems. They cook food themselves for their students daily, buy ice cream for youth students for free, sit down and talk with students if they face any problems, and even organize a successful charity for education and medical treatment of South African HIV-infected orphans yearly. Despite the few very negative reviews here, Mr. and Mrs. Kim are NOT at all correctly portrayed. I can honestly say that whether it be asking kids to stay later to study or challenging students - these things are for the benefit of the students and not ever done with a spirit of favoritism or bias. Instead, I know from many years of experience that Mr. and Mrs. Kim take such a personalized approach to their students because they deeply care about them and their future successes, especially compared to the managers of other academies. There are a few disparaging reviews about Brown Academy but you can be assured that this review here is first legitimate, from the stated source, and that I am being honest with regards to my experience. Unfortunately, there are some students who I have even met personally who have a personal issue with Brown Academy, most likely because their parents are making them be there to get a challenging but effective education. From reading their reviews, it seems clear that they are personally upset and taking it out on Brown Academy as an establishment. In particular, I would like to make it clear that in my several years of experience, Mrs. Kim has never discussed student scores with the intent to put someone down but instead to praise students and encourage others to challenge themselves to reach their full potential. Grades at Brown, especially for tests or quizzes given in the academy, are strictly confidential. I was given a random number ID to keep track of my scores just like everyone else in my class. Furthermore, its just straight BS that there is favoritism at Brown considering that Mrs. Kim literally offers free tutoring for those students who are struggling. In some classes, Mrs. Kim will even assign a paid TA specifically to sit down and help a single student, and in many other ways goes above and beyond to support students who are struggling. If anything, Mrs. Kim's attitude towards students is based on their own willingness to apply themselves to match her dedication to them and not be disruptive to class, NOT based on their intellectual capacities. I highly recommend that you do not take these reviews without a grain of salt and instead come and give the managers a chance in person. This is honestly a great academy which has shaped my attitude towards my academics and has made me work harder to achieve my goals. read more

As a father of 3 children who are all in college or have graduated already, I am confident to say that I am familiar with various SAT prep academies. I know that these academies can be costly, and not a sure thing to getting my child a perfect SAT score. I realized that, at the end of it, it is how much effort my child puts into it, and Brown Academy really helped providing the place and tools to maximize the results of my daughters efforts. I sent my youngest daughter to Brown Academy last year and I found the greatest pleasure working with Brown Academy than any other academy I sent my children to; and I say "working with brown academy" because the staff really kept me in the loop with the on goings of my child's progress. Mrs. Kim, the director of Brown Academy, made sure that I knew my daughter had homework or vocabulary to memorize for the night, and always updated me with her progress on mock-SAT tests. I felt like I knew exactly what was going on with my daughters time at the academy and I felt just as accountable for my daughter's success. It was different from other academies my children went to; where sending a check and receiving a receipt was the only interaction I had with the staff. I was even introduced to the teachers that were teaching my daughter, and surprisingly, one teacher was an english teacher from my daughter's high school (bronx science). I was surprised by the professionalism of the academy, and felt safe that I was getting my money's worth. All in all, my daughter and I were very pleased with our experience at Brown Academy. read more

Business Name: Brown Academy Meet the Business Owner: "Education is not just about filling a bucket, but lighting a fire." From the Director: At Brown Academy, we don't just teach students how to take tests; we teach them how to think and how to give. Established in 2008 in Great Neck, NY, we have spent 17 years perfecting a curriculum that balances rigorous academic discipline with character development. Our Academic Excellence: Proven Results: 200-point average increase in SAT scores (6-12 month curriculum). College Success: A 98% acceptance rate to prestigious universities via our specialized consulting. Top Performers: Consistent winners in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math Olympiads. Focus: We emphasize that a high GPA and AP coursework are the bedrock of success. Our Heart & Mission: What truly sets us apart is our philosophy. For 13 years, Brown Academy has been a beacon of hope for children in South Africa. Thanks to our community, we donate $40,000-$50,000 annually to support an orphanage dedicated to children affected by HIV/AIDS. This tradition teaches our students a vital lesson: True leadership is about serving those in need. We are raising not just Ivy League students, but compassionate global citizens. Join us to build a brighter future for your child and the world. read more

I've sent my two kids to Brown academy since the year of 2014, one went to IVY league and the other one went to Stanford. Both of them have found real success and are going to great colleges. This was possible because Mr. and Mrs. Kim have managed them excellently and have pushed them to do well in SAT I, SAT II, AP tests and even Olympiads. In particular, achieving Olympiads finalists positions were very useful to go to IVY colleges. I thank you and really recommend for you to send your kids here. Their managing style is great and will provide your children with a great work ethic. The sooner, the better. I also have got help for my students with college consulting, not only with Mr. Cleary but other English teachers from start to finish in applying to colleges. Thank you very much for reading and I strongly recommend to you for this academy. read more

Brown Academy saved my life, and that is no exaggeration. For my whole life, all I did was sleep in school and return home to play games all day. And I really mean all day, apart from eating and going to the bathroom for a few minutes, I played games until I slept at midnight. But, when I first came in to Brown Academy when I was a sophomore, I was pushed to study and fix my vice of playing games all day, everyday. Had I not studied at Brown, I don't think that I would have fixed my game addiction. Not to mention, I am now going to attend an amazing college in a few weeks, so a big thank you to Brown Academy :)! If you're looking to seriously improve your academic standing and your lifestyle for the better, I strongly encourage you to check out Brown Academy, it has really changed me, and it will most likely do the same for you. read more

Haha the review done by Candace is very funny. I do not understand how people expect to get results simply by investing x amount of money--if she is even a real customer to begin with. Test results do not work that algorithmically. I was a student in this academy and I have seen plenty of students who are simply slacking off and not paying attention in classes..or sometimes sleeping...while taking practice tests. I have seen a great increase in my SAT score to 2300 thanks to helpful advice given by actual high school teachers (unlike college students who teach other academy's classes) as well as my own efforts and strategies. If you want an academy taught by real high school teachers and advisers who really care about your improvement, this is the place to go. read more

Brown Academy is one of the best places to send your child. The academy truly cares for the children by making sure they do their homework and takes practices test to ensure a higher score. The owners are strong believers in practice makes perfect and will challenge children to do the best they can. My child took four APs during her junior year and was at risk of failing one of her AP classes. Mrs. Kim, the director, helped her not only get a well above passing grade but also helped my daughter get all 4s and 5s on the AP. Seeing such great results, I also put my daughter in SAT classes and saw an increase in her score. Sending my daughter to Brown was one of the best decisions I made for her. read more

I credit much of my academic success to Brown Academy. Brown's rigorous programs pushed me to new heights I never thought I'd reach. Brown's wide selection of classes and programs covers nearly every base of elementary to high school academics, and the teachers and tutors are reputable and endlessly helpful. Brown Academy is definitely rigorous, but that shouldn't necessarily be a deterrent. Through Brown, I was able to develop a good work ethic that not only helped me reach my ideal standardized scores, but also keep up with the heavy workload at school. Overall, I recommend Brown Academy to any student who wishes to improve, because Brown does exactly that. read more

The owners of Brown Academy, Mrs. and Mr. Kim, always dedicate themselves to the success and wellbeing of their students beyond all else. Having run this business for a long time, Mr. and Mrs. Kim know teachers can only do so much in helping students, but rather, it is the responsibility of students themselves to review the notes from the day and perfect the studying techniques needed in order to guarantee themselves good results. Brown Academy helped me realize the potential I had in my academics, and for that, I am forever grateful. read more

Brown Academy is a wonderful place to send your kids. Its intensive program has brought up my grades dramatically, and has assisted me to become a great student. The teachers here are extremely helpful and hardworking, and fills the gaps in the curriculum I currently do not understand. Brown encourages all of its students to reach for their dream jobs and majors, and offers you counsel to model your academics in a way to achieve a competitive edge. A small monetary investment can get you a long way, and has helped me excel. read more

As a prospective freshmen in college, I highly recommend Brown Academy. I've been attending Brown Academy for the past four years, and they have been continuously helping me reach my full potential. Brown Academy is unlike any other prep school in terms of how dedicated they are in helping you become successful in whichever course/class you enroll in. Although they may be strict, their guidance helps students and shows results. I personally found their SAT, SAT II, and AP Courses extremely helpful. read more

Brown Academy is a great work environment for any student looking to excel in schoolwork or raise standardized test scores. Ranging from after school to high school SAT prep, Brown Academy has something to offer for all age groups. The teachers are all reputable and like none other, they truly do put in the effort to allow each of their students to do well. If you want to improve as a student and are willing to put in the work ethic and diligence to do so, Brown Academy is the perfect option. read more

Brown Academy may be strict and sometimes give heavy-loaded work (it's manageable), but it all pays off in the end. The teachers there are all very nice, and their lectures are truly informative and helpful. They definitely prepare you for SAT's and SAT II's, and most of AP exams. The students are all dedicated and friendly. It is the place where students can learn "how" to study "well", and it makes sure you become successful at whatever field you want to major/pursue. read more

Amazing staff and teachers. My scores have improved significantly. This academy boasts great achievements. My chances of getting into my dream college has been greatly improved. I am very grateful for the staff and my fellow peers at Brown Academy. read more

This tutoring center has helped very much in my studies and academic skills but not just that they also helped me with time management , and taught me how to be more responsible with my belongings. I really do recommend enrolling yourself there read more

Brown Academy is a terrible place for students. They don't care about students and just want to make money. What a waste of money and time!

This academy and its staff provide students with an excellent learning experience and environment.