The Barwell Road Elementary Revolution: 5 Key Updates On Raleigh’s School With A Longer Day And Year (Formerly 'Barnwell Elementary')
For many searching for "Barnwell Elementary Raleigh NC," the correct destination is Barwell Road Elementary School (BRES), a dynamic and forward-thinking institution within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). As of December 2025, BRES is at the forefront of a major educational shift in Southeast Raleigh, implementing a unique, charter-like operational model that includes a significantly longer school day and a longer school year for its students. This bold initiative, designed to boost student achievement and provide a more robust educational experience, makes Barwell Road Elementary a key focus for families and educational innovators across North Carolina.
This comprehensive update for the 2025-2026 school year provides a detailed look at the school’s leadership, its groundbreaking curriculum changes, and essential information for the community. Barwell Road Elementary School, located at 3925 Barwell Road, Raleigh NC 27610, is committed to cultivating a joyful and inclusive learning community where every student is inspired to achieve their dreams.
Profile: Dr. Tekeisha Mitchell, Principal of Barwell Road Elementary
The success and innovative spirit of Barwell Road Elementary are led by its dedicated principal, Dr. Tekeisha Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell serves as the visionary leader steering the school through its most transformative period, including the implementation of the new, extended-day operational model.
- Current Role: Principal of Barwell Road Elementary School (BRES) in Raleigh, NC.
- WCPSS Leader: Dr. Mitchell is a key figure in the Wake County Public School System, overseeing one of the district’s most ambitious educational innovation projects.
- Mission Focus: Her leadership is centered on fostering a school environment that is a "joyful and inclusive learning community," ensuring that families are proud to belong to the BRES community.
- Key Initiative: She is responsible for the strategic execution of the longer school day and year program, a significant undertaking aimed at providing students with more instructional time and enrichment opportunities.
- Administrative Team: She works closely with the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Yolanda, to manage the day-to-day operations and instructional quality of the K-5 school.
The Charter-Like Model: Longer School Day and Year for 2025-2026
The most significant and current news surrounding Barwell Road Elementary is its move to operate with a schedule similar to that of a charter school. This educational innovation is part of a WCPSS plan to provide additional resources and instructional hours to students, specifically at BRES and its partner school, Walnut Creek Elementary.
What the Extended Schedule Means for Students
The core of this new model is the increased instructional time. By extending both the school day and the school year, BRES aims to close achievement gaps and offer a richer, more comprehensive curriculum. This initiative is a direct investment in student achievement, particularly for the school's approximately 644 students.
- Increased Instruction: Students receive more hours of core instruction in subjects like Math, Literacy, and Science.
- Enrichment Opportunities: The longer day allows for dedicated time for enrichment activities, including specialized programs, arts, and physical education, which are crucial for holistic development.
- Teacher Support: The model often includes additional planning time and professional development for teachers, ensuring high-quality instruction throughout the extended schedule.
- Year-Round Calendar: BRES operates on a year-round calendar, which naturally aligns with the goal of continuous learning and helps mitigate the "summer slide."
Essential Updates and Community Information for the 2025-2026 School Year
As the school year progresses, families need to be aware of several key operational and community updates that impact Barwell Road Elementary and the surrounding Southeast Raleigh community.
2025-2026 Operational Details
The school is actively preparing for the upcoming academic year, with several key resources already available to parents. Official school supply lists for the 2025-2026 school year are posted, ensuring families can prepare well in advance. Furthermore, the school continues to emphasize its Attendance Policy and General Information, which are crucial for maintaining the high standards of its educational programs.
A significant, forward-looking update is the preparation for the new Standard Response Protocol (SRP) that will be implemented across WCPSS for the 2026-2027 school year. This change highlights the district's commitment to continuous improvement in school safety and emergency preparedness, a vital component of the school environment.
The Barwell Road Improvement Project
The area surrounding the school is also undergoing significant change. The City of Raleigh is currently undertaking the Barwell Road Improvement Project, which is a major infrastructure update. The goal of the project is to enhance safety for all modes of transportation, including students walking, biking, and riding the bus to the school. This project, updated as recently as December 2025, is improving the road from Rock Quarry Road, directly benefiting the school's community and local traffic flow.
WCPSS Enrollment and Magnet School Context
While Barwell Road Elementary is listed among other WCPSS schools, including magnet schools, its current focus on the longer day/year model provides a unique educational pathway distinct from traditional magnet themes. Families interested in exploring various educational options should note that the WCPSS Choice Application window for magnet and year-round schools typically runs from late fall to early winter for the following academic year. Barwell Road Elementary, with its year-round calendar, remains a vital option for families seeking educational innovation and a strong community focus in Raleigh public schools.
Barwell Road Elementary School continues to be a beacon of educational innovation in Southeast Raleigh. Under the leadership of Dr. Tekeisha Mitchell, its commitment to a joyful, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment—now amplified by the longer school day and year—positions it as one of the most exciting elementary schools to watch in the Wake County Public School System for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.
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