Brookside Elementary is the only large K-2 school in the Willits Unified School District. Students come from all parts of Willits, except for those areas served by the district’s necessary small school–Sherwood. Sixty-five percent (65%) of the student population qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program. The school enrollment count as of October 2000 was 453 students.

The staff and administration at Brookside Elementary are committed to the mission of providing a quality program that enhances children’s self-worth with a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The school staff assumes responsibility for these goals by (a) providing a safe and secure environment, (b) participating in ongoing professional development activities to improve instructional practices in all curriculum areas, and (c) working collaboratively as a staff with parents and other community members.