Schools > Public > Walter Reed Middle School

Walter Reed Middle School in Burbank, California

Walter Reed Middle School Detail

(818) 762-0691
4525 Irvine Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
Levels: 6-8
District: Los Angeles Unified School District


Walter Reed Middle School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Student Teacher Ratio:18.7% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:28.81% (2009)
Black, non-Hispanic:6.79% (2009)
Hispanic:55.79% (2009)
Asian:6.04% (2009)
Pacific Islander:0.25% (2009)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0.38% (2009)
Unspecified:0.63% (2009)
Filipino:1.32% (2009)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:68.93% (2008)

Walter Reed Middle School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating4
Average Safety Rating4

Walter Reed Middle School Reviews

I am a student at Walter Reed Middle School. I am in Humanities and it is great. The teachers there are strict but fun. Depending on the academy you're in, it differs. My academy is more art so we have many projects that has those feautures and there is a lot of cooperation. Also, the kids there are great and some misbehave, but every school has those troublemakers. The school is still the best school.
This review was posted by a student.

I love the IHP, and there isn't overloads of homework either. Some kids are crazy sometimes, but every school has that. But still I love this school.
This review was posted by a student.

I am also a parent, very grateful to the school for giving my children the best preparation for academic and social success in high school. My kids got a lot out of being around other students with different backgrounds, both economic and ethnic. Made them appreciate all that we have! Teachers are all good enough, some spectacular!
This review was posted by a parent.

I admit.... this school isnt the best middle school there is. some of the students in here is...kind of rough and pushy. but NOT in the bully kind of way. anyway, the teachers are great, the classes are awesome, and for parents, dont worry about the discipline and education; its nothing to worry about. all the staff are very serious about their work, and work hard to get the kids under control. its a great school for all!!! and did i mention this school has an awesome music department?? they have barbershop, choir, band, orchestra, jazz band!! and the jazz band here is THE most awesome!! this school is great for kids who love music!! Overall, this school is the BEST!!!!
This review was posted by a student.

The IHP (Individual Honors Program) program in Walter Reed is the only program/middle school in America that offers AP physics in Middle school
This review was posted by a student.

My child is going into his final year at Reed. The school experience for him was great and most of his teachers were and are fantastic. As an involved parent, I must confess that there are some major issues with the administration. It's unfortunate that more is not being done to change the way the administration runs things. It's unfortunate there are so many issues they don't address that are critical to the success of our children because we all know our kids are the ones who suffer in the future.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am a student here at reed and I can tell you that this school has taught me lots of great things.They offer great opportunitties for their students,the staff is amazing,and the teachers are amazing.I am in the SAS program and I love it.It carries a small amount of students in each class which helps concentration.I have been here already for two years and i have seen the school progress.This year is my last year and Im going into Leadership.I'll admit some kids at school dont have the right behavior at school but there will always be people like that at any school.I suggest you put your child in a school like this.This school welcomes anyone open arms.The staff knows how to control the kids here.They have good morals and are very friendly yet serious about their work.
This review was posted by a student.

My child was barely educated in sixth grade. She was in one of the 'academy' programs and learned more from the scifi channel at home. One teacher stood out and tried very hard to educate his students. The rest of the day was a waste. Talking to the administration is like banging your head against a brick wall.
This review was posted by a parent.

I think that the faculty of the school is very concerned about students needs and education. My child was lucky to have great and caring teachers with individual approach and great passion for teaching. Yes, I suspect that there are problems on campus from the feedback I get from my child and from the certain behavior of some kids I witness at the pick up time, but that is not because the administration of the school fails or ignores it, but rather determined by the background of the kids who attend the school. Students in IHP or Academy programs are very different in behavior and attitudes from the regular class environment, but that is the problem of the most public schools. If your child has goals and right attitude like mine have, the school offers all support and possibilities for the success.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am a teacher. I agree. There is a difference in student population. Some children go to school and some waste time. They waste the teacher's time and their own. It's unfortunate that parent's neglect their children by not allowing them to be the best they can be by not expecting them to get good grades and do well in school. As you can see by reading all the comments, the students who like Walter Reed are the students who follow directions and listen to their teachers and the ones who don't are not. Gee, figure that one out!
This review was posted by a parent.

This school is very bad in my opinion. And from personal experience, I can tell you that the campus is not safe. I am a student and I should no. Some students do drugs, and that thing on campus and harase other students. Do your child a favor and don't send them to this school.
This review was posted by a parent.

i am not a parent, im a student in this school and i can tell that the school is NOT that good. The students dont give any respect to other students, and the teachers havr privilages.
This review was posted by a student.

We're very pleased with the school. Our child is in the Tech Academy Honors class and most of his teachers are excellent and keep the kids challenged and motivated. Some are extraordinary and make an extra effort to do interesting things. The music program is excellent and parent participation is high. Check out the school's PTSA site at www.reedptsa.org. It is a much better source of information than the other sites.
This review was posted by a parent.

As a parent to a 6th grader in Humanities, we are very pleased with the program, the curriculum, the staff and the faculty. Everyone has been very responsive when we've had questions. I do feel there is too much homework, especially PE (hence 4 stars instead of 5). The trick is figuring out what the teachers want and give it to them. Parental involvement is key. While I do not always agree with the teachers' assignments, I believe a little respect by both parties goes a long way - and our teachers certainly deserve our respect, givcen the state of the economy.
This review was posted by a parent.

It is a great school if your child fits the whole 'left brain' learning. They have a one size fits all learning which leaves out flexibility and creativity altogether and thus leaves out a good portion of the students who learn easier with the right brain. I can say My husband, my brother, his girlfriend, and myself have tried everything under the sun to help my children succeed at a this school. The only people who seem to not be helping and to be COMPLETELY inflexible is the Walter Reed Middle School faculty, from the school councelors to the teachers. Though I think some of the teachers mean well, they have a lot to learn about teaching and learning styles.
This review was posted by a parent.

The Tech Academy at Walter Reed is fantastic! The Tech teachers are motivated, engaging and really help the kids succeed. There is a lot of parent involvement and the faculty are always available to discuss parents issues and concerns. It's the ideal environment for parents who are willing to be involved in their kids education.
This review was posted by a parent.

As to the review posted on Dec 4, 2008: I am a student in 7th grade in the IHP at Reed and I have plenty of time for extra curricular activities. I am on a club soccer team, I take voice lessons, dance classes, I have regular sessions with a goalie coach...all with extra time for homework. None of my friends complain of the problem of no free time, and the IHP does not 'discourage us socially'. And yes, Ms. Lawrence does rock!!!
This review was posted by a student.

I rate this school with no stars Many of the staff teachers are very disrespectful to parents and to students by discriminating students parents very poor in teaching.
This review was posted by a parent.

I have fantastic teachers and i love being in the ihp. Yes, i have a lot of homework, but i still have a life and it pays off. Ms. Lawrence rocks!!!
This review was posted by a student.

I'm an eighth grade IHP student and I absolutely adore Reed. Most of my teachers are really good and I look forward to coming to school each day. We have a lot of homework, but I think it pays off, and I still get to pursue most of my other interests. I highly recommend this school!
This review was posted by a student.

The IHP program is a truly fantastic HG prep school model for MS, but it concerns me that the students are so driven that they're 100% consumed with academic achievement. Unlike the other Reed students, even the younger IHP kids don't seem to have age-appropriate leisure time and their non-academic interests seem so restricted. None that I'm aware of have after-school time to do anything but study, none participate in school clubs or sports (just individual off-campus competition and extracurricular academics), and they don't even mix much socially for fun. Can't help but wonder why there is such an imbalance. Does the program emphasize achievement too much and neglect to enrich the whole child? What do other IHP parents think? Does IHP encourage your kids intellectually but discourage them socially? Does it allow them enough latitude and time to enjoy being kids?
This review was posted by a parent.

My first year and I'm already loving this school! Go Wolves!
This review was posted by a student.

Excellent SAS program for humanities and technology. Son currently in tech program and absolutely loves the challenge.
This review was posted by a parent.

I really like the school. IHP program is great.
This review was posted by a student.

I am currently attending my last year in Walter Reed Middle School. It is a terrific School. All the teachers & staff are very friendly. I think that Mr.Foli & Mr. Koperberg are some of the nicest teachers there. WRMS is definetly preparing me for high school. Reed is the way to go. Go Wolves!!!
This review was posted by a student.

best middle school you can find great education program, great administrators, and great classrooms. i graduated from walter reed two years ago and my teachers they really prepared me for high school. Go Wolves!
This review was posted by a student.

Walter Reed is one of the best schools in the city. I loved it and I recommend all parents to enroll their kids in this school. Staff members are really nice especially my counselor Mrs. Giagni the most nicest counselor ever I love her she is incredible and very helpful.
This review was posted by a student.

I have to agree about the office staff as well. As a district employee myself, I've visited numerous LAUSD schools, and Reed's front office staff are particularly cold and unwelcoming. Perhaps the principal could do an inservice for them on good customer service.
This review was posted by a parent.

Most importantly, I like the educational programs at Walter Reed, however, I must agree with several others who express the big drawback that the office staff seems standoffish, unfriendly, unwelcoming and generally aloof, as if they almost seem to function under the expectation that every parent's arrival purpose is to pose an argument or complaint with them. This one aspect of the school brings my score down to average. I also feel that there should be more safety supervision before and after school, as many kids horse around the surrounding streets near the school in a way that seems very dangerous around traffic.
This review was posted by a parent.

My son is finishing up his first year in the Individualized Honors Program, and we are extremely happy with the school and IHP in particular. He is enthused about his classes, especially Latin and Spanish. Homework has not been too onerous, and the teachers are caring and involved. Glad we picked IHP!
This review was posted by a parent.

I'm graduating this June so I've been at Reed for 3 years. The school is great overall. The teachers are amazing and unlike what the other reviews say, the staff really cares about the students. I'm in the humanities academy, honors and all I can say is it's great. The only problem I have is the student population. There's a huge contrast. Half of the students work hard at school (or at least work to get a c average) but there are other students who go to school and waste time.
This review was posted by a student.

I have gone to WRMS since 7th grade. I think being in the honors program helps to prepare the students for high school. It gets very tough though and the level also makes it challenging almost past our limit. I would recommend this school to children who are able to go past their limit and can tolerate being pushed where they might not want to go.
This review was posted by a student.

Sorry to hear such negative opinions regarding staff and especially the B Track Counselor. Our experiences with this counselor have only been positive ones. She is friendly, caring and extremely helpful whenever I call her. Their job is a very difficult one! We love Reed!
This review was posted by a parent.

I think that overall this is a great school. I have gone to WRMS for 2 years and one semester. The teachers help the students, and there are lots of programs available for struggling students. I take after-school programs in the library to help me with algebra and english skills, sometimes homework. I can tell the staff and teachers try really hard to help the school, and most students too. when I graduate, I'm sure I'll leave with so many great memories...though i dont want to leave. :-(
This review was posted by a student.

So far, there has been alot of disappointment. The advertised electives are not available, especially on C track, which seems to be an afterthought. The music programs that the school has been known for in the past are not availalbe to 6th graders. The Tech Academy, now in its 2nd year, has no computer curriculum or computers available for the 7th graders who started the Tech Academy last year. Administration suggested that the PTSA fundraise for the equipment so that what is advertised is provided. I agree that the administration is not receptive to parent concerns. And, there seems to be not only a lack of a plan, but an unwillingness to acknowledge that this is a problem to be corrected.
This review was posted by a parent.

I am a student and i would like to tell you this school is not that great. The staff has no respect and dont offer any opportunities for the students to express themselves. If you want a school with good test scores than come here, but the teachers dont actually pay attention or care about your child.
This review was posted by a student.

Im very dissapointed with the staff at this school. It seems that no one wants to help and have a bad attitude, especially the attendence office. I finally met the councelor ('B' track) who was rude, mean, and disrespectful. I left my daughter feeling very unhappy. If the school will improve their attitude in the office and treat parents with more respect it might be a good school.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school caters to IHP students and their parents. If you fall into any other category, which a majority do, then good luck having any positive communication with teachers or administrators. Most are overworked and too busy to hear or act on your concerns. Some of the teachers are good.
This review was posted by a parent.

WRMS is too cool for school. It has good teachers and a great Music, Art, and PE program
This review was posted by a former student.

My son is in the IHP program at Reed and I have never been happier. He's enjoying his learning and is excited about going to school every day. In fact, for the first time ever, he likes math and is doing very well in the subject. The teachers are great. I would recommend this school to any parent interested in a LAUSD education that works.
This review was posted by a parent.

Walter Reed Middle School is a excellent school. 'At Walter Reed Middle School learning is an art!'
This review was posted by a parent.

I have a son who graduated from the 8th grade this year, and have a daughter going into the seventh. My son's experience was a great one, and he leaves with the greatest memories. Of the 3 years my son spent there, there was never a time when I felt he was not getting the education he needed. All of his teachers were approachable and always had time to spend with us anytime we felt a sit-down was warranted. We feel it served as a great spring board to the high school years about to come. As for may daughter, she is part of the humanities academy and is absolutely in love with the school and her teachers. Excellent School!
This review was posted by a parent.

So far Walter Reed seems like a great school.
This review was posted by a parent.

Good academic program, especially the IHP. Too much emphasis on P.E. - goes beyond rigorous. Music program is good. Excellent Math and Physics teacher for the IHP.
This review was posted by a parent.

My daughter feels the campus is somewhat overwhelming but she is generally happy with the academic program. Some of the teachers are so so but there are defenitly some really good ones. She does not feel safety is an issue.
This review was posted by a parent.

Good school with lots of help for those students whose skills are lacking, I like the 8th grade programs. Teachers are approachable, and helpful.
This review was posted by a parent.

Overall a good school with a Program Improvement status that it cannot shake. Looking at it's test results it shows that it does not have an program that serves all students
This review was posted by a teacher.

I was initially excited about the arts and music programs for my beginner in 6th grade. He is now the top of the class, due to lots of kids who are moremore kis into the music program half way through, and they have to start all over. Needless to say, we are dissappointed. Some of the teachers are very strict and give way too much work, and grade on a tight schedule, while others let kids skate by with barely anything. He did more learning last year at his old school where they prepare for middle school. I will be leaving this school this year.Couselors promise to meet, but are overwhelmed with too may kids & cannot get to them to help.
This review was posted by a parent.

Reed Middle School is an excellent school that creates multiple opportunities for students to excell. Some choices are the Humanities program, IHP, and the new technology magnet. This school gives an all around education that incorporates art, music and various other extracurricular activities.
This review was posted by a teacher.

Walter Reed has a verisimilitude of activities for its students however the student/teacher ratio is very high. Many of the students come from lower socioeconimic backgrounds. There are several different academic programs that are available but the availibility can be extremely due to the quantity of qualified teachers to preform these programs. Music and art is available but due to scheduling conflicts a students choice is often not met and they are forced into classes which they have no interest. Parents of many students do take an active role but have to send aconsiderable effort to get the courses that their child desires. There is great room for progress in the physical education department. Parent involvement is on a mustgo basis and many who volunteer are not called except for a minority which have not made waves for change.
This review was posted by a parent.

My niece went to Walter Reed and we found her education to be unstimulating and lacking. If it wasn't for additional outside support, she may not have tested into her current high school.
This review was posted by a parent.

I will have two children at this school in the fall. Academically the school is currently fractured with some programs being strong and others being weak. The correct placement of your child is essential or they can get lost in the shuffle. Cliques and fighting can be a problem. Hopefully, things will remedied if and when the school gets off of the track system.
This review was posted by a parent.

The programs for general ed can be great, but not always. Some exciting new teachers, and inspired old teachers. But a few should retire. You can get a good education but parent needs to stay involved. Hate the tracks.
This review was posted by a parent.

Its an ok school but not really that good in test scores and behavior. I wouldn't recommend going here. Uniforms!
This review was posted by a student.

Walter Reed Middle school is a great school. The electives there get you very involved and enjoy your time at the school. There's an excellent music department at this school that allows children to compete in San Francisco for trophies. The competition is very exciting.
This review was posted by a former student.

The Individual Honors Program might be the best program in LAUSD, and it's existence is almost a secret. This is a non-magnet, admission by application program for those kids who test highly gifted or test gifted and get in on the basis of recommendations. Most of the kids get in off of recommendations, so the program is not out of reach for any bright, academically ambitious, hard-working kid. The workload is very demanding, most of the teachers are great,and kids are pushed to their limit by programs such as accelerated math and AP physics (which is offered to 8th graders). Socially, it is a great space for nerdy off-beat kids, who can identify other kids who are like them and laugh at their jokes. The music programs are out of this world. The biggest drawback is year round scheduling, which keeps kids out of school from Christmas through mid March.
This review was posted by a parent.

We were given a thorough tour of W.R. middle school, the IHP and SAS programs. They look very good, though we are concerned that homework will run up to 3 hrs./night in the IHP, 2 in the SAS program. This concerns me. The string orchestra is large, and could use a string specialist (a string player and teacher) to really bring them up to performing level.
This review was posted by a parent.

Incredible music program, comparable to the best high school programs, with participation of over half the student body. Does very well with intellectually gifted students.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school has poor teachers. The extracurricular activites are good. They have a choice between drama, music, chior, art, and tutoring options. The school has no sports. The music team has a lot of great musicians and have won many awards.
This review was posted by a student.

IHP is strong, with better than average teachers, strong administrators, with highly motivated students and parents.
This review was posted by a parent.

This is a great school. My son attends the IHP program at Walter Reed -- he loves it ! Great Music department. Science, Math History and English are the best I've seen. Also the school buildings and grounds are clean and safe.
This review was posted by a parent.

Walter Reed offers the Individualized Honors Program. This is for gifted and highly gifted students. It is amazing, it is well supported by school administration and has an outstanding teaching staff. The students are allowed to reach as far as they can without limits. How many schools offer Latin as an elective for 6th graders? The school overall is excellent in and out of the IHP. Great neighborhood. The only middle school around that offers 10 plus music options from the most begining program to the very advanced. The students travel to a variety of competitions around the city. There are also singing and hip hop groups. Many options for every child.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school has the feel of family. They really do care about our kids.
This review was posted by a parent.

Walter Reed ia a distinguished School. Has very high academic grades. They can work on physical activities. Has many parent/student progams like bake sales, pot lucks, and much more
This review was posted by a parent.