Multicultural Learning Center in Burbank, California

“My daughter is in kindergarten at MLC and we are an English-only speaking family. Initially, we were a little nervous at how our child would transition. She LOVES it! We are so grateful she is being exposed to the dual language program, the thematic learning, the cultural diversity and the innovative programs at MLC. Her self-esteem is growing rapidly, and she loves her teacher, friends, and the many school events. The parent information night sold me on this school...and it's a K-8 charter school so it's free!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation. Our children will be so much more successful in the world by their exposure not only to another language but the cultural diversity, tolerance and understanding that comes with it. We are English only speaking parents and were very nervous through most of Kindergarten but are so happy we held strong and stuck it out. Now our son is ready Spanish beautifully and picking up English all on his own. Just as we were told he would. We are incredibly happy that our children have this opportunity.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I cannot recommend MLC enough. I looked into over 15 schools, from privates to charters, and MLC is the only one that offers a Bi- lingual/Bi-literate program, with a progressive, creative focus, and a strong academic curriculum. Also, from K-8th grade! We are a English-only speaking family and my child started Kinder this year. It was a challenging transition for her the first month, but her teacher and the administrators were so supportive, available, and helpful to ALL of us. She loves school and is thriving beyond our expectations. In addition to all she is learning at MLC, we can't believe how well she speaks and understands spanish already. We love the cultural diversity at MLC and how all cultures are honored and celebrated in creative, meaningful ways. Also, we carpool from Valley Village with 2 other families, which makes it very manageable and creates a sense of community with one another.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“You are going to be hearing more and more about this school. My wife speaks minimal Spanish (from a college class) and I speak none and we have one child at MLC and another beginning next year. It's motivating us to learn new languages and challenge ourselves along with our children. MLC helps broaden the students' view of the world while giving an amazing education. The administration is so dedicated and the teachers educate with vision, creativity, and unbelievable energy. The parents are always invited to be involved and the school community is thriving.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children at MLC, one 3rd grader and one 7th grader. (MLC currently goes K-7 and next year will go K-8.) Almost two years ago, we transferred from another dual immersion (90-10) in Santa Monica because my son promoted out of the school at the end of 5th grade. I actively searched for another language immersion so that my children would continue on their road to being biliterate and sensitive to other cultures. The transition to MLC was seamless because the curriculum was exactly the same. The number of students in the classrooms are much lower than conventional LAUSD schools -- especially in the higher grades. The teachers are excellent and the school feels like a community with broad parent support. If you re looking for a school that will enhance your child s vision of the world, then MLC is the school you re looking for.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC is a great school. If you are looking for your child to perform well on standardized tests, then this school is not for you. This school teachers your children not only fluency in another language, but about respect, diversity, people, friendship, etc. My daughter has learned a lot since starting Kindergarten, but what I like most is that she is happy there and has made some wonderful friends. I love their afterschool program ESCAPE. The after school teachers are loving and keep the children entertained. Just yesterday I picked my daughter up and all the kids and teachers were dancing to music and having a blast! Kids have the same teacher for Kindergarten and 1st grade, which is great cause Senora Hernandez is the best!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of a 1st grader. My daughter started kinder at MLC. I did not study in this country and I came to USA just 7 years ago; I did not understand very well what a charter school was, two scholar years have almost passed and they confirmed that I did the right choice and now I see my daughter having fun and enjoying school life so much, I can just say thanks teachers, administrators and other parents for making education so pleased to be involved with. And of course, my younger one will start kinder here too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of a Kinder. I am excited to be part of MLC. The administration and staff have a vision to build a community among the students and their families, in addition to encouraging academic achievement. The teachers teach to the needs of the child -- not merely for success on standardized tests (although the standardized test scores are rapidly climbing). You owe it to yourself to take a tour so that you can see all of the fantastic things that are going on, and to witness how well non-Spanish speakers are grasping the language with ease and excellence.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent of a first grader at MLC. My son started at MLC in pre-K. As a bilingual, bicultural parent, I felt it very important for my son to become proficient in Spanish, not only in English. As a clinical psychologist, I applaud MLC teachers and staff for their commitment to my child and all the students. I am pleased that my child's academic, social, and emotional well-being are of utmost concern to his school. Thank you, MLC!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent with two children at MLC. After seeing the quality of the school, the staff, and the commitment by all to the children learning not only academic content, but also to be caring citizens of our world, it was not difficult to remove my children from a gifted magnet school and place them at MLC. This was 4 years ago, and I couldn't be happier with my decision as I've seen the school grow and develop year by year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent and educator, I am very impressed with MLC. I became aware of MLC when many of their graduates attended the magnet school at which I was teaching. The graduates of MLC were well prepared for a rigorous academic program and were nice, respectful students. After working with former MLC students, I chose to put my child in this school: I couldn't be happier. My son is only in second grade, but so far my experience has been very positive: outstanding teachers, support staff, and school leaders. I highly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC is a great premise; unfortunately, there are many kinks to be worked out. The administration is very weak, the discipline is inconsistent, and if your child is accelerated or special needs, this is not a place for your child. There is little to no differentiation of instruction for those students who are above-average. I removed my high-achieving children after 3 years of no improvement in practices. Be wary.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC delivers its vision of a 'dual language education' as advertised. The school has a very strong and visible parental involvement. The teachers and support staff truly believe in the school's commitment to deliver a bilingual education through full content exposure in Spanish language during the lower primary grades gradually transitioning to English language in the upper primary grades; they do so, that they have chosen to enroll their own children to MLC. The children have a sense of pride and respect for their school/community rare for today's standards. Although lower primary grades standardized testing results don't reflect the real academic achievements of the children at this stage, 4th. and 5th. graders prove the effectiveness of MLC's educational program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an excellent school. The staff is very well trained and innovative, they really care about each child. There is a very high number of tutors and special programs; no child gets left behind. The kids who have been in the program from kindergarten are showing excellent test scores. My 2d grade son, who speaks no Spanish at home, scored in the top 20% on the Aprenda, which is given in Spanish. My son started reading full books at 7 years old, and is well adjusted and integrated into his class. This is a wonderful school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My oldest son attends this school, he has so since its inception 4 years ago. It is a dual language school teaching 90% Spanish and 10% English. We wanted our son to have the advantage of being bilingual, especially here in California. So far I am un-impressed with the academic programs. Particularly with the history and grammar/enlgish subjects. They tend to focus almost exclusively on Spanish at the detriment of our children learning basic grammatical skills in english. Also, their history sections tend to focus way to much for my taste on Native American history. This is probably where I have the biggest problem. I want my son to learn the truth regarding our American history that is fair and objective, not one-sided where he begins to believe that the very country he lives in is evil.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is so ahead of it's time! 10 years from now parents of those who did not go here will be kicking themselves. Whether coming from an English speaking home or a Spanish speaking home, these kids find themselves speaking, reading and writing in either language easily by 5th grade. The arts programs are wonderful and the computer experience is incredible. Parents are involved with their kids and the school doing fundraisers, creating a yearbook, a school picnic, and exciting events like Math Night, Science Night, Career and College Night. The kids do have PE, but no organized sports. Overall, I rate this school highly for its academics, dedication to the kids, and ability to teach critical thinking skills.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC is a dual language program that offers a terrific arts program as well as a content rich curriculum. The students truly enjoy this cultural experience. Students are bilingual and biliterate performing at grade level or above in English and Spanish at a very young age. This is an asset in Los Angeles County and beyond. I encourage parents to contact the school, take a tour, and sit in on the informational meetings. This is a great program and learning experience for our children. The parents of MLC children are very involved and take an active role in the educational process through committees and volunteering. The partnership with the Music Center adds to the cultural experience with specialized training in the arts. This is a great way for the kids to tap their own creative ability in a very fun way. The school has a great acedemic and administrative staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“MLC is the best choice I could have made for my children. They are thriving at this school and learning in two langauges. Parent involvement is welcomed on many different levels and the teachers are outstanding and highly quailified. If you are looking for a diverse learning community where culture, language, and the arts are highly valued, this school is it. My children paint, make music, sing, dance, read, write, and use computers every week, and they come home excited and ready to go back the next day. They are making good friends at school and so am I with other parents. I know my children are going to grow up valuing other cultures and that will in a large part, be a result of their experiences at MLC. You really have to look past the test scores--a true bilingual education can't be measured accurately with tests given in one language.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is a charter school,so the curriculum is a little different than the rest of the schools. If you want your child to have bi-lingual (Engllish/Spanish) education, this is the place. The level of parent involvement is more than any other school, I have compared, though. Overall is a good school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is in her second year at MLC and she loves it. She's stimulated and the teachers are very supportive. We're very happy there!”
This review was posted by a parent.