Schools > Private > St. Mel Elementary School

St. Mel Elementary School in Burbank, California

St. Mel Elementary School Detail

(818) 340-1924
20874 Ventura Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Levels: K-8
District: Private


St. Mel Elementary School Census Data

Census InfoValueYear

St. Mel Elementary School Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating4
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating5
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating5
Average Safety Rating4

St. Mel Elementary School Reviews

St mel does have wonderful teachers, and students. So why the low rating. One because of the class size. There are over 30 students in each class in each grade. That's a lot of kids for one teacher, and a teachers aid. Also, they give way to much school work/ homework. There are a lot of nights that my daughter is doing home work until 8:30pm or longer, and it's not because she doesn't get it either. There are kids who stay uo till 10pm. Why because they have homework and have to study for test. She's in 4th grade and has six test this week. That's crazy. Two tests on wed., two test on thurs., and two tests on fri. They do have a great community, and loving staff, but the overload of work is too much.
This review was posted by a parent.

This school has the nicest teachers. The children seem well mannered and happy. Fun place.
This review was posted by a parent.

I would not send my son any where else. He has been there for 3 years now. All his teachers and assistant teachers have been wonderful. I especially like the way they are tough on 'bad' kids.
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mel is a good school K-5 but Junior High is a problem and spotty at best. The Junior High has some inexperienced teachers that helps foster an environment of bullying --both online and in the classroom--as well as stealing and the principal threatens but doesn't enforce. The bullies run the show here. Math is good but the 7th & 8th grade lacks a science program.
This review was posted by a parent.

My three daughters attended St. Mel and received a wonderful eduction as well as a well rounded social and athletic life
This review was posted by a parent.

St Mel is a good school and good community for the kids. My kids love it. The teachers are great and very caring. There have been issues with bullying and discipline in the past, but hopefully the new vice principle will rectify that. Academically, they seem to be ahead of the pack with the school winning awards and contests inthe Catholic School system. Although many public schools in the area are very good, one must see a good public school in California as being the best of the worst. St Mel is simply a better choice for your children academically. Of course as a Catholic School, Christian values and community are reinforced which is very important when making a choice between a Public School (especially in S. Cal) and a Catholic School.
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mel School provides a top notch Catholic education in a nurturing, supportive environment. The teachers and staff are dedicated and caring. I can't imagine a better school for our son. The price, when compared to other private schools of the same caliber, is quite reasonable.
This review was posted by a other.

St. Mel's is a terrific school. It is a very safe and nurturing environment and the teachers and administrators treat all of the children with kindness and respect. They also offer great extracurricular activities and their after-school care is very flexible and easy to get into (unlike other elementary schools in the area).
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mels' has an excellent PRE-SCHOOL that does not appear to be represented on this site. It's Director, Phyllis Schneider, is a non-nonsense, articulate, bright leader and she keeps the school running smoothly. Communication with parents, terrific and happy (long-term)teachers and a loving environment for your kids. My daughter NEVER wants to leave - she'd sleep there if she could. The kids are the best reviewers of a pre-school.
This review was posted by a parent.

The previous review was correct in stating that we have our third principal in three years. HOWEVER, both the principal and vice principal ROCK! Seriously, they are involved, on the ball and there is no comparison to the previous principal. Academically the school is great. They have a wonderful group of math teachers and because the fees are higher in comparison to other catholic schools they are able to stream the math classes according to ability. It is really good for the kids. The teachers are dedicated and my kids are doing very well. Can the kids be mean? Yes. Is it addressed promptly? Yes? Kids get to the 4th and 5th grades and they all are trying to fit in with the pack. Just because it is a Catholic school doesn't mean that the kids are exempt from being nasty. The school is great!
This review was posted by a parent.

We are on our third principle in three years and the parish is on its third pastor in ten months. A fourth pastor will begin in June. With all the chaos it s difficult if not impossible to create the kind of stable, nurturing environment my kids need. IT S A DOCUMENTED FACT THAT WE ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL IN THE VALLEY, and that s excluding the mandatory parental contribution and numerous fundraisers. They won t show you their current standardized test scores, but the numbers are NOT good. The positive reviews on this site declaring us as, academic leaders are plants. This individual claims there was a 100% improvement from the previous year a month into our new principles tenure. Too many families are leaving, and apathy keeps most from doing the same. Nice facilities, but don t send your kids here.
This review was posted by a parent.

St. Mel's continues to be the academic leader of the Archdiocese Schools, but I couldn't be happier with St. Mels' School this year for another reason . I credit a 100% improvement overall to the new administrators Ms. Giordano and Ms. Connelly. They seem to have stoked the school community with energy and enthusiasm. Their involvement in every facet of the school is clearly evident. They spend great amounts of time both in the classroom (observing and teaching) and with the students in extracirricular activites (sports, cllubs, teams, student council, etc). Further, the new teachers that the administration brought in this year seem to follow that tone as well. They all come in with strong credentials and with the enthusiasm and energy for learning that seems to be contagious. The students are a good group of kids that feel academincally challenged and supported by the community. I highly recommend St. Mel's.
This review was posted by a parent.

Seems to be a lot of teacher turn-over, including principal turn-over as well. There is a slight air of snobbishness and exclusivity at this school. Great parent involvement but not a lot of individual attention to students. Classes are large and seems like 'money' is a factor here in every aspect.
This review was posted by a parent.

The school is wonderful. Yet there is one problem which is that the kids can be very mean.
This review was posted by a parent.

Absolutely love the preschool. The director is extremely motivated by the best interest of the children. Every activity has a real purpose for learning and the children all seem extremely happy.
This review was posted by a parent.

Very happy with this school. Great academics and children are taught respect and good manners and learn how to treat others nicely. Our child is advanced academically. Large class sizes but the children still excell.
This review was posted by a parent.

We love St. Mel! Fantastic academic programs; great parent involvement; and fantastic values. St. Mel teaches the 'whole child' and we appreciate that.
This review was posted by a parent.

There is so many activities at st.mels! There are many many many after school activities to choose from, its just great! Your kid will ALWAYS be busy! There are so many sports and electives to choose from! From volleyball, tennis, basketball, golf,and other fun and extremely exciting sports to cooking class and performing arts! St.mels helps kids express there individuality!
This review was posted by a student.

St Mel is a wonderful school with caring teachers and a wonderful principal who truly cares about the students.
This review was posted by a parent.

We are very happy with this school. Great work ethic, discipline and education for a good price.
This review was posted by a parent.

Great school! Highly recommend it for the price and compared to surrounding Catholic Schools. Have challenged my daughter and she is never bored.
This review was posted by a parent.