Barnhart School in Burbank, California

“Barnhart is a great school and recent changes are making it better each day. The real scoop on tuition: Barnhart s tuition is still lower than the most local schools. Under the previous Head, tuition rose little for many years. This was not realistic, but people got comfortable with it. Tuition now rises a little each year like all schools. Staff losses have been for different reasons but the current staff is thoroughly dedicated. Barnhart has maintained its reputation as one of the friendliest private schools around while increasing academic performance. Children thrive academically because expansion of their intellect is prized over the drilling of facts. Children are challenged to think and learning is exciting. Barnhart kids are perform very well and are accepted into the best high schools. When Barnhart kids graduate they leave with a lifelong love of learning rather than being burnt out at the age of 13.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We too have left Barnhart after several years. Tuition continued to rise, the new Head of School was making way too many changes too fast, there was a nonstop push for monetary donations, and the beloved veteran teachers and staff (many who had been there 20+ years) all left. We will miss the old Barnhart!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children are thriving at Barnhart since entering in K, 3 and 7 years ago. We see this in their academic performance - due to great teachers and a great curriculum - and in other aspects of their lives - how respectful they are in interactions with other children and adults. Mind, body, spirit isn't a motto at Barnhart, it's the culture. Now as we visit high schools and meet parents and students from other K-8 schools in the area, we see how well-prepared our middle schooler is, both in academics and in maturity. Barnhart is a special school, growing and continuously improving, and there's no better proof of that than the bright and mature children there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's our first year at Barnhart. My son entered at 4th grade. What a profoundly positive difference Barnhart has made for him! He is being taught based on his learning style. He works independently now and is excited about what he is learning. His writing, which was always good, is even better. The most gratifying part for me, as a parent, is the way he is challenged and not overwhelmed; treated with regard and kindness rather than demanding pressure; and lifted by positive expectation rather than ground down by unreasonable demands. The new head is creating an atmosphere of gracious rigor. Go Bobcats!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My wife and I looked at many schools before choosing Barnhart. We felt Barnhart was the best school because of the balanced approach they take regarding education. We could not be more pleased with our choice. Rather than focusing solely on academic mastery, Barnhart supports students to truly love learning and to feel confident in themselves as individuals. Both our son and daughter are having a positive experience and are growing into independent thinkers, who are able to synthesize information and communicate their thoughts both orally and in writing. An unexpected bonus has been the wonderful community we have found at Barnhart. The school relationships our family first developed have grown into lasting friendships of connection and support. Barnhart is truly a special place.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son graduated last year. Barnhart really improved his study management skills and writing. He is now on the honor role in high school. New head is great and is building on an already great school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a teacher and parent at Barnhart. It is a special school where teachers and administrators know each child and his or her particular needs. Learning is personalized and every attempt is made for each child to experience success. I left Barnhart for a year to teach at another school and am so glad to be back. The new principal is a leader and visionary. This school is a gem.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have attended Barnhart for the past 5 years. It has been a positive learning environment. There has much negative talk of the changes that have taken place starting with the new head of school and the increased tuition. A school is only as strong as its teachers and the parent involvement. Participate in your child's education rather than judge change. No one likes change, but it is in the interest of our children not in the interest of the adults.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's just not cutting the cake for us, even with the newhead of school and the great people you interact with. If change is to happen, i probably wont see if until two years from now and tuition continues to increase. Academically, i can find more bang for my buck somewhere else. Sorry,.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Barnhart is a great independent school that emphasizes all aspects of a child's developmental needs: mind-academics, body-athletics, and spirit-morals and respect. The faculty are creative, supportive and dedicated, and the students are thriving as they learn. We came to Barnhart because of it's strong academic emphasis balanced with arts, and the strong sense of community between parents, faculty and staff. I can see the result in my childrens' maturity and academic achievement.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Under new leadership that is focused on maintaining the school's community culture and warmth, while bringing new dynamic energy and enthusiasm with special emphasis on academic excellence, faculty development and recognition, and much valued parent partnering, we have no doubt that Barnhart is positioning itself to be THE school to attend in the San Gabriel Valley. Children graduate from Barnhart with an excellent academic foundation for high school and college, logical and curious minds, passionate appreciation for the arts, strong and fit bodies, caring and compassionate souls, robust sense of community responsibility and citizenship, and excellent leadership skills. What else could anyone ask for their children?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son and daughter have had a wonderful experience at Barnhart, and are now thriving in high school at Flintridge Prep. Barnhart provided a strong academic foundation, while also developing their full potential as young adults through community service, strong extracurricular activities, and a meaningful values program. The faculty is truly dedicated to the success of their students, and are always available for extra tutoring for students or consultation with parents. Barnhart has recently hired a new Head of School who brings an infectious enthusiasm, extensive educational experience, and great leadership skills. I'm confident this school is headed for even greater things, and I recommend it to all my friends.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The parents and children are great at this school, and the teachers are kind. The availability of enriching activities was good. However, the academic standards are not very high--probably similar to a good public school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school that looks at the whole person. It has been a safe and positive environment for my child and I appreciate the hard work of the staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent class size, good standards taught”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We look fondly at our beginning academic years at Barnhart. Over time we began to realize that the school says one thing and does another. The direction of this school has been only adequate, and the costs rise but not the quality. Parent involvement is high but wanes in upper grades because the school asks too much of the parents, while not treating them respectfully. Actions speak louder than the words as we found out. The Principals know they have fresh recruits with new families in lower grades. Every school has issues, this one suffers administration direction. Dissillusioned at the way things were heading, we found better schooling elsewhere. The upper campus has a new director and hope the inferior teaching staff will be upgraded, and the lunch/recess staff adequately trained.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nice facilities ... especially the newer middle school building. New director of the middle school is personable and seems to have set a good tone for students. The middle school also features an excellent life skills program which is unique. Students do wear uniforms and attend chapel daily. Barnhart Parent Organization actively raises money with events, like Halloween Carnival, that call for parent involvement. There is a strong vocal and instrumental music program. P.E. is offered to all grades as well as swimming lessons in the summer school program. Many of the teachers have been with the school for over 20 years. Academically, the school prepares students very well for acceptance in nearby private high schools like LaSalle.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Barnhart is an excellent school which focuses on experiential learning as well as academic performance. The music, art and sports programs are terrific. We are very happy we made this educational decision for both of our daughters.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am pleased to say that I find that the Barnhart School delivers on its mission to provide a balanced educational experience for my daughter. The school's philosophy is based on high ideals, standards of excellence (academic and co-curricular), and a dedication to the total development of each student. The nuturing community environment provides a safe place for academic achievement, personal growth and social development. Our child has enjoyed her exposure and involvement in visual art and general music classes. She is also thrilled to have made it into the school chorus. The academic curriculum is integrated with cooperative work, technology, service learning and fun enrichment opportunities (field trips, public speaking, etc.). My wife and I are happy to serve the school working on class/school projects, funraising as well as sharing our talents and resources which directly benefit the students and the greater school community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Barnhart is a great school! The education is excellent and age appropriate. The amount of homework is significantly less than I've seen at other schools, yet my children are learning as much (if not more) and have excellent SRA scores. The teachers are very involved with the students and keep in very close contact with the parents. You can get a good education and good teachers at a lot of private schools, but what separates Barnhart from other private schools is the families. Barnhart families are as involved in their child's education as they want to be. Most families in the school are the kind of families you would like to be friends with. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants a well rounded education, in a caring atmosphere, for their child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I like that this school is what a public school should be. A great academic program, sports, drama, band and chorus are also available. There is art too. They have lots of special days that make going to school and the hard work that is required more bearable for the students. My children know how to behave in public, address adults and speak out, that is attributed to the schools teachings. The biggest thing for me, was as I learned my daughter was struggling with reading she wasn't told to go elsewhere. They have worked hard to make accomodations even though they are not a public school and there is no 504 saying they have to. Barnhart has been a great school. While no school is perfect, the school has really tried to listen to our concerns when they arose. I have been a very involved and vocal parent. Children are loved here.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are some good teachers, very good, but there are some who need to be reinvigorated and perhaps re-examine their teaching methods. The principal asks for more and more money but yet declines to show complete and open accountability on how the money is spent. Parents are told it is for teachers salaries and to hire more qualified teachers, yet the old and tired remain. The parents work very hard to accomodate the needs of the school and the cost is becoming very prohibitive. It is hard to accept the request for more money and yet the school refuses donations of equipment or service resources from parents except to fund raise for more money. The school has a great philosphy, but like any school it is evolving. It has a very good education for most students. It is now accredited which should keep it heading in the right direction.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Barnhart is a great school, except for the fact of the lack of informations supplied to parent, they are not wanted in classrooms nor is a lot of information regarding progress discussed with parents. With a 20 to 1 ratio it wouldn't hurt to take advantage of the parents willing to help out!”
This review was posted by a parent.