Schools > Private > Friends Western

Friends Western in Burbank, California

Friends Western Detail

(626) 793-2727
524 E Orange Grove Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
Levels: K-8
District: Private


Friends Western Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Student Teacher Ratio:6.09% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:85.71% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:0% (2008)
Hispanic:14.29% (2008)
Native American or Native Alaskan:0% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:0% (2008)

Friends Western Ratings Summary

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

Friends Western Reviews

Friends Western School is a loving environment that fosters the whole child. My son comes home daily happy and smiling. He loves school! He is constantly engaged and curious. I highly recommend FWS if your focus is to foster a love for learning!
This review was posted by a parent.

I adore Friends Western. My daughter has been in the school for one year and we are returning next year. This is an amazing little school with old-fashioned values and great academics. The kids are sweet and happy. They teacher to student ratio is about 10:1. I cannot praise this enough. I am so thankful for it. I really feel this is the perfect education system and the happy, thriving children are proof of this! Before attending a public school (briefly), my daugher went to a Waldorf school for several years. This reminds me very much of a Waldorf school but with more conventional learning. I think it combines the best of Waldorf and Montessouri. Since it is so small the kids can really love and learn from each other.
This review was posted by a parent.

Absolutely wonderful school. We are so thankful to have found this gem. Our daughter couldn't be more excited about going everyday. Her curiosity for learning has increased 10 fold. The teachers are patient, engaging, and bring out the best in each child. Highly recommended.
This review was posted by a parent.

The Staff and teachers are wonderful here, the safety is top notch (I can't believe one parent complained about that) and I know my child is getting the individual attention he needs.
This review was posted by a parent.

After raising three children, in a variety of school settings - public, private and boarding -and a teacher myself, I can tell you that teacher student ratio is 90% of what you pay for in any school setting. 20 children in a class means that they are getting fifteen minutes of attention apiece, combined with endless lining up, tying shoes and waiting around while everyone goes potty. At Friends Western School you are an individual from the moment you walk in the door - your learning style, your intelligence, strengths, your curiousity, that what Teacher Robin and Teacher Tracy are looking for so school can be a positive experience. They are creative, intelligent, compassionate teachers and believe that everyone has genius in them. The kids learn to learn and learn to love learning.
This review was posted by a teacher.

Friends Western School is a unique gem among what I consider overly competitive, non-creative and over priced schools. Individualized curriculum, field trips almost weekly, yoga, community lunches, Spanish and a very small student body make this school more like a family. There is no obligation to fundraise like in many private schools, however almost 100% of parents participate with no pressure whatsoever. The academic director is someone I respect very much intellectually. Flexibility for homeschooled families, and flexibility in general make this a great school for families who travel, work or just live an alternative lifestyle. The focus on communication and social responsibility make it truly unique. We love it!
This review was posted by a parent.

Friends Western, a Quaker school, uses multiple intelligence teaching. My children have been there for two terms now, and we are very pleased. Robin's lessons are imaginative and practical--for instance, children are currently learning geometry by building houses for their toys. Sonia, the kindergarten teacher, is like a compassionate and loving grandmother, and helps all the children feel secure and happy. Spanish is her first language, and Sonia speaks to the children in Spanish throughout the day. She even helps me practice! While I feel that the academics are excellent, and I appreciate that they include art, music and yoga, my greatest satisfaction is from the way the children work together, regardless of age or skill level. The program includes training for adults and children on peaceful conflict resolution, and everyone uses it. My children are happy at school, and they learn a lot, both socially and academically. I highly recommend Friends Western.
This review was posted by a parent.

My concern with this school is safety/discipline. We are no longer there.
This review was posted by a parent.