Melrose Avenue Elementary School in Burbank, California

“I do not think responsibility is there. People come to get a paycheck only.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Melrose Elementary has an inspired principal, amazing teachers, a science/math/technology focus that includes the arts, a gardening initiative - a well rounded, diverse population - all in all - a dream public school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Melrose is the centerpiece of a little community in a big city. It feels like home to the kids meanwhile learing a wide range of subjects from Science to Music. The Parents are involved and interested in the Schools Success! The Staff is caring and Knowledgeable. My Son and I love Melrose and are lucky to be part of such a great school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Melrsoe Avenue Elementary school is one big happy family. Everyone is involved in their child's education and everyone strives to make it a better place four our kids. Our parents get down and dirty from teaching nutritions, gardening, beautifying the school, arranging outings, and getting to know one another. The staff loves our children and the teachers are some of LA's finest! The school turned Magnet this year and our kids and families are more excited about the school than ever.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I can not be more happy with our school. I have 2 children there in 5th and 2nd grade. This year our school became Magnet and there are so many wonderful things happening there. We are like one big family and 'reaching for the stars'. The curriculum is great: fun and challenging at the same time. The principle and teachers are simply awesome and amazing. Most of them stay until 6:00 pm to prepare for the next school day. My children wake up in the morning eager to go to school....they absolutely love it! I've observed quite a few schools before and can definitely say that Melrose Avenue Elementary Math/Science/Technology Magnet School is truly one of a kind. Just come to one of our tours and you'll see what I mean.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our principal is the most passionate, hard working women I know. We have a diverse population.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our first year as a school-wide Math/Science/Technology Magnet. In a single year, our enrollment grew by 1/3 and 80% of our teachers are new. We are implementing an Apple 1:1 laptop take home leasing program (3rd-6th grade) / 2:1 laptop beginning in 2nd... All the classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards and Elmos. We have an iMac Lab with flats screens, a science lab and are implementing Singapore Math. Our 501(c)(3) PTO was launched this year and our membership currently tallies 130. We offer Mad Science, Yoga, Champions and YS Care after-school enrichment programs. We won a Loews $5,000 grant to create outdoor organic classroom gardens, which Whole Foods is sponsoring. We are a Title 1 school, have Deaf, Hard of Hearing (prek-6th) program, ARTS Prototype and Orchestra, beginning in 3rd and are incorporating a Nutrition program and launching 'Light Up the Library' to build our volunteer, mentoring and Homework clubs . If there is ever a candidate for a best school, Melrose Elementary M/S/T Magnet is it! Phooey on the '4!' Please look beyond old data and take in account of the enormous changes occurring right now. We are a '10' at the very least!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Absolutely love this school and the principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter's first experience in a school setting was last year in the pre-k program at Melrose. Initially she had a tough time adjusting, but I couldn't have asked for more supportive teachers. They went above and beyond to help her through this difficult period. I had planned to send her to private school for kindergarten, but opted to re-enroll at Melrose because of her outstanding pre-k experience. She particularly enjoys the arts program, hands on science, and computer lab. The principal is incredible! She is genuinely concerned about this school, its students; and parents. Her enthusiasm, involvement and optimism are contagious, and very much appreciated by the Melrose Elementary School community. I truly believe that Melrose Elementary is destined to do great things with Ms. Lucas at the helm.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is a kindergartener and we are having the best experience. Here's the skinny: 805 API (up over 100 points in the last two years), committed to incorporating the arts (visual, dance, theater, band), free after-school Champions (national program) care until 6:00 PM and Journalism Book Clubs lead by our principal who is approachable and outstanding; a committed experienced staff, a spacious campus with a state-of-the art computer lab, librarian, auditorium... monthly tours are available. You can call the school for more details.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I like that the Melrose is so small and the teachers really care. My daughter loves the art programs and is very happy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son just completed second grade at Melrose. I may be moving and was referred to this page by his teacher to help me find a quality school. My son has been at Melrose since Kindergarten. The school was under the directorship of an embattled principal who lasted only that year. For the last two years, the new principal, Mr Velasco, has taken the reins of the school, and working closely with staff and parents, has turned test scores around, expanded the arts program, is working toward funding additional playground equipment, and is always looking for ways to provide more quality teaching materials for students. There are good and not-so-good teachers, but I have met and worked with many of them, and I can tell you that the majority hold the children's interest as a priority one. If I could tell you one thing about Melrose today, it would be that they care.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers never gave up. There was low moral, but the students always came first. There are plenty of resources and nothing was given up to focus on low test scores. There was and is an arts program which offers theater, dance, and visual arts. There was and is an orchestra program. I know of other schools that do not offer such programs unless parents pay for those services.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“It's a great school; incredibly committed staff :-)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very happy with Melrose Avenue Elementary School. Parent involvement is encouraged through education, forums & information. The principal & staff are available & interested in our children. I really appreciate the fact that I know many of the staff & children by name. It is very family oriented. I was especially impressed with the Pre-K program, which was my introduction to the school. I think it is imortant for us to learn how we can help in our children's education, as parents. Being a part of the school & community is a big part of what I like about Melrose Avenue Elementary School, Principal Velasco & Staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The programs is very good for a public school. The school is an arts program school and they do a wonderful job of getting the kids involved. There seems to be a lot of parent involvment compared to other schools in the area.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We moved our child there in sept. 2004 And were stunned with new principal. Lots of big talk, but no real compassion and empathy for children. Pure administrator. Coolness trickled down to the teachers, who seemed to stop caring. Great assistant principal mrs. Palmer, though, smart/caring/loving, which helped a lot. The school has virtually no resources. They eliminated all the 'extras' to work on low test scores. Too many kids were english learners. The school is a concrete jungle, no after-school resources to speak of. No quiet place indoors to do homework after school. Crummy lunch area. We finally transferred him to another school 18n 2005 near work. Melrose is a miserable place!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful neighborhood school, with great, motivated teachers who give the extra mile in everything they do.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The principal encourages parent involvement. The pre school, all day kindergarten and first grade offer a caring classroom and challenging curriculum. A wonderful alternative to private!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Melrose Avenue Elementary could be one of the best schools, but the district has not provided the school with adequate leadership. The school went from a leader who took too much control to one that takes no control and does not follow through on any thing.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have to disagree with the comment regarding a weak arts program. I have been involved with other schools in the district and I think the arts program is great! We are very lucky here to have any type of art program. We have visual art, theater and dance. I don't know many schools that offer such programs. The leadership is lacking, but the teachers and office staff are great.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I wnat to love this school because it's close. there are many parents in the neighborhood who would love to enroll their children in this school but are scared to becasue the principal does not want to work with parents. This is a big draw back. A large percentage of the students are bussed in because local parents are made to feel uncomfortable by the office workers. The campus grounds are always a mess. The arts and p.e. programs were minimal. My children came home with a couple of simple art projects. I am not aware of any formal sports activities perhaps because my children were in the lower grades. I now have my children in a school where parents are asked to volunteer their time and their seems to be much more in terms of music (everyday) and some very elaborate art projects.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is currently enjoying the pre-school program at Melrose Avenue School. It's fabulous, an absolute jewel! The teachers are both beyond wonderful and my daughter is learning and creating and making friends. I would recommend the pre-school program at the school highly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“teachers are great, and very cooperative, but the extracurricular programs are lacking very much. there is not much integration of diversity in the school. i find that like most of the other public schools in the area, the influence of hispanic culture dominates the student body and everything in the school. i am hispanic, as well as a mix of other races, we speak several languages in our house, but we speak and write english in the proper british form. hispanics are the majority, but we are still in the united states, and i feel that we are moving away from that foundation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“not enough diversity, and administration is weak in terms of communicating directly with parents. the teachers are great.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“School has state of the art technology program, new Kirk Douglas playground, Arts Prototype program, Nutrition program, well-disciplined students, monthly multicultural assemblies, high standards for students, improved daily attendance (over 95%).”
This review was posted by a teacher.