Woodland Hills Academy in Burbank, California

“This school is great,the ex-principle and dean (Mr.Weiner and Mr.Periolat) did a great job with the school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am currently a seventh grader here, and I think that the school is great. The cafeteria is maintained looking its best, the teachers are friendly, and the class sizes are small. I am currently learning algebra 1, which is an 8th grade standard, even though i am only in 7th. They have levels of education to fit your needs. one of the great classes, run by mrs. ojeda, mrs. montsinger, mrs. botnick, and mr. simily is AVID. it shows that we are truly a college prep middle school. AVID is a program that helps you get into college. we also have a great program called SnapGrades which, personally, has saved my life. it allows you to see your grades instantly. if it werent for snapgrades, i would have a bad grade in history and science.my favorite teachers are mr. newborn, mrs. ojeda, mrs. botnick, mrs. pfeiffer, and mrs. ellis.”
This review was posted by a student.

“This is my son's first year at WHA. I could not be more pleased with the level of attention that we have received. The teachers are very deligent about posting homework daily and answering your emails. Most of the time in the same day. Soon a new system called snapgrades will be available to keep you posted at all times of your childs grades. I feel very connected to the school already and believe the teachers are committed and truly care about my child. We went to the 'Bridges' summer program prior to entering 6th grade. This program allowed him to get used to the new school, make friends and feel very at home before the first day of school. What a great opportunity! Kudos to Ms. Miller and Mr. Newborn for being so involved with the children and with our school. Ms. Sandoval runs an amazing Music program. Go WHA!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son jut started there this fall. He was hesitant at first, but now has made some friends and he likes his teachers. The kids seem very nice and polite. I like the block schedule that is implemented there. The principal and teachers are so positive and complement each other. My son is motivated to learn, that says a lot! The teachers are happy therefor happy kids. Thanks WHA! WE look forward to wonderful year!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter attended WHA for two years now. What a great staff and principal. The school has so much to offer. to date we have had a great experience with all the teacher we have had Mr. Newborn, Ms Merrill, Mrs. Loew, Mrs. Spears they are all wonderful and a great asset to the school. GO WHA...... S.Sawyer”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love WHA. My daughter finished her 6th grade year and is looking forward to next year. They have many more electives to choose from than the other middle schools around and a high academic program. The teachers have all been great and helpful. If she had a question, all she needed to do was email them and they got back in a quick manner. Our home shool is actually Hale, but we are glad she at WHA. She learned far more this year than her friends at Hale. Plus, it is half the size, they get a set of textbooks to keep at home and a set for school so they don't have to carry them around. The kids all love the uniforms so they don't even have to thinks about 'best dressed' Who cares? It doesn't make you better if you can afford better clothes!! What is school about?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I came from another country and it is my first year in this school. In WHA I feel me like at home - teachers are very nice to students, students are really good people. Every month -- no, every week this school have some cool celebrations! Especially the Spirit week was great! And uniforms colors are really good - every single store has them! I think I am lucky to be in this great school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm currently a seventh grade student here and in my opinion, I think it's an excellent school. We have really fun electives that aren't found in other schools and we have really fun after school programs. The dean is all over the place, and we have a very strict uniform policy. We even have CST prep on Wednesdays and Fridays to help us do well on our CSTs! I just overall highly recommend this school. The school's improved massively for almost the past two years, and I look forward to seeing more next year ;)”
This review was posted by a student.

“My son loves this school. The teachers are so good and the campus is safe and inviting. The dean is ALL over the place! He said he has never seen a fight, never been picked on, never felt afraid of the bigger kids. His teachers are nice and helpful and understanding. The sixth grade here is TOPS> those teachers work so hard, at least in the Honor's program. Ms Merril and Ms Miller are always running around busy but they always stop to talk with me if I need them. I cannot imagine a better middle school. I hear that the Virgenes schools are beginning to have problems. This is the best middle school around, at least for sixth graders. I could not be more impressed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has excellent teachers and faculty members. I have learned a lot in this school. Even though it is a good school it also has it's bad side.I am an 8th grader there and have been ther my whole 3 years and there hasnt been much improvemnt.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I'm a former student and, the school is not allthat. The principal is all talk. I can't think of one promise that was kept to us students that the Principal made us. I was there since the 7th grade. But one 7th && 6th grade teacher Ms. Merril is also a great teacher and teachers Ms. Shwab and Mr. Simily, they are the best teachers around. Also when I was there, there was a high crime rate I guess you could say. There was lots of theft and vandalism and fights in the bathroom.”
This review was posted by a student.

“This is a good school school, but it's only rated a 5 out of 10 because it is half-baked. The principal says lots of things, but they don't always happen. The teachers are tops. I wish more neighborhood kids would go here rather than Hale or Wright.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I wish to thank our wonderful neighborhood families for having the faith and dedication in our school. Your children are great and I, along with our staff, look forward to providing them with an incredible educational experience. In order to build a great school, we have to break it down to it's core, and build from there. Thanks for helping us do that. We are building to true greatness and we could not do it without you, our families. Woodland Hills Academy is truly a family school. We want you to always feel welcome and know that this is a safe, fun, and academically rigorous school. We do more than say we are a college prep middle school. We back it up with a strong academic program, with electives not found in other middle schools, and three great after school programs. Thanks again for helping us work toward greatness!”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“This is a great school for my child.The standards are great and the rules are not too strict and are not too delicate either.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is going to be my Daughter's first year at Woodland Hills Academy, I think you is going to love it here. I had looked a other Schools, but was not impressed with what I saw! My first impression of Woodland Hills Academy, was wow this is going to be a great school for my 6th grader.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is now a fabulous school. The school is now a college prep middle school that not only emphasizes academics it also has an eye on the future-preparing our children for careers in the 21st century. The teachers are wonderful and the principal is a seasoned veteran who really works well with parents and the community to ensure that our children receive the best possible education. There is no reason for our kids to go anywhere except to Woodland Hills Academy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Parkman Middle School no longer exists. Woodland Hills Academy is delivery on its promises. It is a wonderful college prep middle school as they teach Cornell note taking skills as well as how to do research. The teachers are all highly qualified and committed to giving our kids the kind of education they deserve. I am very happy my kids are at Woodland Hills Academy.The new principal, Mr. Weiner is fabulous. He has many years of experience and has been recognized as the Principal of the year several times by the California Association of School Administrators and last year he was named Director of the Year. We are so happy to have our neighborhood school leading the LAUSD in the right way to reform a school. There is no need for parents to take their kids to the Las Virgenes District.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My 6th grader has enjoyed being at this school. I was sceptical due to the schools past reputation, however, the new leadership is doing an excellent job of making this a safe environment, and the teachers I have gotten to know are genuinely involved and concerned. I am disappointed in lausds attempts to dismantle efforts to become a charter. Our children will only benefit when it does. So far, I am impressed with the staff, and believe this school will soar when it becomes a charter. I have concerns if it doesn't.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have watched Woodland Hills Academy over the last 2 years. I have seen the changes that a dedicated, talented teaching staff and a new administrator have implemented in a very short time. With parent/community support, it is guaranteed that this school will be among the most sought-after Middle Schools in the Valley very soon. Its small size (930), beautiful campus and open spaces are a rarity! Discipline is strong, behavior problems virtually non-existent and the kids seem happy and relaxed in this safe,loving environment. The positive buzz about this school is building as more community families are becoming excited about their neighborhood MS once again. Our sixth grader started this semester. I cannot say enough about the guidance and support from the principal, teachers, Gifted Coordinator and counselors. I urge any family interested in this school to enroll quickly before everyone discovers this wonderful gem!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The academic programs are great. However, the safety of the students remains a concern. I went to Parkman myself, and the campus isn`t as closely monitored as I would like it to be. There also is a lack of cleanliness. Its a pretty good school, but it wasn`t my first choice.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“This school has horrible leadership and horrible teachers. I finally pulled my child out in 8th grade. I had two others go through Parkman, but I just couldn't take one more year of that horrible school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If you ask the majority of the parents on campus why their involvement is so low, the many would say it is because of an unfriendly, uncaring, and far inferior administration.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“The majority of academic programs and the teachers at Parkman Middle School prepare the students for their journey into high school. Unfortunately, due to district budget constraints, this charming little neighborhood middle school has lost many of their extracurricular activities as well as their music program. The superior administration, however, (prinicipal and assistant principals) has been trying its hardest to protect the integrity of their school from a rotting district infrastructure and a mafia-like union on campus. The parental involvement is at a medium/low level, as parents are a bit apathetic about what goes on in their student's middle school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The academic programs are good in theory but lacking substance. Parents must keep a close watch and in touch with educators. If you do, they will serve you well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Parkman has greatness in their future. The charter movement at this school is unlike no other. Teacher led, parent backed, without the current administration which is not teacher or parent or student friendly. A big shake up is needed. Put education back into the hands of the people that will take care of education: the parents, teachers and students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school needs to be updated. They are losing enrollment at a rapid rate. Teachers are losing their jobs and children are suffering. I would not recommend this school in its current state. They are however trying to turn the school into a charter school for next year. A very promising turn for this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Parkman has a great 6th grade, teachers are the best.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent gifted program. A good school with dedicated teachers. We like the use of uniforms for the students”
This review was posted by a former student.

“it is a pretty good. i mean compared to other schools, it is doing really well .”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Basically, an excellent school. No complaints!”
This review was posted by a student.

“This is a great school if you want academics. The teachers are great and have special technquies for teaching that make the kids understand. I would be an example. I came to this school in in 2002-2003 and was on the honor roll. My teacher Ms. Johnson was such a great math teacher that today I got into the Algebra class and I'm only in seventh grade. If your about academics then you should go to Parkman but if you care about your child's safty then I wouldn't recommend this school even though I go to it.”
This review was posted by a student.