Rio Vista Elementary School in Burbank, California

“I am a new parent at Rio Vista and I have to say we were a little apprehensive to send our daughter there. But, I am so glad that we did! She has a wonderful teacher and it learing at an incredible rate. Her teacher takes the time to make sure that each student is given individual attention and help if they need it. We have a new principal and VP as well who are doing a wonderful job. I think they are even a little surprised at the level of parent involvement and the force of the PTA. We are very satisfied with our decision choosing Rio Vista over private school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Both my kids got great teachers this year and we're really looking forward to awesome parent involvement. We can already feel the vibe on campus. Plus, we have a new principal and vice principal (no nonsense/hands-on) and as a very involved parent, I like what I see so far.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have our nephew in Miss Sanchez class this year and we would like to thank her for all of her hard work and dedication to him as well as all of her other students. Miss Sanchez you have taught him so much this year and he has been truly blessed to have you as his teacher. your door is always open to all of your students who need help and you are often caught eating your dinner in your classroom as your students are doing their homework or just getting help from you. You have made his transition to middle school exciting. He is counting the days only 107 days he said the other evening' What can we say to that - hats off to you'. We thank you for your hard work and dedication' Another great teacher adding to a wonderful school - The Daltons”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wonderful teachers and individual attention seems to be given each child. Small class room sizes, in ratio to teachers. Computers education, not mention general studies and of plenty parent partpicipation.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am the parent who posted about our Principal not knowing kids names. If she has been checking this board (or not), and thus learning the names, I am grateful. Everyone can grow. This is a wonderful school and I hope we all keep our modest qualms in relative perspective. For a Public School on the planet earth, we are very, very lucky indeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Just the other day I saw the principal greeting children by name in the morning. I even told her that I was impressed that she knew all of their names.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As an involved parent of Rio Vista I feel it is a wonderful school. The PTA has worked hard to open an organic garden in the North Weddington park right next to the school. Which will be a great opportunity for our children to learn by doing and reaping the benefits.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love Rio Vista!! My child has been there since Kinder and feels safe and happy attending a small school..approx 400 students. The SAS (Advanced Studies) teachers are Amazing...especially Ms. Campos and Ms. Hakimovich!! The PTA has been EXTREMLY involved in making the school a welcome, pro-active environment for the kids. If it wasn't for PTA fundraisers, the students would never had had the opportunity to take multiple field trips and have special events continually throughout the school year. Koodos to the strong PTA!! As far as the comments regarding the principal in prior comments....I unfortunately have to agree. I stronger, more supportive principal would be benefical. The school wouldn't have proper funding without attendance, so more parent-friendly activities (AFTER 5:30Pm events) would show more support for family activities, not just 'in school' activities. Maybe the PTA will be able to push for this as they represent the parents and students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child just finished up our first year at Rio Vista - we loved it. What a great experience. The SAS teacher Ms. Campos was amazing; we got art, dance, music as part of the package and I now have a child reading, writing, and doing math and science well above grade level. I think the PTA really cares. It's a tight-knit group. There was a great end of the year party thrown that really shows the school spirit at nearby Wedington Park. We were seriously considering either an expensive private school or Catholic school at our parish and we're really happy with Rio Vista. The price is right; the classroom size is about 19 and all the teachers I've met seem excellent. Also, I don't see why she gets so many complaints but the 'average' principal seemed fine to me. I do think the new assistant principal is great.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a child at this school. We were all set to send our child to private, then really liked the 'vibe' we felt at Open House last year so we decided to give it a try. Our child has excelled greatly and loves school. The teacher is fantastic! The PTA is also wonderful and really trying to keep this school in a forward momentum! As in the other reviews, we do feel that this school would be better served with a new Principal. The Vice Principal seems to be the 'ticket' here with her personality and mannerism.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is a perfect match for my son. Small school, great teachers - they are very serious about every child getting to the level that they need to be at. PTA is amazing!! Principal seems like she is doing the best she can - Need to get another Principle in the school who can take this school further for the school to be the best that it can be. This school has my vote!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Two of my children are enrolled at Rio Vista, and we are thrilled with their education. The staff is friendly and the PTA does wonders for the school. The principal seems a lost and unsure of herself, but the teachers--wow. My daughter was reading and writing at an advanced level when she left kindergarten, and my son (now in Pre-K) is right behind her. We came from a private school, and my kids are now learning at an accelerated level for free. Can't beat that in LA.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child no longer goes to Rio Vista. Kindergarten and 1st grade were excellent, (two fabulous teachers). In 2nd and on the teachers seemed to be miserable and could not motivate the gifted class my child was in. Bullying was a problem as well; the teachers could not and did not handle it. I had to take matters in my own hands numerous times. The principal and teachers never had an answer to any of my questions or concerns. My child is now attending a different school and a huge change took place. Loves school, loves the challenge and the schoolmates. I was lead to believe it was my child that had the problems until I talked to other parents at Rio Vista who had the same issues. This can be a great school. Parents need to speak up, and wake up the faculty. We are the customers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm not thrilled with this school as of yet. I have a child in kindergarten - my child came from a private pre-school. I see all the things that frustrate me about public schools at this school. I think it has potential but the principal has to go. There is no leadership here - it's completely up to the parents to make this a great school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Lovely school. Great teachers. Hooked up to a huge park. Can't believe we're in the middle of LA. Amazing luck!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school used to be something everyone was proud of. The teachers are excellant. Unfortunately, since the new principal arrived the place has noticably gone downhill. Had I not been a struggling single parent I would put my child in a private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has attended Rio Vista since Kinder. All of her teachers have been wonderful! She has excelled in subjects which she usually avoids. Parent involvement has increased every year. Principal could use a little motivation. Determined parents have really taken the initiative in making administrative improvements as well. A strong PTA won a beautification grant and the 'Hidden Garden' was born! It allows children new experiences and alternative choices for nutrition. It's amazing what children will eat...when they grow it! Also, a new tile wall project continues to add beauty, color and memories to our school. A welcoming Parent Center Director makes all Parents and children feel secure and comfortable. Thanks to our dedicated staff our API scores continue to increase. Come and visit!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is in the 5th grade and I absolutlely love this school. Her teacher Ms. Sanchez has been the best! This school has the best staff and teacher I have experienced. This school is #1 in my eyes.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our child is in 1st grade and we are really happy with Rio Vista so far. I wish all teachers could be like Mrs. DM, as she really encourages the children and they all seem to want to do their best for her. She's one of those teachers that a child will always remember! Some parents work really hard, but it's always the same few doing everything. The yard needs more supervision after school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“So far it's been good. The kid's have no complaints about the school and/or their teachers. They love going to school/class. I've been lucky they're all in the sas program. Great teachers; approachable and understanding with the kid's needs. Overall the school staff(office personnel, teachers, teachers' aid, counselors, etc.) has been very helpful. Love the afterschool/l.a. best program, it helps a lot. It's a small school but it has alot to offer. Highly recommend this school to others.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love this school! Our daughter is in First grade with Miss DM and she is wonderful! She is really excited about going to school each morning. For a public school, you cant get any better teacher involvement and Administration involvement. The teacher has nurtured our daughters love for reading and challenged her so she is reading at grade 2+ They are great at embracing the diversity factor and kids of all backgrounds can feel comfortable there. All around great school! We love it”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is now attending Rio Vista, we came fro a private school and all I can say is that Rio vista exceeds in al levels. I am so happy with the school. The staff is great and the parents are super involved.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers and support staff are excellant.”
This review was posted by a staff.

“This school has great programs available for gifted students as well as special eduacation and all of those in between. They have the LA's Best afterschool program as well as Arts Prototype and a Wonder of Reading Library. It is a great little school nestled in a quiet neighborhood with great teachers and a nice campus. I hate that we have to leave it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“What a great school! I highly recommend Rio Vista to any parent who is searching for a small, community based school.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“wonderful small school that teaches great values to studensts. It has a great SAS program and the teachers are all outstanding! I love this school because focuses on the 'student comes first'. The PTA envolment is very good and the staff is really friendly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Rio Vista is an excellant school with a wonderful SAS program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is enrolled in Rio Vista, he completed kindergarten this June. The school is wonderful, everything I could hope for in a public school. His teacher was great, very warm yet professional with the kids. My son was so enthusiastic to go to school every morning. He learned to read, write and do arithmetic by the end of the school year. The PTA is really involved and welcomes anyone who wants to volunteer. It is a small school with smaller classes and improving every year. I recommend Rio Vista highly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school, small and personable with test scores on the way up. It has quality teachers and a wonderful music program. There is a dedicated core of involved parents, but there is always a need for more parents to participate in PTA and school events.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Rio Vista is a wonderful school. Great academics and the teachers are very knowledgeable and caring. The parents that are invloved with the school are doing a wonderful job. I wish more parents would get more involved in any way that they can to help the school and the children grow and excel.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“my children were only able to do one year @ this great school but, we loved it & hated 2 leave. I truly loved my sons K-teacher(bowen) great. Also Pre-k(mrs.K.) also my daughter(Owens). my daughter had learning problems & she was not scared to help us find the problem. I never wantd to leave such caring teachers. The parent involvment was ample.”
This review was posted by a parent.