San Jose Street Elementary School in Burbank, California

“My son is in his third year at the HGM, as I say, we are home. He had attended 3 other schools prior to attending San Jose HGM and it wasn't until this school that the teachers finally 'got' him. The Booster Club (the HGM specific PTA) manages to pull off miracles every year with regards to supplementary and expanded learning programs. That being said, the program will only flourish with parental involvement. The budget cuts of the last year have made it that much more critical for the Booster Club support. My youngest son was in the regular school for 2 years and we ended up putting him in our neighborhood school as he was not receiving the challenge he required in the classroom. I am indeed grateful for the HGM program here as they allow for the children to excel in a supportive and exciting environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school for the parents that have a serious commitment to their children's need for education. It is not a day care! Education starts at home. Their activities and curriculums are according to the state of California standards. The teachers are fully commited to the students and often find the time to bring out the best in each one of them. Like the rest of the schools in California parent/teacher conferences happen during the day and also after school. As a parent of 2, I find San Jose Street Elementary School staff to be in the best interest in the welfare of my sons. Over all it is a great school with great teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Principal does not seem effective in controlling discipline issues at school. School has no FREE extra-curriculars, but offers a couple of fee-based after-school activities. School is on lock-down in the morning, they lock gates at 8:00. I encourage parents to still stay with their children on-campus, just sign in at office, take a badge/sticker, and walk through. They don't announce that, but it is your right. You can meet and talk to other parents that way, sometimes greet the teacher, get to know other children's names.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Mrs Chu is a great teacher for first grade she tought my daughter alot of stuff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“San Jose is a great school, they're teachers are wonderful and most of them teach with so much passion. Mrs Chu is a great example of that.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son was in a very good LAUSD GATE program which simply was unable to cater to his special needs. Highly gifted children need highly trained teachers. The teachers at San Jose Street HGM are specially trained to teach and also to understand the way these children think and learn. These children also need to interact with their peers. No school is ever perfect. Parking near a school is ALWAYS a problem! Last year was a difficult year, and while year saw many improvements, they were marred by budget cuts. Recent Booster club meetings show that more parents are willing to get involved and help out. A school is only as good as parental involvement. Get involved, get things done, make your concerns known, have a say in your child's education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Maybe it's different in magnet school. I agree with other parent. Discipline is big problem with lots of bullying. I also cannot be late/later for work, so making it so hard to be on-campus really hurts. I can't take so much time off. My daughter is also on waiting list for 21st century kids but no available spaces. There is too much homework, like teachers can't cover the subject matter and expect parents to teach it. After work, it's late and all tired, then 2 hours homework, much of it busy-work, too. School is poor at communication, office staff is cold and not friendly, they act inconvenienced when you walk your child through office onto campus. Parking nearby is nightmare! PTA & meetings during workday is not possible for me, I don't have as much 'free' time at work as you do! What a luxury!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Sorry you are worried about your child being at San Jose Elementary School. The school has a great communication policy; of course you need to schedule the time to speak with the teachers. When ever I have had any questions or needed help the office staff has always been helpful. As the posting from yesterday stated, discipline starts at home. As a parent that works, I am pretty sure you take breaks and are not expect to work from the time you arrive until the time you depart. Teachers are human beings. There are many after school programs available to everybody, yes some are open to a certain number of students and others have no limit. As a full- time working parent, I am able to attend the PTA meeting as they are at 8:15 in the morning every third Tuesday, 2nd Cup of Coffee with the principal once a month, that is an open forum to discuss any topic- I have attended a few of them and have been able to voice my concerns and ask questions. As parents we should know how to plan and manage our time. Arriving a bit early is best - plenty of parking and that way you will not be late for work. I believe parents are always welcome to walk on campus as long as they have a pass. Society has changed and I think the policy the school has in place is for the safety and benefit of the children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am worried about my child being here. Very little communication with teachers & admin. No returned phone calls, no emails. Discipline a problem, few yard supervisors. Teachers don't supervise yard, take their 'break'. Child cannot remain in classroom for safety, teacher demands her break. Emphasis on spanish speaking parents & kids, lots of programs for them. After-school supervision is full, we've been on waiting list since june 2008. Pta and other parent activities during work day, so only non-working can attend. I agree with problem: parents should be able to walk children to classrooms, not locked out at gate. If i park 3 blocks away, walk through office & get sticker, i'll be late to work. Parents should get non-transferrable badge giving access through any gate...We could see teachers & admin, ask questions, have some connection. I worry for future.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is in response to the two reviews posted in September of 2008. My two children have attended San Jose Elementary. My first child graduated 3 years ago and had the privilege to have Ms. Shambra as principal, and my other child who currently still attends the school has had the privilege of having Ms. Shambra as well as our new principal Ms. Johnson. They both are great principals.As far as discipline, it starts at home; discipline I feel is a top priority at the school, currently the principal has implemented Project Wisdom which if you are around the school about 8:15 in the morning you will hear the daily message that is over the loud speaker that shares messages that allow and encourage the children to reflect on various topic such as respect, responsibility, confidence, courage and honesty which in return will reduce disciplinary problems. Our teaching staff is great; thru my children, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the teachers. We as parents need to appreciate our teachers, as they are tasked to educate our kids, stay up to date with the school curriculum that continues to get more complex every year. All the gates locked - society has changed and due to that fact all the gates are maintained lock for the safety of our kids, parents are always welcomed and encouraged to volunteer at the school, but of course you must sign-in in the office. I as a parent appreciate the fact that just not anyone can walk on campus. As far as non-English speaking parents and communication with other parents. The school caters to various ethnic background and children with learning disabilities and challenges. Although there are many parents that do not speak English, there are many parents that do speak English, and many that are bilingual. The school does not cater to the Spanish speaking; it caters to the community that surrounds it. I encourage you to get more involved so you can see first hand what a great school San Jose Elementary is, attend the monthly PTA meetings, Second cup of Coffee, and other events at the school. Safety, discipline and education of the children are top priority, but it all starts at HOME and working with the school administration and teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“San Jose Magnet is the perfect 'home' for HG kids who seek true peers and friends who 'get' them. Our child is so much happier here because of that. The Booster Club provides enrichment programs (yoga, extra gym, Shakespeare plays) to enhance LAUSD's basic curriculum. All three Magnet teachers are highly skilled and work to meet the special needs of these children, greatly deepen the level of learning through in-depth discussion and analysis. Class sizes are smaller than normal. The home school is generally friendly and welcoming and all children, Magnet and home school, seem to get along (as well as kids do!). The only downside is a lack of real support from LAUSD for what could be a 'shining gem' in the LAUSD system. These special children need support just as those on the other end of the educational spectrum do.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The magnet program looks like a great option for highly gifted students. Both the teachers and students were impressive. The staff seemed very friendly.”
This review was posted by a other.

“San Jose is an excellent school for all ages, my son has already graduated from San Jose and my daughter is currently enrolled in the highly gifted program. Excellency starts from the top. Mary Shambra keeps herself involved with the teachers, students and parents, more importantly she sincerely cares about the students and their education. Keep up the great work!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son was in the magnet and had a great experience. None of his teachers are there anymore and he just left two years ago.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“insincere and unprofessional administration and staff. poor communication with parents. parents of highly gifted children proceed with caution!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The highly gifted magnet program was not what it was talked up to be during the recruitment tour and orientation. My daughter's needs for visual spacial teaching were not met and with the overwhelming majority of the program being boys, it was socially difficult, too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was skeptical about removing my daughter from our home school and placing her here, but I'm so glad I did. The arts prototype curriculum has nurtured her talent and she is now working to her full potential.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The level of instruction at the Magnet was advanced. The playground is huge. The office personnel are friendly.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Big playground. Mrs. Fowler teacher in the highly-gifted magnet is wonderful.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“This school is beyond wonderful! The principal, Mary Shambra, runs a tight ship. The school is clean, academically excellent and cares about each and every student. We have had the most wonderful experience here. Plus, Mrs. Shambra has coordinated with Los Angeles theatres, the philhormonic and ballet programs to offer free tickets to world class events in an effort to expose all students to programs at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, the Disney Concert Hall and other venues.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree that this school has lost a great deal of appeal. I am an ulumni of this school and it sure has not been the same for quite a few years. Ms. Shambra tried her best however I was never a fan of hers. The new Principal does not have good authority and does not know how to discipline the kids and the school has a lot of problems regarding bullying. All of the good teachers have retired for the exception of a few good ones left. And yes there a lot of students/parents who mostly only speak spanish and it is them who the school really caters to. My son who is still attending the school might be going to another school. They need to reshape this school asap because I do believe it has some potential.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The reviews on this blog are all accurate...Until Dec. 2006. When Mary Shambra left the school. Since then, everything is very different. The neww principal lacks the knowledge and class Mrs Shambra encouraged. The parents feel asense of coldness and so do the children. The scores seem to be spiriling down in all aspects, especially discipline. The warmth Mary spread to the children and parents, is definitely a big factor in the behavior of all people involved..”
This review was posted by a parent.