Bixby Elementary School in Burbank, California

“Great parent involvement, diverse student body, super GATE program!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The review posted on October 1, 2009 is right on! Bixby has been blessed with many dedicated, educated and enthusiastic teachers. However, they are way off the mark regarding the PTA. Bixby is also blessed with great parents who care deeply about their children and the education they receive. Many of these parents are PTA members. They donate tremendous amounts of their valuable time working to promote education and scholastic experiences for the students. Of course fund raising is important, especially today. But the Association votes how to spend money, the board makes recommendations. I am a proud parent of two Bixby students and member of the Bixby Elementary School PTA. I invite all Bixby parents to join the PTA and see for yourself what a dedicated and consciencious group we are. Bixby rocks! JP Beay”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I recommend checking out Bixby if you're looking for a positive school experience for your children. For those hoping to volunteer and participate in Bixby's PTA, don't get discouraged by the previous review which is negative, and states unfair remarks about Bixby's PTA. I am a volunteer at Bixby and attend PTA meetings often. I am proud to be at a school that has a ton of parent support. Bixby's Sept. PTA mtg. was full of people. I was told by a board member that over 60 people came. How has the PTA '..not established itself..' with turnouts like that? Also, to accuse a nice, hardworking group of board members of 'overruling association concerns with funds' is irrational since the Association itself has voted unanimously on the budget for the last few year's worth of meetings. Bixby parents have spoken, and many are pleased with PTA's progress. Go Bixby!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family has been a part of Bixby for 5 years now. We have never been dissapointed or have ever wished we were somewhere else. Our kids are happy and thriving in thier education. Bixby is like family to us and many others that attend our school. Thanks to the staff, parents and all the wonderful people who make Bixby what it is today!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would like to add that Bixby has been a wonderful school for my children. The PTA works diligently to try to provide enriching activies for the Bixby students. However, there is room for improvement as there always should be with any organization. In these challenging economic times the budget should be reviewed and discussed with PTA members as to how we can better serve our students. We have fundraisers and how and why the money is spent is not always favorable. As a parent, I am reluctant to participate in most fundraisers because I don't see the benefit to the students. Anyway, I think Bixby is doing a great job but we should certainly focus more on the students needs and not the parents desires.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is great and has been blessed with many dedicated, educated and enthusiastic teachers. The past 4 years was successfully led by mr. Juan gutierrez, and this year we have a new principal on her way to success herself. After school enrichment programs are not paid for by the pta or district ..... Parents must pay for each child to participate. The pta only provides fundraising for its own purposes, and basic programs such as student of the month rewards, and a student reward store, red ribbon week, halloween festival etc. The pta has not established itself adequately. Run by an executive board and chairmen that lack leadership of membership, & overrule association concerns of how the funds are spent from year to year. There is no connection between school and pta, the leadership only see's it's personal desire and does not entertain other ventures”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our son's second year at Bixby. We came from private schools (pre-k thru 2nd). I could not be more pleased with the admin, the teachers and staff. All are professional, caring and insightful. The teachers have always been available and open with communication back and forth. The academic programs encompass students at all levels of learning. Teachers and staff are very involved too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is my personal experience that this school is lacking in quality leadership. Parents are expected to do homework for their children without concern of the time constraints with parenting and working outside of the home and teachers blame the parents when the children refuse to do homework. I do not recommend this school to anyone with a child of special needs, as they are often not met by those entrusted with their education. It is, again, something the school lays completely on the parents lap.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With a kindergartener just starting in Bixby, I already feel at home. The parents I've met are involved and positive, as are the teachers. The principal, Mr. Gutierrez has been an integral part of every event and PTA meeting.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Bixby has a friendly caring feel about it that provides the students a positive learning environment. The teachers attend regular staff development to keep on top of current trends in education. I am happy to have my daughter attending Bixby. She attended a 'high performing' school previously and I transferred her to Bixby to get the smaller class size benefit. She has never looked back because Bixby does everything they did over there but on a smaller more 'family' scale. Her old school had over 700 children and Bixby is just under 450, the smaller community is awesome. The PTA and principal arrange several community events each year including family movie night, Ruby's Diner night, Chucky Cheese night, Long Beach Armada night, a Family fun run in Seal Beach, ice cream social, special guest speaker children's author Jim Trelease, and more. Go Bixby!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very pleased with the quality of education at Bixby, particularly the Staff on the accelerated track. Classes are kept to 20 students or less in K - 3rd and the teachers, so far, have given a steady stream of relevant and manageble homework. Test scores have had a large increase and busing is down to less than one bus. Bixby won the district Spelling Bee and placed third in the District Math Bowl, out of over 35 schools in the district. The PTA is active, friendly and well supported. In addition the school offers Meet the Masters, Science Adventures, after school chess and guitar lessons.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Where do I begin? Bixby has been the most amazing school our family has been involved with. We even transferred here from a 'high test score' school and have no regrets. Academically, Bixby follows LBUSD standards, but in a way that is fun and limits pressure on the students. Bixby has an awesome chorus and music program, Meet the Masters art program, after school chess, after school guitar lessons, and follows the 'Character Counts' program. Twice a week, the entire student body gathers for a morning assembly to recite the Bixby Pledge, patriotic songs, Pledge of Allegiance, and hear important announcements. We even have a special guest during the Call to Order, when each classroom recognizes an outstanding 'Citizen of the Month'. Did I mention, a Bixby student won the District Spelling Bee? AND Bixby came in Second place in the Math Bowl in 2006! Overall, Bixby is the Best!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter attended Bixby from Kinder. through 5th grade. She is now in 6th grade at Stanford Middle School in the GATE program, and earning straight A's! The teachers and staff at Bixby are very accessible to parents and caring of each individual student. They have an accelerated program that is taught by teachers that are GATE certified (or working towards GATE certification). There are extracurricular activities such as instrumental music, chess club, guitar, and chorus. The PTA is not as big as some schools, perhaps, but the members are very active and committed and provide as much support and programs as PTAs with more members. I think this will change, however, as more families recognize what a wonderful school this is and send their kids there. I was extremely happy with our experience at Bixby and would encourage any family interested to consider becoming a Bixby Beaver!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have been attending Bixby for 10 years now. I couldn't ask for a better school or staff. The teachers, principal, and PTA are wonderful, caring people who make it a pleasure for my family to be at Bixby.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Too many people worry about test scores, administration, teacher quality, etc. Education all comes down to the student themselves and how they are raised at home. Bixby students are the best. Good students make great schools--and bixby is a fantastic neighborhood school. However, if you must look at the school scores, they have met and exceeded their api scores in all subgroups.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I currently have three children atending Bixby. My oldest is now in 5th grade and has attending Bixby since Kindergarden. I love all the teachers, support staff and the principle. Bixby's PTA offers many oppertunities for parents to become involved in whatever manner they choose. I can't imagin having chosen a better school for my children to attend. Go Bixby.....”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It's the Kindergarten experience every parent wants thier child to have. The Teachers and Staff are loving and caring. The parental involvement seams to be growing each year. I love working in the classroom and at the school. Thanks Bixby! Lisa Lauritsen”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My Daughter was just placed in a special education, autism day program. The staff takes a proactive approach to teaching by informing parents on a weekly basis what is happening in class and what the children are learning. This is especially important for our family since our daughter is not yet able to speak for communication. The teachers are very good about staying on top of special diets and informing me of any incidents, or new interesting events. Thanks to Bixby...the best school I personally have seen so far. Stay tuned.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Bixby offers a computer magnet program where all chidren have an opportunity to learn how to use computers. They have great parent invlovement and a wonderful PTA. The staff is wonderful and are always willing to help. 3rd graders and above can participate in music class and they always offer extra curricular activities after school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Teachers are great. Staff great. I'm satisfied.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“School [is] in great shape. The teachers are caring and intelligent.”
This review was posted by a student.

“The school appears to be very clean and comfortable. The teachers are caring and interested in student development. The school is well-kept and family involvement is exceptional.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“You can find no better staff than the teachers and admin staff at Bixby. They are the greatest.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“With two years of dealing with Bixby teachers and the Principal. I have found them more concerned about themselves, then the real needs of the child. Each difficulty was met with blaime placed on the child. Never even thinking it possible they may have been part of the problem. Arrogance from the one teachers was overwhelming at times. She left our child fearful to return to school. The Principal focused on making excusses for the teacher. Neither ever looked at the childs emotional stress. Or the phycological harm being done to the child. I am not giving my name. because like last year, I fear the teachers will take it out on my chaild... again!”
This review was posted by a parent.