Chaparral Elementary School in Burbank, California

“This is a terrific neighborhood school. The teachers truly care about the individual students and the parents create a warm community. The principal is doing an amazing job with the limited resources available to public schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think Chaparral is a terrific school. The teachers in my experience (two graduates and one current 5th grader having gone through the school) have been very largely supportive and enthusiastic and I have found the administration to be supportiveWe have We have had 3 kids go through Chaparral. The administration and teachers have largely been enthusiastic and supportive. If I could choose from all the elementary schools in Calabasas I would have my kids at Chaparral. I truly think it is the best.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Given the state of public education, I think it's too easy to look back whimsically on our own childhood experiences and expect the same. Sadly, it's a losing comparison. This is a wonderful school, with caring teachers and engaged parents. Too often comments from parents seem to address the way they think the school should be run, rather than viewing it through their kid's eyes. Mine love the school and thus so do I.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Chaparral, like any other school, has both attributes that can be improved upon and appreciated. As a teacher, I'm disappointed that the reviewers can't appreciate a strong leader that supports her staff. We wouldn't think twice to 'drop by' and 'chat' with a lawyer and a doctor, yet an administrator that is managing 550 students and over 50 staff members should have an open door policy. Somer is a hardworking, fair, and thorough admin. who aims to balance the needs of teachers, parents, and students while maintaining the high expectations that LVUSD stands for. As adults, we might not always agree with decisions that are made, but I think it's imperative that remain objective. Chaparral is a great public school that aims to meet the needs of ALL of it's students and we are lucky that we have a new principal that can be actively involved in changing and improving the school.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Like the above poster, I had high hopes for Somar Harding as the new replacement for the completely ineffective Dr. Tomes. Unfortunately, she did not live up to my expectations. She seems to have a hard time balancing the needs of her staff, with the needs of the children and parents. Her focus seems to be primarily the needs of her staff. I also agree that she is abrupt and doesn't seem to ever have the time (nor desire) to spend a few minutes with a parent who has important issues. Other than that....the parent participation (though sometimes annoying), is through the roof. Since the bulk of the mothers seem to be SAHM they have the time, money and energy to put forth. I do wish sometimes that they would put a bit more emphasis on having fun and just being creative, or community minded. Teachers are very good.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“summer harding has not been a great replacement as principal. i took my child out this year as he has some special needs. she is very abrupt and reluctant to help. the parents can only do so much when you have someone at the helm that just doesn't want to spend the money.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a new year with a new principal. So far the school seems to have changed. I am still happy here with the education my children are recieving, but the leadership is not up to par.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I loved this school when my children attended it, but then we were transferred out of state. Boy, were my kids behind at the new schools! They weren't adequately prepared in Language Arts (specifically, english grammar) or Science, although they were fine with Math. This was a shocker as they had both been gifted students at Chaparral! Anyway, they've caught up now and are fine, but it was certainly a lesson in how schools can differ from state to state.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have had a wonderful 5 years here. The programs are great. The kids were lacking a music teacher for a long time. Parent involvement is fantastic!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Quality of academic programs generally high; teachers well qualified in general education classrooms (K-5). Level of parent involvement in fundraising drives and big annual events is also high. Parents contribute to a supplemental fund to pay for music, art and computer classes. Parents tend to be well educated, affluent or both with high expectations for their children's school. School is not very responsive to needs of children with disabilities -- parents have to be strong advocates. Acting School Supt. Zimring has made public statement favoring cutting and limited special ed services. For 3 years (Fall 2001 to Spring 2004) a wonderful special ed teacher was on staff but after she left quality of services fell sharply. New special ed teacher started in January 2005.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is a lot of positive things to say about this school It's well run, the teachers work very hard to ensure a quality of success for students, however there are a few teachers who need to retire. The principal is a nice man. The community is very involved, upscale and extemlely competitive. Kids are hyper scheduled for success and a little too focused on academics, scores etc, even at a young age. Parents are good people for the most part, but like anywhere can be exclusive in their dealings. The district caters to over achievers and kids with learning disabilities, Average kids are left to wonder what happen.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“One of the best schools ever!”
This review was posted by a .