McKinley School in Burbank, California

“My daughter was in Mrs. Griego's Kindergarten class this year and loved it. She allowed the parents to share in morning book time with their children and with other kids. She made me feel like a friend not just some over-protective parent. Without some of the wonderful teachers there I don't think the school would stand a chance. The principal is average. Maybe a little cold and not easy to approach. She seems a little intimidating at times. They are talking about increasing class sizes from 20 to 25 and possibly giving pink slips to at least 4+ teachers. Mrs. Griego would be at risk. If this happens I definately will not be back at this school. The teachers have all they can handle at this point and with test scores not being all that great I think this decision would be devistating to the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parent who is active with the PTA, I can tell you that McKinley offers the best of what is available in public education in California . The teachers are dedicated, the staff works very hard to make the learning experience its best for all students, and our diverse community of parents supporters are fully committed to giving our school the tools it needs to drive student achievement and student success. Ours is an imperfect school in an imperfect world. The lack of funding for public education and the rules set by 'No Child Left Behind' have put restrictions on what can be taught and what needs to be taught. Instruction in all classrooms is not yet equal. The campus needs a major renovation. But what McKinley has become, in just six years, is a very special place, and I recommend it most highly!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son attended McKinley for several years...The school academic programs are not geared toward children that are beyond the GATE program. Mrs. Q was a great principal and they replaced her with one that could care less about the kids...the school really went down hill after Ms. Q left. We also left the school. There are some really good teachers at McKinley but the present principal doesn't support them like she should.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been a student at McKinley for one year,starting my second.I am pleased with how the teachers are so helpful and understanding.The kids are great and I have a lot of friends.Me and my friends would very much recommend Mckinley.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My child has been a student of McKinley for 5 years. In the beginning, I was pleased with the school. However, it is my impression that if your child does not test into the 'Gate' program, then they tend to be ignored. I have also discovered that the system has more politics than the government. Overall, I would not recommend McKinley.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Although we chose to leave this year with one child promoting to high school and the other transferring to Catholic school, overall our experience at McKinley was a good one. We were there for five years. From it's reopening the energy and involvement of parents played a major role in it's success. I think the biggest challenge for the school stems from district-wide problems, specifically the lack of consistency in administration (we went through 3 principals and 5 vice principals)and yearly increase in student population due to PUSD school closures. Also the requirement for Open Court takes time away from potentially more academic enrichment, though I hear it is effective in teaching reading to those children needing more help. In particular the middle school was not engaging the students. Some, but not all, teachers were excellent. I understand that energy is now being focused there and believe it will improve. Go McKinley!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I've been a student At Mckinley for 3 1/2 years now and it has truely been great the staff is dedicated and help students in all their needs social and academic my only problem is the principal and vice principle change. Last year our principle Mrs.Q had left the school and the new principle has been neglecting the middle school children and changing the schools art programs into sports , I have nothing against sports but this is an arts school and with only one production this whole entire year ( which was truely a disaster) it seems like the tight nit student comunity with no bullying has changed into the typical middle school. The teachers are trying there best to prevent this but I'm not sure they can. I'm promoting this year and I'm glad that I went here it was truely the best school experience before Mrs.Q left.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Mckinley is a great school! I should know, I am a student there! The Principal, Ms. Q., is great, and supportive, and dedicated. The teachers and the students are all great, unique, and awesome! -Kathy”
This review was posted by a student.

“Good school from academics to student and parent body. My children enjoy the offering of art and drama along with the traditional reading, writing and arithmatic.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wonderful, dedicated teaching staff. Supportive and involved families. Diverse student body. All of these things have worked together to quickly bring this new school to one of the top in the district. Very pleased with our child's educational opportunities and the school's potential for continued growth and improvement.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child's school has great teachers and parents. The teachers work hard and the parents are involved. My only problem lies with the school leadership. There have been too many staff who have left or have been fired because the principal can't seem to get along with them. As a parent, I have heard of too many complaints. I would give the school better marks if they would replace her.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Quality of academic programs are good. Music and Art activities are available but could not find sports. Level of parent involvement was good.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have had truly excellent teachers who have introduced our child to many challenging concepts. The level of commitment and the excitement they bring to the classroom each day continues to amaze and delight our family. While we wish the public schools had more money for special programs, we have seen a remarkable ability to accomplish much with what is available. Our child has been instructed in keyboard music, choral music, percussion and movement. The principal loves to produce school wide shows using students from all grade levels in musical and dance numbers. Teachers also do a fantastic job putting together performances by their classes. The level of parent involvement is inspiring. We've seen parents who volunteer every week bringing enrichment into the classrooms- storytelling, sign language, jazz history, folk tales. There are parents on campus every day assisting in a wide varieties of ways. It's not mandatory, just fun!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been a McKinley parent since the opening three years ago. I'm quite disappointed in the direction of the performing arts as there is little to no actual instruction in the arts taking place. With the exception of a few stable teams, K-2, 5th and 6th grade GATE, much of the staff ethier transfer, are non re-elected, or are reassigned to a different grade level the next year...becoming again a 'First Year Teacher'.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would highly recommend McKinley. There is a real sense of community among the parents, students and staff. It is a new school, but each year more has been added to the arts program, and children intereested in the arts can really find their niche. I find the curriculum challenging for the students. I love this school and so does my daughter and her friends. A good mix of all socio economic groups and races.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child is in the 1st grade at McKinley. He likes his teacher and principals very much. He loves being involved in the performing arts put on throughout the year - it seems to be a very good motivator for him to do his school work. The teachers and staff are accessible and parental input is valued. Also McKinley is successful in stimulating parental involvement and they tend to engender a community spirit.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“McKinley has evolved into a wonderful school in the three years since its opening, and there is definitely upward momentum happening. My daughter will graduate from 8th grade this year, and has blossomed academically, and in the performing arts programs. There are many good teachers who demand the best from their students, and the honors classes have been challenging. The principal, Ms. Quinones is remarkable. The kids adore her and hang out in her office. She produces, directs, and choreographs 4 musicals a year. The kids participate in all disciplines involved in theatre. The Pasadena Playhouse has adopted McKinley, and offers the students many benefits. The students are well behaved, there is a uniform code, and the parent group is active and friendly. I would recommend this school wholeheartedly! Join other private school parents pulling out and joining the McKInley family.”
This review was posted by a parent.