Burlingame Intermediate School

Okay, while the school has some issues, it is great. Okay, so the admin. is not so good. But i disagree about projects! Maybe the open house thing is elementary school-ish, but who cares? You do know it's more for people to see what their children actually do and to meet with other parents from OTHER elementary schools their children did not attend? And also for 5th grade parents to see what BIS is like? And for extended family? Open house at BIS is not Lincoln open house or McKinley or whatever. It's not for the kids and parents anymore, it's an extended orientation and meeting. And the academics are fine, my child got straight A's through sixth grade and is taking 3 adv. classes now in 7th, as well as band in the morning. And there is amazing band classes. Like jazz band int, jazz band adv, 7/8 grade concert band, and 6th grade concert band. The languages in my opinion are lacking, but hey, most schools don't have mandarin. And they did have French, but the teacher retired. Teachers don't emphasize arts and crafts at all, that is just absurd! And projects aren't just arts and crafts, your thinking about elementary school. They are important. So good job BIS teachers and PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was one of the best schools my son has ever been too, the teachers were great same with principal leader, this school is wonderful thanks BIS.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that the administration is extremely poor. The administration does not provide leadership. Student discipline is punitive and applies rules and policies in a manner which discriminates against minority students. Students do not respect the admin because of the perception of favoritism. The admin also fails to take any corrective action against the teachers when parent's complain about excessive homework loads or unfair grading. Teachers over emphasize "arts and crafts" or "project work" in language arts/social studies and math. The projects are piled on right before "open house" to "show off" class work. But, this is not elementary school. Projects should be "extra credit". Teachers also do not apply "differential learning" in what is called "advanced classes". Instead, some teachers simply just pile on more homework. Other teachers do not have the skills or education to teach the material. When you look at the teacher's educational background, a parent can see that the teacher has no training in the subject area. Many of the best teachers have left the school over the last several years. (Submitted by a parent of a former student and one who is graduating student.)
--Submitted by a parent

Although this school has some good teachers, it definitely needs new administration. Unless your child has straight A'S.

The Principal and Vice Principal are incompetent and fear the students. They have a significant lack of experience. They fail to communicate with parents and establish rules to bully the children. They have created an environment of fear because they cannot earn the respect of the students. They use a bullhorn to herd the students at lunch (take a look for yourself!) and are completely out of touch with the needs of the middle school student. The only reason they have a prayer of keeping their jobs is because the talk a good story to the PTA mommies who are more concerned about appearance than successful instruction. The test scores are good because of the K-5 instruction before middle school. The proper leadership would make this one of the top middle schools in the state. Otherwise a few key teachers carry the rest.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the May 25th review about the incompetence of the principal (and changes she's implemented). However, this is an excellent school with a supportive community and a history of excellence. Reasonable amount of homework. Teachers for the most part are responsive to parent needs, and the kids have fun there (a lot of spirit activities!). Overall, a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are close with my daughter and her math teacher stays afterschool with my daughter a few days a week if she needs help for free. The teachers are great and the students are very smart.
--Submitted by a parent

After 7 months at this school I have learned to admire and respect it greatly. The principal and teachers are demanding, the homework is interesting and the discipline required is significant. A huge step up from the academic standards of Roosevelt,.
--Submitted by a parent

We have just moved to the area and before this we were in private schools. BIS is a fantastic school. The teachers are enthusiastic and you can tell they love what they do and defnately have the best interest of your child in their mind first and foremost. My son is happy going to school and that makes me happy. A great school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have moved to Burlingame from another community. I have been appalled with the lack of preparation the teacher put into the start of the school year. It is my impression the teacher put in the least amount of time at school and care so little about their teacher responsibilities. New teachers are lost. My kids say the teachers have delivered no academic work in school. They are simply being shown how to complete the assigned homework. So after 6 hours in school, they are supposed to do their learning at home. God help us.
--Submitted by a parent