Burbank Elementary School

They really care about the kids and want them to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter reads and writes Spanish and she is able to sound out letteres and words, spanish is a new 2nd languge for her. She is able to do the same in English and I'm so impressed being that she is only going into the 2nd grade. Her teachers are very involved. I can't wait for my Kindergardner to start this year!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended kindergarden this year and started not knowing to speak spanish, now not only she speaks it but writes and reads it. the principal is very involved accesable and it's always on her fits helping as a yard dutty,lunch,parking. everyone is very nice.
--Submitted by a parent

I've been involved at Burbank this past year and it has the most dedicated, hard working staff of any school I have visited. They are dedicated to make sure every child succeeds with high expectations for staff, students and parents. The staff is working diligently to improve their academic performance. Burbank has an active parent group who are very involved in working with the staff to make Burbank a school where every child succeeds no matter what their socioeconomic or academic needs are. They are very excited to move into a beautiful new school this year.

My daughter is a Kindergarten and I'm so happy at her age she can already read. My daughter is lucky to have Mrs. Lawrence as her teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff is great! This school gives the opportunity to English Only students learn Spanish as a second language.
--Submitted by a parent

Burbank offers an excellent Dual Language Immersion program, in which English-speakers learn Spanish and Spanish-speakers learn English. Both groups learn to read and write (plus do math, science, etc.) at grade level in both languages! What an advantage for the kids to become bilingual, and the program also really promotes cross-cultural understanding. Burbank also has English-only classes. The teachers at Burbank are passionate and dedicated, and the new principal (a former dual language immersion teacher) is fabulous and puts a lot of heart into what she does. Science, P.E., Music and garden classes are taught during the day and there is an after school program. Burbank will be re-opening in a brand new state-of-the-art campus in the fall of 2008- how exciting to have a beautiful new school!
--Submitted by a parent

Great dual immerssion program for native speakers of spanish. Parents need to be more involved to understand what occurs as their children thrive with two languages. Teachers are good mentors. Music and art may be compromised. School District in Hayward and Teachers this year seemed stressful as the teachers negotiated for certain basic teaching standards. Please visit the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has many teachers who have a lot of heart. But alas, the state of California imposes many programs on schools that need more innovation as opposed to strict one size fits all programs. Burbank does its very best to practice good teaching. They offer a fine bilingual program if that's what you're looking for. As far as extra curricular activities, there are opportunities, but I'm not sure it's known for this. As far as parent involvement, parents are on campus the whole time and it takes a good teacher to get them involved. Some do utilize this great asset. I will always be available for my child's teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is very high. Teachers are very hardworking and knowledgable. Music, and sports are provided as a prep class but art is covered by teachers in the classroom. There is not a great deal of art taught. Focus is on academics and second language development. Parent involvement is fair.
--Submitted by a parent