Paul Burbank Elementary School

This school is sorry! The teacher thought a 70 on Benchmarks was GOOD (??????) no wonder they are rated so poorly, They dumb down the system so inner city kids can pass. sad, sad, sad, and my child will NOT go there another year, or any Hampton City School! Disgraceful to the education of America's youth!
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school and we love it! The teachers are wonderful and they have love for the children! Our principle this year is amazing, a complete difference in the school in the 2012-2013 year compared to last year!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Burbank this year and have been very pleased with the school, teachers, and staff. I have been very impressed with the parent involvement and stress by the administration (and Title I) on parent involvement, student improvement and all around student growth. The PIF (Parent Involvement Coordinator) is fabulous and I have been nothing but pleased with the additional programs, activities and support provided to help each and every student grow to their full potential. The family atmosphere is refreshing, the PTA programs are fun and inviting, and the Title 1 activities are well planned and fun. I am highly likely to rezone my kids for Burbank even if we move!!
—Submitted by a parent

This by far the worst school my children have ever attended! Before sending your children I strongly suggest checking it out for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very unsatisfactory. It is the worst school my children have been to. I had a chat with the principal becuase there was a new "NO TALKING" rule during lunch and that book reading was only allowed during that time. So I talked to the principal and was told the reason was because the were UNSAFE issues going on during lunch time. So my thought is I am sending my children to an unsafe school enviroment. You walk into the school and there in no laughter, no smiling, you wouldn't know you were walking into a school. It was more like a prison. My 11 year old who was in 5th grade was in class and there was some kids being disruptive and the teacher told the entire class that they were disgusting! What kind of teacher would say that to to there class. This schoolo is worried about SOL testing and nothing more. It doesnt matter if your child behaves and follows the rules, the teachers still treat them as if they are bad. I was very unsatisfied with this school and I would tell any parent to have there child rezoned to antoher shcool or home school them . I had my 3rd grader rezoned this year. Well worth the sacrifice of driving her to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children...a rising 11th grader, rising 5th grader, rising 3rd grader, and a rising Kindergartner. My oldest child went to Burbank, but we moved and unfortunately had to leave. I was so unhappy with his new school that I actually rezoned him for Burbank and sacrificed driving him to and from school everyday. Thankfully, we moved to a neighborhood zoned for this school in 2005 and I haven't ever had a problem that wasn't resolved in a timely fashion. The teachers are caring, supportive and the same goes for administration. I know the new schools are about to open, but I believe the family-like atmosphere is something you don't take for granted. It doesn't happen overnight. This school recognizes achievements with ongoing support and functions to encourage students (accelerated and special needs) to maintain and/or exceed past their limitations.
—Submitted by a parent

@ 4/13 and 4/12 Do it, and don't wait a minute longer. Moving schools SAVED one of my children, who was literally being destroyed by neglect. Neglect I firmly believe is the result of the administration concerned only with ONE thing: SOL scores of a particular demographic of student. Students of all abilities are lumped together in classes, and I'll give you one guess who gets left out in the cold. They also are NOT forthcoming about attacks and other incidents with your children. I had to learn about one against one of my children through another parent who happened to be at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son currently goes to Paul Burbank Elementary. I can't think of anything good to say about it. I am on this site today looking for another school for my son to attend. Several of my son's friends' parents have also withdrawn their sons from Burbank.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are thinking of having your children attend this school... DON'T! This was my daughters first year at this school and it was nothing but a nightmare! It seemed that every other month I was getting a note sent home or phone voice mail telling me how another kid has punched, bit, or choked my daughter again but since there were not markings she was sent back to class.....The kids to teacher ratio is very over whelming.....way too many kids for one teacher even though she has an assistant. The principle and office staff seemed really nice and knowledgeable when we registered our daughter for this school...now I wish I would have put her in a different school. She will be attending a different school next year!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great my kids love it and I love the small class size and individualized attention
—Submitted by a parent

I've had the pleasure of being a Burbank parent going on 4 years now. After my son spent a year under the wrong special ed classification at Forest Elem, I wrestled with the dept of special ed to even get him classified, because he has a form of autism but not the actual disability. Once he was rightly classified and placed at Burbank, my son's ability soared! Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Cary are phenomenal, loving teachers who teach each child according to their individual needs. I was so pleased with the administration (Ms. Jackson, Dr.Rogers-Rader, and Mrs. Berkheimer) that when it came time for my daughter to enter K, I applied out of zone. We were blessed to have our daughter placed in Ms. Powell-Riedl's class & now she has Mrs. Saab. All GREAT teachers! The IB program is one of a kind. A great school, all around!
—Submitted by a parent

I have found quite the opposite when dealing with this school system as compared to some reviews below. They have a wonderful program and sense of ownership of any issues that I have had as a parent. My child is doing very well and they have special programs to assist him with his challenged areas
—Submitted by a parent

This has got to be the worst school that I have ever encountered...I have 5 children which four have gone thru elementary, middle school, high school and college. The youngest is now attending burbank and is in second grade. It has been a horrific experience for him. His teacher is basically there to collect a paycheck as ,I feel, are some of the administrative staff. There coopoeration with parnets concerning the child is non exsitant. I have called over and over concerning issues with my child and always have to call back when asking to speak with his teacher and the principal. There was a conference set up at one point to which I came, on time...even early mind you, yet noone was able to make it to the meeting on time but myself and his speech teacher. Please rethink sending you children here....
—Submitted by a parent

The 'new' administrators are now in their 2nd year. They are NOT supportive with any parent concerns - only how they look to SAC. They are so concerned with doing test after test with the students that the wonderful, highly qualified teachers don't have time to teach. I am activley looking for an out of zone school for my child for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic area of this school is wonderful. The overall faculty are ok to work with and the parent involvement facilitator is the best. Just don't have any hopes of being a successful volunteer, they have one in residence who runs others off. The administration albeit new, are good to work with but not very supportive to parents who have any real concerns about real issues. They are mostly concerned with numbers. My children attended for 4 years and overall really enjoyed the years spent at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchild] was put into Burbank last year and the kindergarden teacher was wonderful and he has returned this year for first grade hand has the same teacher which helps with his non-ability to except changes. We are very happy with the school and the care of the children and the close contact they have with the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school. The principal is energetic and works very well with children. I've had two children in the school and have one more year to go.