William Mckinley Elementary School

349 West Valencia Avenue

School District

Burbank Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Burbank Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 10, 2020

The school has been a terrific place for our children. We chose to enroll our kids in the Dual Immersion program in Burbank and selected this school over Disney (both of which we liked). The principal has assembled a great team and is truly passionate about ensuring kids at the school receive a great education in a terrific atmosphere. The teachers are caring and among the best in Burbank. They oftentimes attend PTA meetings and additional meetings (for DI) on their own time. The children attending the school are from a diverse set of socio economic and linguistic/cultural backgrounds, and I think that's an advantage for all of the kids who are attending. I would encourage parents considering the district to include this school on their list.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2017

The Spanish dual immersion program is terrific. All the teachers in the school seems to have a strong sense of comraderie. One benefit of a small school is that Principal Costella meets with each student to introduce herself and find out more about the student. She makes an effort to know students by name and they often spontaneously say hello to her. The office staff and yard duty staff are also friendly and supportive of the kids. No complaints!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2017

WE have had a great experience in the Dual Spanish Immersion Program.
Submitted by other on October 18, 2015

I had one song graduate from McKinley and a second in his last year there. Love the staff ...best office staff ever dealt with and some of the most amazing teachers you will come across. The last two pricipals have been innovative, interactive which makes for a fun experience for the children and parents. Their pta team is also really great at communicating and keeping parents involved. Great job. Mckinnley!!!
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

McKinley is a neighborhood school located along a residential street. One of the oldest in Burbank, you may find a teacher or parent who attended as a child. There have been many recent changes. McKinley is now home to the Burbank TK and the Spanish immersion programs. The Principal changed in 2014 and the front office has been mentioned as one of the nicest and most helpful in all of Burbank! The test scores scare people away from the school, but it shouldn't. Look at the breakdown and McKinley has some of the highest scores for kids with a headstart who speak english. The mix of kids range across the socio-economic spectrum. If you give tests in languages kids are not yet fluent in - they tend to not score well. Title I funds help catch up the esl kids quickly. If you are looking for a caring happy school - this is it. There are not a million fundraisers and activities - but enough that you can feel part of the community. You won't be looked down upon as a working parent and your kids will find a community where there are no "have and have nots". Your child can shine at this school, as can a parent with a passion to help. The programs here keep getting better and better.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2012

We moved to burbank because " of the great school district". And since my child started attending this school, I haven't like several things about this school. I have not liked her teachers and since last years incident I don't think too highly of the principle either. There was an incident with my child and her teacher; when I called the school to speak to the principle, she immediately took the teachers side. It would have been nice for her to put her personal belief to the side and make me feel supported. I was asked if I wanted a call back/follow up about this matter. I told her to give my husband a call because I was too furious to deal with it. My husband NEVER received a call for the follow up! The PTA is alright. I understand parents helping out and supporting their schools. But, I get annoyed with the so many fundraisers; there was once two fundraisers in one month! When my daughter attended LAUSD they didn't ask for so many handouts and donations! They actually need it!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2012

We LOVE McKinley. The teachers. principal, office staff and special ed staff are ALL stellar. They truly care about each and every child. They give 150% always. There is such a positive feeling of community. My son is finishing 1st grade and has learned so much. They hatched chicks!! He just loves going to school and it's because of the staff. We walk to school just like I did growing up. The PTA is very active: Pumpkin Patch, MAP (McKinley Art Project); rummage sale to name just a few events. Don't go by test scores. Support your local public school. You are blessed if McKinley is yours!
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2012

I agree exactly with the last post word for word. The only reason it doesn't get the fifth star from my is the GATE program not being offered until the 3rd grade. My son is also in K and very advanced and I wish there were more programs for him so we could feel he is being pushed to the level he is capable of.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2012

I love this school, I just wish they did things to challenge the smart kids! My son is in kindergarten and his teacher is great but he is so board with the content that he doesn't want to go to school. The office staff is AMAZING, they never treat you like you are asking a stupid question . . . even when you know it is! PTA is VERY involved, they send informational emails and they work hard to make sure that all the parents are involved even if they only offer one hour a year. Also the events that the PTA puts on for the kids are very cool like the Dunkin' with Dads, M.A.P. (McKinley Art Project), and the Pumpkin Patch, among other events. I love this school and just wish that they had more challenging content for younger kids! Waiting till the end of third grade to test for the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program is too long! On the up side they have an amazing accelerated reading program, and in place of the Outdoor Science School they have an in house Science Academy. Also there are a lot of teachers at this school who have been there for a very long time so they are dedicated to the school and the students! Overall this is a great school with a great staff!