Fairburn Avenue Elementary School

1403 Fairburn Avenue

School District

Los Angeles Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Los Angeles 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 November 07, 2024

My daughter has been in one of the best private schools in LA since K and due to some geographical moves and issues we had, I had to move her to Fairburn for 5th grade. I was worried and wasn’t sure what to expect. The Principal and staff and her teacher have overwhelmed me with their professionalism and care. This is an exceptional school and if I could keep my daughter here for 6th grade—- I would! But sadly it only goes to 5th grade.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2022

This school is made up of teachers who care, parents who care/give/support, and kids who are thriving. I have never seen a school like Fairburn before. Tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood, and only 400 or so kids - these children are really getting a private school education, as the class sizes are small and each teacher has a TA and a parent volunteer daily. Fairburn is focused on high academics and it shows. This would be a great school to send your child hands down.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2020

Fairburn is a little hidden gem in the middle of Los Angeles. This school emphasizes the love of learning, leadership, support and community amongst their students from TK-5th grade. There really is no better school on the Westside that balances academics with the development of kids as individuals. With an incredible Principal and supportive teachers that always go above and beyond what's expected of them my children are very lucky to go to Fairburn. Like any other LAUSD school the supportive and engaged parents make up for the deficit our district cannot provide. Our kids have great access to enrichment programs that otherwise would not be possible without the support of Ms. Marton and our generous parents. Cannot say more wonderful things about Fairburn.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2020

Our time at Fairburn has been incredible. We love this school! Our kids have made life long friends, their teachers have made lasting impact on their desire to learn and strive and the community is supportive and terrific!
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2020

This school is only consistent gem due to it being mostly white. Eduction is wonderful but your child may be left out and behind if he doesn’t quite fit in. Bullying is the worst part. It broke my heart to leave him in this unkind and unwelcoming environment everyday. I had no choice but to pull him out because he was so miserable
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2018

My child attended the TK program at Fairburn Avenue Elementary and it was nothing short of excellent! Her TK teacher was amazing - knowledgeable, collaborative with parents, patient, caring and kind to all of her students. My daughter loved attending school and formed a wonderful bond with her teacher as well as with her classmates. My child is now in kindergarten and I'm already very pleased with her new teacher (my child is too!). Fairburn's size is perfect - not too big, not too small, just right. Everyone seems so happy - teachers, staff (particularly the office staff - they are all great!), and the after school staff. And Fairburn's principal is a gem. I truly can't say enough good things about Fairburn Avenue Elementary and look forward to spending my daughter's formative years at this wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2018

My second grader has attended this school for three years, and she loves it there. Her experience with each teacher, from each grade, is different, exciting and very positive. She loves attending school! Mrs. Marton the principal, is loved by all. She’s awesome!
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2016

Something truly incredible is happening at Fairburn. We are so fortunate to have Pam Marton (former principal at Community Magnet Charter) as our new principal. Her spirit is warm and welcoming. Most importantly, she is willing to listen and collaborate with parents and teachers to help our children thrive. FAB (Fairburn Avenue Boosters), the new parent-led booster club, has done an outstanding job of unifying the community.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2016

Fairburn is a great school. The principal can at at times be a divider rather than a uniter; however she is retiring after this year. The teachers are mostly great, however there are a few mediocre ones - we have had fantastic teachers as well highly disorganized or cold/mean in 1st grade. However overall this is a 5 star school in terms of the small community aspect, teaching, the parent involvement, kids all know each other at all grade levels, and it truly is a neighborhood school. GATE doesn't mean much at this school, though there is a wonderful teacher, Ms. Marantz, for differentiated learning in language arts. There is a great program for 4th/5th graders where they work on a weekly webcast with news stories that is a great experience. We have enjoyed getting to know families that all live within walking distance from the school.Also, the after school program is amazing - Arnold and his staff are outstanding.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2015

Fairburn is a truly a gem. The school provides the type of quality education that our children deserve. The teachers are outstanding. Ms. Marantz has always been a family favorite and Coach Sasha is nothing short of a legend on that campus.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2014

This school is truly amazing. The education is excellent and my child is beginning to LOVE going to school! His grades have improved greatly and the language arts teacher Ms.Marantz is my child's favorite teacher. I would recommend this school to everyone.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2014

I don't think that there is any doubt that Fairburn is a great school. That greatness continues but, I have felt a bit of a disconnect between the school and the parents over the last couple of years. Instead of working together for the betterment of all (as was done in the past), it has become a strained relationship. That being said, my children have always, and continue to enjoy their experience. They have loved their teachers and rave about Coach Sasha. The STAR after-school program is also an outstanding part of Fairburn.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2014

Fairburn has been referred to (by the principal) as the "jewel of LAUSD." As far as public schools in LA, it's ok. It is pretty mediocre, in terms of instruction. There is a ton of "busywork homework." Teachers are less than impressive. They get a lot of help here from volunteers (checking homework, helping with reading, etc.), it's surprising that they're not doing a better job with all the support. Beware of militant-yelling style (in kinder and first grade!). Keep your eyes and ears open and speak up if you see something that concerns you. The principal will support teachers but parents have power. The principal may not respond but there is district support for serious situations. Safety on the yard at recess--kids have been bullied/hit with no supervision. Since it's public, little can be done for the kids with serious behavior issues. If parents have time, they can volunteer and have some say in what goes on and how the money is spent (though the principal has the final word--including a personal assistant that she pays for with school money fundraised by the FYA. It has a good STAR after school program, many enrichment opportunities that others don't, and parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2014

Probably the best LAUSD has to offer. Some exceptional teachers. Difficult principle but she produces those all important test scores better than anyone else in the district. Parents raise over $300,000 annually for discretionary spending by the principle, so some extras, but not what it could be. For the average to above average student, the education is as good as anywhere in LA. Technically offers GATE ( gifted) curriculum for every student at all times which really means nothing, but gets the kids labeled for middle school as required for the lottery process. Safe school. Involved, creative parents but their input wanted only for the raising of $, not its creative use. Could be a great school. Unfortunate with the achievement bar set so low, having 100% of your kids clear minimal competency is important, but one would hope for maximal competency (and there is no published metric for that so why bother). The pieces are here to be exceptional, but it will take some creative leadership and a willingness to take some risks to achieve that. With reliable test scores, there is no incentive to do more. Great for the middle, but kids at the top and bottom lose.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2014

This was my elementary school when I was a chid. I have very find memories of this school and my wonderful teachers. In particular, Mrs. Marantz, who encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue art and music.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Very strong and active parent involvement with no lack of ideas of how to fund-raise through locales within the Westwood community. Although principal puts emphasis on testing, equal priority is on the arts (visual/dance/music) which is wonderful. Wish kindergarteners didn't have so much rote homework, would appreciate more critical engagement exercises, but overall the kids are happy and healthy.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Good school if your child can sit still, not talk, and take tests well. Beyond that, the administration and at least some of the teachers are not really interested in addressing the whole child. The after school program is fantastic, but I don't think Fairburn should get any credit for that.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2013

Fairburn is a great school. The after school program is also what makes this school a gem. Compared to other highly ranked public schools in LA, it offers an excellent after school and enrichment program for kids. It is also small and very community-oriented.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

Excellent school. A lot better than private schools in the area. Teachers are top-notch. One of the best elementary schools in the state.