Buckley School, The

3900 STANSBURY AVE

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on September 26, 2023

If you want to pay 50,000 a year for a school with no real identity and underperformance relative to other schools that charge similar tuition, Buckley is the school for you. I really am sorry to put it so antagonistically like that, but hopefully this message will help people reading this save their money, time and energy.Their World Languages department, in particular, is run by an absolute joker who prioritizes optics over quality. I understand that schools need to protect their optics, but it should never be at the expense of quality and vision. For all you considering Buckley out there, here would be my final question to you: Do you want to pay 50K per year for a school with track records of poor-mediocre performance relative to its competitors, and that is led by virtue signalers with no true pedagogical convictions? If yes, Buckley is for you…
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2023

Buckley has undergone changes that have had a negative impact on the quality of education and the ability of families to express their concerns without fear of retaliation from an administration that prioritizes indoctrination over education.During the pandemic, I voiced concerns about certain new programs, and as a result, the administration decided to not admit my student for the following year. It’s unbelievable the head of school didn’t provide any explanation and showed a lack of empathy or concern for the potential impact of her decision on my student, during an already challenging period.Private education is expensive. Buckley has fallen short of meeting expectations and is no longer able to provide a high-quality education and a caring environment.
Submitted by student on May 24, 2022

I completely understand the 1-star schools, as a middle schooler, I haven't suffered the worst of the Buckley. But do not be fooled by the 5-star reviews, they claim that the low reviews are helicopter parents but I actually agree with those reviews because it reveals how obnoxious Buckley is at keeping their image upheld.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2022

Way to difficult in grades 9 and up. Run like a military school. Have not kept up with what students need and he to teach, as most schools haven’t.No leadership sat top. And no one listens to parents.Run by an old fashion board of directors.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2022

Buckley delivers on a top notch education with an emphasis on prepping students for the real world. They shinned during the pandemic and made learning engaging and immersive. Their 4 fold plan is is holistic and very well rounded. Our children thrive there and are happy to go to school everyday and be a part of their community. We are so grateful for Buckley and are thrilled with all they do for the students.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2018

Beyond compare. There is no shortage of exceptional schools in Los Angeles. What sets Buckley apart is the community.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2018

We’ve had a fantastic experience at Buckley from kindergarten through high school. The teachers are top notch, the variety and rigor of courses is competitive with top private schools in Los Angeles, and the performing arts department is very impressive. Highly recommend if you are interested in a coeducational K-12 environment that is warm and nurturing, yet academic.
Submitted by student on October 31, 2016

Yes, this school is great academically and for colleges. But it doesn't even compare the pressure and torture of what the child goes through. Since most of the friend groups have been set since kindergarten, there are very few people who are accepting of a new student. The kids are pure jerks. Second of all, the work load is too much for a high schooler. High school should be a time to enjoy and should be the best times of our life. This has only caused myself pain. Tests and quizzes everyday and classes that should only be meant for a college student. Do NOT get fooled by this school's academic success and their college application rate. The kid will have to suffer 4-7 years of pure torture or hell. DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL!
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2015

My child is a 9th grader and new to the school. We chose Buckley over the other five schools our child was accepted to. It was a tough first semester academically and socially but this semester has been better. There has been some issues that we have come across but so far the administrators have been supported. Yes the school is going through a transition and NO school is perfect. It's a matter of communicating and being open to changes. There needs to be more diversity though, THAT is something that needs to improve. Overall, we are happy to have chosen Buckley.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2015

I couldn't be happier. My child gets upset if for any reason he misses school. When I pick him up and ask how his day was, every single day he replies "awesome" His teachers have a passion for teaching. We love all the positive and forward thinking changes that have been made. Here for the long run!
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2015

In the last 5 years the innovative, brilliant and engaging teachers have been driven out or fired. One of child's favorite teacher taught Biology. She was a expert in her field who also wrote a text book for the students. My child wanted to pursue Biology because of this wonderful, extraordinary teacher. The following year she was gone. No explanation. In December 2013, two wonderful teachers have been fired. The English teacher was innovative, passionate about books and writing, knew how to engage the students and had high expectations. The History teacher was a dynamic teacher who challenges the students to learn. Both teachers were inspiring to my child. Buckley has built new facilities that are innovative and beautiful but as a parent I would prefer great teachers. I do not understand why the school prefers new and beautiful facilities and promotes mediocrity for the students.
Submitted by student on January 13, 2015

To be honest, I would give this school 0 stars. Despite the outstanding education it offers, Buckley is currently undergoing a serious moral decline. As a lifer, I have seen the school evolve for over 10 years and am very unimpressed with the direction it continues to move in. Recently, two outstanding teachers were fired for reasons unknown, as the administration must respect their privacy, which we must understand. However, for the majority of the student population, these teachers were not only significant members of our community, but also our friends. How can we call ourselves a community when our own administration keeps all of us, the student body, parents, and faculty, without any knowledge of major changes or adjustments in the school. Buckley's encouragement for students to speak up and dare to be true are nothing but complete lies, as students simply seeking to understand the school's intentions have been blown off and treated disrespectful by the administration. Unfortunately, I am in 10th grade and have no other option but to stay in the school for the rest of my high school career, but I speak for many when I say that Buckley is not a community you want to be part of.
Submitted by student on January 05, 2015

This school's administration only cares about their image. Having fired the two most influential teachers just a few weeks ago (during finals might I add) that have been at this school for about 16 years, one of which being the best teacher I have ever had in my entire life (and i say this with utmost confidence), our trust in the administration and their decisions has fully depleted. Everything is centered around money. Yes the clientele itself has an outrageous collective net-worth, but that has virtually nothing to do with what I am referring to. Million and billion dollar loans from the state to replace old buildings with new, unnecessary, buildings. Not to mention the incessant begging for donations they truly don't need. Firing two of the best teachers to have ever graced the Buckley campus because teachers who have been there for over a certain time are more expensive... so who cares if they leave lasting impacts on students and help them with the college process, and growth in general, money is the only valuable item on the Buckley table. As a student ambassador, it has become extremely difficult for me to tour prospective families and encourage them to attend Buckley.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2014

My son's AP US History teacher was fired on Friday even though the class has an extremely important final exam on Monday. The students have no idea who will be grading this test. The confusion has created enormous uproar on social media among parents and students. In the last few years, many of our most dedicated, outstanding, popular teachers have abruptly left on extremely short notice. Many other faculty who have been at the school for over a decade have been mysteriously demoted. It appears that the new administration has created a hostile work environment for their senior faculty members, perhaps because it's cheaper to hire new teachers, and pressure the older ones into resigning. My son is depressed and angry. Many students have respectfully confronted the administration but felt they were met with insincerity. Despite having attended Buckley for most of his education, my son has no faith in the adults who are in charge.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2014

My child is in the 9th grade at Buckley, after transferring from a public school. The admissions process is challenging but the school seems focused on finding well rounded kids. My child has been challenged academically in the first few months. In spite of that, he loves Buckley. He was warmly welcomed by students, faculty and administration and socially has never been happier in school. I don't understand the comments about money as we are not wealthy, but he has felt no pressure that way. Great school, amazing facilities, small class sizes and truly caring faculty. We looked at the usual challenging private secondary schools and found the other ones lacking in various ways. So happy to be a Buckley.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2014

Buckley is an excellent school. Lucky to have such a stellar and well-rounded education for our son, Max. The teachers and administration are phenomenal. Parents are very involved and down-to-earth/hard-working people.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2014

My son is in 1st grade and loves it. The community has been nothing but warm and welcoming. We're so glad we choose this school!
Submitted by other on February 24, 2014

Buckley is promoted as a school that provides higher education and an accepting a close-knit community. The education is truly challenging and rigorous in the best way possible. As for the social environment at Buckley, it's the complete opposite. Most students are very money centered and will judge you if you're not up to date with the latest fashion, technology, etc. Students are very snotty when it comes down to where you live,what car you drive,what technology you own,and it's a very difficult situation for the few kids who receive on financial aid. Even teachers assume everybody comes from wealth. One of the teachers i had made fun of where i live(they did not know i lived there, again because they assumed nobody who can "afford" Buckley would live in that location). The diversity at Buckley is WEAK it's mostly white people and if you're not, then you're singled out. I would not recommend Buckley, the social separation based on ethnicity, socio economic status, and overall-appearance ruins this school of what otherwise could have been an amazing learning environment.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2013

This school is better equipped to teach children in a modern world than anything I have ever seen. Stunning facility, makes me jealous I wasn t given such a range of tools and environment to really stimulate my interest. My daughter loves it, even though she has to work very hard.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2013

This is one of the best schools in Los Angeles. The negative comments must have been written by helicopter parents.