Burbank Schools: A Complete Guide to Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
- mc10990
- Nov 17, 2025
- 6 min read
If you're moving to Burbank with kids, schools are probably at the top of your list of concerns. The good news: Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) is one of the strongest public-school systems in Los Angeles County.
But which schools are the best? How do test scores compare? And which neighborhoods give you access to the top-rated schools?
As a Burbank Realtor who helps families find homes based on school boundaries, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about Burbank schools: test scores, rankings, programs, and how to choose the right neighborhood for your kids.
Burbank Unified School District: The Big Picture
Burbank has its own unified school district serving the entire city.
Key facts:
14 elementary schools (K-5 or K-6)
3 middle schools (6-8 or 7-8)
3 high schools (9-12)
1 continuation school (for students needing alternative education)
Total enrollment: ~15,000 students
Overall ranking: Burbank Unified consistently ranks above California state averages on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness.
Compared to surrounding districts:
Better than: Glendale Unified, Los Angeles Unified
Comparable to: Pasadena Unified (depends on specific schools)
Slightly below: La Cañada Unified (one of the top districts in California)
Bottom line: If you're moving to Burbank for the schools, you're making a smart choice.
What Makes Burbank Schools Good?
Here's why parents consistently choose Burbank for the schools:
1. Strong Academic Performance
Test scores: Burbank schools consistently score above California state averages on standardized tests.
Graduation rate: Around 90%+ (well above the state average)
College readiness: High percentage of students meet UC/CSU requirements
2. Arts and Music Programs
Unlike many California districts that cut arts funding, Burbank maintains strong:
Music programs (band, orchestra, choir)
Visual arts (art classes, studio programs)
Performing arts (theater, drama)
This is rare in public schools. If your kids are interested in music or arts, Burbank delivers.
3. STEM Focus
Many Burbank schools offer:
STEM labs (science, technology, engineering, math)
Coding and robotics programs
Advanced science courses
4. Engaged Parent Community
Burbank parents are involved. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) are active, fundraising supports programs, and parents volunteer in classrooms.
This matters. Schools with strong parent involvement tend to perform better.
5. Smaller Class Sizes
California class sizes can be large (30+ students). Burbank averages slightly smaller classes, especially in elementary schools.
Average class size:
Elementary: 22-26 students
Middle school: 26-30 students
High school: 28-32 students
6. Safe Campuses
Burbank schools are safe. Campuses have controlled entry, visitor check-in, and school resource officers (police presence).
Top-Rated Burbank Elementary Schools (K-5/K-6)
Not all Burbank elementary schools are equal. Here are the top performers based on test scores, parent reviews, and academic programs:
Miller Elementary
Location: Rancho area Grades: K-5Test scores: Top-rated (similar to Edison)Why it's great: Strong STEM programs, arts focus, engaged community Neighborhood: Rancho (another highly desirable school zone)
McKinley Elementary
Location: Magnolia Park area Grades: K-5Test scores: Above average Why it's great: Walkable neighborhood, strong parent involvement, solid academics Neighborhood: Magnolia Park (premium neighborhood, higher home prices)
Roosevelt Elementary
Location: Magnolia Park Grades: K-5Test scores: Above average Why it's great: Strong arts programs, engaged teachers, family-friendly Neighborhood: Magnolia Park / Central Burbank
Other solid elementary schools:
Jefferson Elementary (Hillside District)
Bret Harte Elementary (Media District)
Joaquin Miller Elementary (South Burbank)
Top-Rated Burbank Middle Schools (6-8 or 7-8)
Burbank has 3 middle schools. Two are excellent; one is solid.
Luther Burbank Middle School
Location: Central Burbank Grades: 6-8Test scores: Top-rated (consistently above district and state averages) Why it's great: Strong academics, excellent STEM programs, dedicated teachers Feeder elementary schools: Edison, Miller, McKinley, Roosevelt (the top-rated elementaries) Neighborhood: Central Burbank / Rancho
Luther Burbank Middle School is the #1 choice for most families.
John Muir Middle School
Location: Near Magnolia Park Grades: 7-8Test scores: Above average Why it's great: Strong arts programs, engaged community, solid academics Feeder elementary schools: McKinley, Roosevelt, Stevenson Neighborhood: Magnolia Park / Central Burbank
John Muir is a solid choice, especially for families who prioritize arts.
Dolores Huerta Jordan Middle School
Location: South Burbank Grades: 7-8Test scores: Average (slightly below Luther Burbank and John Muir) Why it's good: Improving programs, dedicated staff, smaller student body Feeder elementary schools: Washington, Joaquin Miller, others Neighborhood: South Burbank
Burbank High Schools (9-12)
Burbank has 2 comprehensive high schools and 1 continuation school.
Burbank High School
Location: Central Burbank Grades: 9-12Test scores: Top-rated (consistently above district and state averages) Why it's great: Strong academics, excellent sports programs, solid college prep Feeder middle school: Luther Burbank Middle School College acceptance: High percentage of students attend 4-year universities Special programs: AP courses, honors programs, CTE (career technical education)
Burbank High is the top choice for most families.
John Burroughs High School
Location: Near Magnolia Park Grades: 9-12Test scores: Above average (slightly below Burbank High on some metrics) Why it's great: Excellent performing arts programs, strong sense of community, solid academics Feeder middle school: John Muir Middle School College acceptance: Good, though slightly lower than Burbank High Special programs: Strong theater/drama, music, visual arts
Burroughs is excellent for kids interested in arts and performance.
Burbank Adult School / Continuation School
For: Students needing alternative education (credit recovery, flexible schedules) Not: A traditional high school
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood Based on Schools
If schools are your #1 priority, here's my recommendation:
For Walkability + Good Schools: Live in Magnolia Park
Why: McKinley Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary are both solid, and you get walkability, charm, and community.
Neighborhoods to target:
Streets around Magnolia Boulevard
Near McCambridge Park
Home prices: $1.2M-$2M+
For Affordability + Good Schools: Live Near Downtown Burbank
Why: Washington Elementary and Stevenson Elementary are solid, and you'll pay less than Rancho or Magnolia Park.
Neighborhoods to target:
Streets near Johnny Carson Park
Central Burbank residential streets
Home prices: $950K-$1.5M
Private School Options in Burbank
If you prefer private schools, Burbank has options:
Catholic Schools:
St. Finbar Catholic School (K-8) - Good academics, faith-based education
Providence High School (9-12) - Catholic high school, solid academics
Other Private Schools:
Providencia Elementary (K-8) - Small, independent school
Flintridge Preparatory School (nearby in La Cañada) - Elite college prep
Most families choose Burbank Unified public schools because they're strong enough that private school isn't necessary.
How Burbank Schools Compare to Nearby Districts
District | Overall Ranking | Best For |
Burbank Unified | Very Good | Families who want strong public schools without paying private tuition |
Glendale Unified | Good | Families who want good schools at a slightly lower price point |
Pasadena Unified | Good (varies by school) | Families who want access to magnet programs |
La Cañada Unified | Excellent | Families who prioritize schools above all else (most expensive) |
Los Angeles Unified | Mixed (some excellent schools, some struggling) | Families who can navigate magnet/charter options |
Burbank Unified is the best value. You get excellent schools without paying La Cañada prices.
Burbank Schools: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I choose which elementary school my child attends?
A: Burbank assigns students to schools based on home address (attendance boundaries). You cannot choose a different school unless you apply for a transfer (rare and not guaranteed).
Solution: Buy or rent in the attendance area for your preferred school.
Q: What if I'm between two school boundaries?
A: Verify your exact address with Burbank Unified School District before buying a home. Boundaries can be street specific.
I can help with this. As a Realtor, I verify school boundaries for every client.
Q: Are Burbank schools better than Glendale schools?
A: Yes, on average. Burbank Unified ranks higher on test scores and graduation rates. Glendale has some excellent schools, but Burbank is more consistent across the board.
Q: How competitive is admission to Burbank schools?
A: Public schools in Burbank are open to all residents. No admission process. Just live in the attendance area and enroll.
Q: Do Burbank schools offer special education services?
A: Yes. Burbank Unified has strong special education programs, including resource specialists, speech therapy, and individualized education plans (IEPs).
Final Thoughts: Are Burbank Schools Worth It?
Yes.
Burbank Unified School District is one of the best public-school systems in Los Angeles County.
You get:
Strong academics
Arts and music programs
STEM focus
Safe campuses
Engaged parent communities
If schools are a top priority, Burbank is an excellent choice.
Best neighborhoods for schools:
Rancho (Edison and Miller Elementary)
Magnolia Park (McKinley and Roosevelt Elementary)
Central Burbank (Luther Burbank Middle School and Burbank High School)
If you're ready to find a home in one of Burbank's top school zones, let's talk. I know the attendance boundaries, which streets feed into which schools, and which homes offer the best value.
Michelle Crochet
Realtor | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles
DRE #02099298
📞 (818) 688-2062
