So I went to this school a couple of years ago and I miss the days that I went to this school. At the time, it was one of the top-rated schools of the state, and it still holds that reputation today. It also has an exceptional faculty and nice kids. One thing I didn't like however was that the school is tiny. It feels like you can't meet anybody new and the school gets repetitive quickly. Aside from that though, easy 5-star school. read more

Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet - Balboa Gifted/High-Ability Magnet Elementary School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Northridge, California

Just saw the latest rankings. The school is ranked # 7 in the state. For me having a student there, this is no surprise. From my experience with the teachers and the leadership of Principal Chun I would expect this. It's a great school with caring administration, wonderful parent volunteers, and just a positive environment. We are lucky to have our child here. Thank you all at Balboa! read more

What a great school. The principal has run such a great, loving community of students and teachers. My first daughter just completed her second year, has had two amazing, caring teachers, and a well balanced education. So excited our second child will be joining next year! read more

My kid has been there one year and all I can say is WOW. This school is different from the rest. I've experienced four different public elementary schools and this one just "feels" different, from the moment you walk onto the campus. I wish they had more green on the campus -- their garden is a little lackluster and the play yard has a patch that's about 50'x50' or something... but they offer so many enrichment opportunities!!! After almost evey field trip, the teachers have a follow up activity that runs until 5:00pm that day. They took 3 field trips, you guys! i don't even remember them all right now -- one was to a Bee Hive place and the other was the Getty Museum. Our teacher this year (2nd grade) was B__E__Y__O__N__D!!!!!!!!! Mrs. Karen Nelson goes ABOVE AND BEYOND her job description, can we tawk! My child is rather belligerent (very) and Mrs. Nelson spoke to me about it (a lot) but in the most nonjudgemental, positive and constructive way -- like she really wasn't judging me about how good of a mother am I (and if she was, she deserves an Oscar), she just sees the behavior and focuses on that specifically. She's not crazy, like me, basically lol :-P. She was so patient with him and encouraging. I'm an anxious person and she is the only teacher that didn't make me more anxious about his behavioral issues. Thank you, Mrs. Nelson! They also have an INCREDIBLE social worker there named Grace Frankie (... pause... think about it... Grace and Frankie, the Netflix show! I know!) Anyway, she's young, has a fresh, easy, chill vibe and so sweet and truly cares about my son and the students... oops, I mean scholars. That's what they call them here. The work there is RIGOROUS. They don't necessarily do "harder" work but they do more work than other primary schools, I'd say, for sure. We honestly had a hard time keeping up. There were 3 projects in his class: a personality bag that you design to show your personality and then three things to talk about, like a show and tell. Then they did a pretty detailed heritage project and then a book report where they also had to make a character can. That with the homework... it was a lot, I'm not going to lie. But still, a learning experience -- especially the heritage one. He still talks occasionally or references our country of heritage and I love that. The parents there so far have been very friendly and down-to-earth -- none of that flashy entitlement we so often see in Los Angeles (I hate to say it but you know what I'm talking about!). There hasn't been one single instance of bullying at this school. My son has made friends here whereas at other schools, he made good acquaintances basically. They offer parents plenty of opportunities to volunteer (not so much in the classroom, sorry, I know) on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the "TAP Room" -- basic work for all/any of the teachers. Another opportunity to volunteer is for a class called "psychomotor" in which the kids do a variety of physically challenging/stimulating activities-- and they always need help with that. There are a lot of extra events for the scholars after school... we haven't heard anything yet about the orchestra or vocal program but that starts when you're in 3rd grade so maybe we'll be briefed soon. They throw a welcoming party for first time parents/scholars a week for the school year begins. There is a dance (parent/scholar) at the end of the year and of course, a holiday show in the middle of the year. Their holiday show was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe there is a talent show as well? (Please excuse me: I'm a bit of a loosey-goosey parent and...don't infrequently drop the ball -- I confuse my kids' schedules/opportunities. But I think they had a tent show. There was an issue with a guy who lives across the street, he's a bit of a wacko and was patronizing the kids at the beginning of the school year but the school put up tarp on the fence so people can't see in and the kids can't see out, which seems to have solved the problem. I'm just floored by how thoughtful this school seems to be, with how curious and serious they direct and encourage their scholars to be. There is a word;y sense about the school, almost like an IB feel. Anyway, I'm tired now and this review is one of the longest I've ever seen or written so adios! Hope this reviews helps! read more

I didn't know schools could have Yelp pages, but once I found it, I have to add my 2 cents for anyone considering Balboa Magnet. I love this school for my child. My child (now a 3rd grader with the super-awesome Mrs. Sherry) is thriving. He has opportunities to take enrichment classes like 3-D printing, computer club, board game club, chess, among others. He gets to do projects, and in class they really go in-depth on subject matter. He is learning cursive! I love this for him. His teacher last year (the super-incredible Mrs. De Silva) set the bar so high ~ she is an incredible educator and works with passion and love for her students. I know all of the teachers at Balboa are wonderful and you see that in all of the interactions around campus. As parents, I know we are looking for a safe, supportive, fulfilling environment for our kids, and Balboa checks all of those boxes and more. Yes, there is homework, but that's true for any school and grade. Balboa educators really meet your scholar where they are and the teaching is more individualized than I ever could have imagined at a public school. And I agree with another parent - shout-out to Ms. Franke! What an incredible asset for all of the scholars. If you're considering Balboa Magnet, come take a tour. See the wonder firsthand. read more

Anyone who doesn't like this school is honestly kind of an NPC and this coming from a kid, not all kids hate school, and this school does have its flaws, I have made many friends and memories here and overall a recommended school from me. read more

I'm a student here and Mrs. Desilva, Ms. Sherry, Mrs. Levitt, and Ms.Convirs are all amazing teachers. Of course I find school boring since I am a kid but they really make this school a better place. Even though the teachers here a strict sometimes, this school is still a W. read more

I was a former student there and I enjoyed it a lot. Although many people may say it's bad, it's just because of the strict teachers there. If your looking to enroll your child, it's a great choice. If they do get in, try and get in to Mrs.Bass's class! read more

I don't like school because I am a child and every child hates school :) Also because well...the staff here aren't welcoming, they are strict and don't smile. Though I love the principal here, Mrs.Chun. She is nice, positive, and listens to something that's going wrong in the classroom that needs to change. I just love her. This is a pretty good place to go. I'm being honest, I just don't like it here because I'm not welcomed, at my old school they would smile and welcome everybody and be just positive. That's my honest opinion. :) read more

This school is clean and great place for your children. The teachers are also awesome and they care about every child to make sure they are safe. My daughter goes there starting this year , she found lots of friends and also loves the school!!!! read more

My son will be starting school here and today is orientation day. . Well organized. Very clean school. Bathrooms are clean too. Very informative information from the schools assistant principal and other contributors from different departments as well as parents as volunteers. This is known to be the best school in los angeles county. I will update my review after 2 months, see how this school holds up for its reputation. read more

This is a great school for your children(when I mean great I mean amazing).The teachers are great and also strikt.

Great school! Have to get accepted so its important to apply the year before you want your child to be accepted.

This school is fabulous! Each teacher takes the time to differentiate from week one. They care about all the students and take the time to challenge them all. The parents are so involved as well and it makes the campus a wonderful place to be. read more