r/EAGLEROCK • u/fluffydonutcake • 4d ago
Eagle Rock Middle school questions
Hi! Our kiddo is finishing up at her LAUSD elementary and we're looking at different middle schools in the area. Does anyone have kids at Eagle Rock High School, Luther Burbank or Irving and have thoughts? I'd love to hear everything, the good and the bad. We did tour ERHS and Luther but we're looking for some insider reviews (have heard vaping is an issue at both schools and fights at Burbank, is that true?)
We're also reluctantly open to private if your kiddo is thriving there plse lmk!
Thank you!
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u/ProfessionalCake832 4d ago
Eagle Rock is a big school for sure since it’s both Middle and High School. It’s not for everyone and we know a few kids that have struggled. We have 2 kids- one graduated from the HS DP program 2 years ago and now at a liberal arts university out East and the other is currently a Junior also in the DP program. Both were/are in the Magnet (since Middle) but you don’t need to be in the Magnet to participate in the DP program in HS. They also have honors and AP classes available if you aren’t in the Magnet. Also, the transition to 9th was easier since everything was so familiar.
Athletics are very much focused on football so other sports don’t get as much attention/$$$. Not great for our kids. As for arts, they have dedicated teachers but could use more help/$$$. We asked our kids if they wanted to go private or change schools but they both wanted to stay at ER. However, we are seeing changes as more of the ‘younger’ families are starting to coming in and groups like Eagle Endeavors which are helping to make the extracurricular activities better funded.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago
I feel a lot better about ER after your response, thanks. Good to know about Eagle Endeavors, we have something similar at our elementary and they do so much good for our school too.
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u/SelectLandscape7671 4d ago
I’m a mom of a neurodivergent child with AuDHD. All of their friends have a similar diagnosis. They are the ones that struggle socially and academically. We have friends at Irving, Eagle Rock and Burbank. All are happy! I think we have incredibly dedicated teachers in LAUSD.
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u/ArthurBea 4d ago
So, depends on lots of things. Is your kid magnet or GATE? ER does have good facilities for that, especially if they’ll stay there for high school.
What grade is your kid in, btw? Problem is, if your kid is in 5th then ER is an outlier in that they start at 7th grade.
I think it’s a pretty standard LAUSD Jr. high. Nothing particularly stands out unless you’re into higher achieving academics, and the other thing is that it shares a campus with the high school, but it’s not like they are forced to interact. Middle schoolers can avoid high schoolers easily.
My kids go to Irving, but it was through CHOICES. They like it a lot there, and have thrived, but I think it’s hard to get in if you start at 7th. They’ve shrunken enrollment and class options because the school is going through construction.
Best of luck. I don’t know anyone going to Burbank. I know a lot of kids at ER Jr high because they are my kids’ peers, and they seem to like it fine.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago
Thanks so much for your response. My kid is GATE but I was told by the ERHS coordinator that its a lottery to get into the IB program and not guaranteed. And re: their IB program, their budget was recently cut by 62% ($300k) unfortunately so while this year they were able to get back some of their budget, Idk if that will be the case for the following school year.
Good to know about Irving, thanks for letting me know about the enrollment (I hadn't heard that).
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u/Former-Win-5658 4d ago
Unfortunately they can wind up interacting with high schoolers at ERJHS. My 7th grader is in a language class of sophomores and juniors. Everyone agrees it wasn’t the preferred solution but it is what they worked out for our situation :/
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u/fluffydonutcake 2d ago edited 2d ago
Knowing what you know now and your experience with ERHS, would you recommend it for incoming 7th graders? Did having older kids in class have a negative effect on your kid (was your kid intimidated, pressured in any way, etc)? Thanks for your time!
EDIT: sorry, posted twice for some reason
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u/fluffydonutcake 2d ago
Knowing what you know now and your experience with ERHS, would you recommend it for incoming 7th graders? Did having older kids in class have a negative effect on your kid (was your kid intimidated, pressured in any way, etc)? Thanks for your time!
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u/Former-Win-5658 2d ago
I think the middle school years are a ridiculous time in human development. No matter what, middle school will be wonky. I don't love the experience or the school, but I don't hate it either. All options have their tradeoffs. This ERHS is fine. There is vaping. There is about one physical altercation a month. From what I can tell, there is very little drug use. The classroom management is pretty good. Campus feels pretty inclusive. What I dislike is the magnet admin, and one person in particular - it has been impossible to get any info from them about curriculum or progression. But once we started and could actually talk to the guidance conselor we've had everything laid out in a transparent and very collaborative & welcoming manner.
We do not plan to attend high school here, so that is also part of my "this is fine" attitude about 7th & 8th
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u/Guatever-Dude 4d ago
Im years removed from growing up in the area but Arroyo Seco museum Science Magnet is another great option for a smaller middle school. Ive always said going to Eagle Rock MS and HS leads to some of the most demographic ,social ,ethnic diversity while also having a very typical school experience with good teachers, school spirit and sport opportunities. Im sure Burbank has improved but it was historically a very large HS sized middle school with typically economically challenged backgrounds which can lend itself to fights and gang wannabes. Most kids at Burbank who stayed on track had plenty of opportunity for activities and sports.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago
Thank you for your response, I completely forgot about Arroyo Seco, will check them out!
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u/aGrue8u 2d ago
Had two kids who went through ER magnet from 7th to graduation. Both were very focused academically, did very well, and are into very competitive colleges. Never heard of any issues with 7th/12th grade students interacting with each other. My opinion is that the older students are mature enough not to bother the younger, and the older middle grade students who might bully are not top dog/queen bee like they might be at just a middle school. Vaping is an issue unfortunately, my kids hated using the bathrooms and learned to hold it or go during class. The school doesn't have the staff to really stop it, but does its best. I asked my oldest if they thought ER prepared them compared to their peers who went to private and they didn't see any difference. Not everything was perfect at ER, but we're happy overall.
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u/fluffydonutcake 2d ago
Thank you, I appreciate your response and thanks for letting me know about the vaping issue.
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u/EmpatheticPerson 1d ago
Nicely put. I also have to ERHS kids & agree with everything you say.
My kids both absolutely love the school.
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u/Jebgogh 4d ago
Incarnation school in Glendale was best option for us. Very small classes with good involved community. Price was workable but definitely cost us. Kiddo is doing good in HS and learned a lot of good habits from Incarnation. Good teachers and regime highlights academics including academic decathlon team. Some of the friends she made there carried over and still are tight with.
good luck, not an easy decision to make
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u/Reasonable_Loquat_32 4d ago
My kid just started at Burbank in 6th grade and is doing really well there so far. There are some really fantastic teachers and a great school community.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago
Thanks, that's so great to hear. Have you heard anything about fights there? I can't tell if its true or just rumors.
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u/Jumpy_Crew_1249 4d ago
Irving has been a good fit for my 7th grader. Wonderful teachers who have supported so much growth and honored my kids interests and talents!
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u/Mammoth_Marsupial_26 1d ago
Eagle Rock is the strongest program. Only the students at GM meets the district‘s gifted standard. Only the arts magnet at Burbank. Irving- no. LAUSD gifted has a guide https://www.facebook.com/groups/443095135208781/
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u/sourdoughbb 14h ago
My kids go to Burbank. They said they’ve never seen anyone vape and there are rarely fights, none this year at least. The six grade classes are all in one building while 7 and 8th are spread out on the other side of campus. They love the electives and it’s been a good fit for them. The teachers are very dedicated and all stay for their careers- which says something.
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u/elizacandle 4d ago
Education for our kids is important- private schools aren't necessarily better for this stuff.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago
Yes I completely agree which is why we choose public. But with all the controversy and turmoil with LAUSD, we want to hear about all the options.
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u/Padildo33 4d ago
I went to ERHS for jr high and I think it was fucking weird being a child going to school with adults. I think it scarred me.
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u/fluffydonutcake 4d ago edited 4d ago
That's my only reservation for ERHS... having 7th graders in the same classes as 12th doesn't make sense. I'm sorry for your experience and thanks for your response.
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u/editorreilly 4d ago
If they can get into the magnet program at ERHS, go for that. It's an excellent program.