The Buckley School
- Private
- SHERMAN OAKS, CA
Private School
The Buckley School Reviews
Rating 3.84 out of 5 56 reviews
The turnover rate should speak for itself: this is a horrendous place to work. Admin is unsupportive at best, actively obstructive and condescending at worst. To add insult to injury, the compensation is dramatically below what is offered by comparable schools. Run, don’t walk, in the other direction.
It was good. Not very diverse. Feels very small, and not in like a totally good way. It sucks to know everyone and for everyone to know you.
Four words: High cost, mediocre performance. That is not to even say anything about their world languages department, which I’ve heard is particularly poorly run. As a mother who has put three kids through education, trust me when I say I have seen all different types of educational leadership and they are the (very expensive) bottom of the barrel, if not the worst.
I loved my experience at the Buckley School. I joined when I was in 5th grade. I actually applied for 6th grade at Buckley, but later found out I was years younger than most of the people in that grade I would go into. They offered me a spot in the 5th grade class. I chose to redo 5th grade and that was the best choice of my life. I wouldn't be the person I am without going to Buckley. I met some amazing people and friendships that will last forever.
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 has been unbelievable that 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 like the covid pandemic. Private education is expensive. Buckley has fallen too short of meeting expectations and is no longer able to provide a high-quality education and a caring environment.
I started at Buckley in Kindergarten and am planning on being here through Senior year. Buckley does a great job of the transitions between the three age divisions. Being able to stay at one place from Kindergarten to Senior year has been really great because I have been able to build a great group of friends and continue friendships I have had for years along with starting new ones. Buckley's DEI department makes the school a very welcoming and safe environment, and even though I haven't run into issues I know that if I did have ones I would be able to go to them for help. The teachers also are there to help the students by being able to meet with students who need extra help during office hours and lunch.
I joined Buckley in sixth grade and have enjoyed my experience here ever since. The teachers have all been friendly and supportive of their students, and the students demonstrate this as well. However, there have been some downsides socially throughout the years. I have heard many racist and offensive remarks from students, and although I know that they don't mean what they say and are just trying to get a laugh out of their friends, it still doesn't justify their actions. I also think that the cafe prices are on the high side, so I wish that they were lowered to accommodate the students.
It’s my first year, and Buckley has been nothing short of amazing. The teachers are passionate and understanding, the campus is beautiful, the students are friendly and kind, the courses are dynamic and interesting, and there are so many amazing electives and clubs. I’m so happy I choose Buckley.
It's ok. The campus is nice and most of the teachers are pretty good. The lunches are overpriced and the kids are pretty snobby. The diversity is minimal. The social scene is hard to navigate and new people may find it hard to make friends. Overall not worth 46k.
My daughters have both bee at Buckley since kindergarten and one of the amazing things I have seen is that both girls love learning because of the inspired kind teachers and administration!!!
When we went to tour the campus, one thing that especially stood out to us was how happy the students seemed. Any student who passed the tour did not hesitate to say hello to us. Their upbeat attitude was extremely welcome and definitely not lost on us!
As a new student, Buckley has been amazing. I love how there are classes and electives to explore all aspects of my identity and interests. Everyone at the school is so nice, and the teachers act like they actually want you to succeed. I'm so excited for my next four years.
Buckley was off the radar and I had not thought about it for my family, but when I went for a visit I could not be more surprised. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It was the right-size for my children with a robust offering of various programs to children with varying interests and passions without getting lost in the midst of a big school. My children are thriving and they are known in this community! As a person of color at a private school, I couldn't ask for more...
Buckley has an incredible community of faculty, students, alumni, and parents. I've worked at the school for several years now and have been so impressed by the caliber of my colleagues and students.
In particular, I appreciate how our smaller size encourages students to take on more challenges; my students take rigorous courses while also participating in sports, playing an instrument, writing for the newspaper, and anything else they're interested in trying.
The campus is also beautiful, situated in the mountains -- there is even a nature trail off the field! The school has incredible, state-of-the-art facilities for arts, tech, athletics, and more.
In particular, I appreciate how our smaller size encourages students to take on more challenges; my students take rigorous courses while also participating in sports, playing an instrument, writing for the newspaper, and anything else they're interested in trying.
The campus is also beautiful, situated in the mountains -- there is even a nature trail off the field! The school has incredible, state-of-the-art facilities for arts, tech, athletics, and more.
Buckley's student body, teachers, parents, alums and resources create a wonderful sense of community. They balance academic rigor, artistic expression and mental health.
Many students often question the administration and disagree with their logic and direction, but the school benefits from so many resources and qualified teachers.
Buckley is one of the top schools in Los Angeles. I have two kids at the school and they are thriving. We love the warm community, excellent teachers and rigorous academics. Highly recommend.
I graduate many years ago. Plan on 4 hours of homework a night. You will get a great education many classes offered were unique. The campus is very nice. You will see a lot of elegance. but there are teachers and administrators there with mental moral and emotional problems Worse than the students there. The students are in tight cliques that do not let in new or less than perfect kids but they are not mean. There is a snobbism to prepare for. Find your own niche to survive.
Excellent school! Top-notch academics, warm community, wonderful teachers.
I had some concerns about haves vs have-nots before coming to Buckley, but have been very happily surprised by the warmth, the inclusive attitude, and the dedication to diversity.
The approach to teaching is depth and strength. They do not gloss over material, and the demand for (near) perfection is stringent. The dedication to teaching how to LEARN, how to be INDEPENDENT, and how to make CRITICAL DECISIONS is a major focus of the school. Highly recommend!
I had some concerns about haves vs have-nots before coming to Buckley, but have been very happily surprised by the warmth, the inclusive attitude, and the dedication to diversity.
The approach to teaching is depth and strength. They do not gloss over material, and the demand for (near) perfection is stringent. The dedication to teaching how to LEARN, how to be INDEPENDENT, and how to make CRITICAL DECISIONS is a major focus of the school. Highly recommend!
Buckley is a fine school, if not incredibly white. The diveristy department is biased, passive aggressive, and refuse to listen to other points of view.