New residents with children and those considering this area as a future home always ask about the quality of the public schools. In response to often-asked questions, here are some answers. Subjects not covered here may be addressed in other sections of this site, or answers may be obtained by calling a local school or the appropriate office at the Administration Center.

FAQ Index:
Are the schools safe?
What are class sizes?
Do students have a "dress code"? Do students wear uniforms?
What about "Parent Choice"?
Do students attend their neighborhood schools?
What are the student test scores?
How does the year-round school schedule work?
How active is the PTA?
Are hot lunches served?

Are the schools safe?
Yes. In fact, the school district and the community are among the safest in California for a city our size. Maximum efforts keep Glendale Schools safe and secure for students, staff and visitors. The Board of Education has no tolerance for criminal-related activities in and around the schools.
Glendale Police Dept. or L.A. County Sheriff School Resource Officers serve on all secondary campuses, along with private security guards. Access to schools during classtime is restricted to authorized staff and visitors. Most campuses are "closed." Visitor guidelines are tight.
Intercoms are installed in most classrooms, and metal detectors are available for use as needed. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing associated with gangs.
The district receives considerable support from local law enforcement agencies to ensure safe schools. All these measures cannot keep all incidents from occurring, but they go a long way toward prevention.
Safe school statistics, which list any crimes committed on campuses during the year, are available in the office of Student Support Services.

What are class sizes?
The district’s class sizes in grades K-3 are dramatically reduced to a maximum of 20 students, which gets them off to a good start in their studies. Class sizes in grades 4-6 usually range from 32 to 35 students.
In ninth grade, most English and math classes are 20 to 24 students. In the middle and senior high schools, most other class sizes range from 28 to 36 students, depending on the subject matter, level of instruction and other factors.

Do students have a "dress code"? Do students wear uniforms?
In several elementary and middle schools, students wear clothing in designated styles
and colors. Schools may adopt "uniform dress policies" if parents support the action.
Every campus, however, has "dress standards," which mandate clothing and grooming appropriate for school. The safety of students at school and going to and from school is a key factor, particularly in the secondary schools.
The response to school uniforms and "dress standards" is favorable among parents and staff.

What about "Parent Choice"?
The state’s "Parent Choice" law provides that children may attend another school within their district — or in another school district. Acceptance of students for out-of-district
permits must be approved by the receiving district, based on its local guidelines, and are often determined by available classroom space. The Student Services Office has further details.

Do students attend their neighborhood schools?
Yes. Glendale students usually attend schools closest to where they live. One exception is Clark Magnet High School, which enrolls students from throughout the district. Students may attend another school on a "permit" for purposes specified in district regulations. Contact the Student Support Services Office for further information.

What are the student test scores?
Results of state and national testing are one of several indicators of student achievement. For example, high school performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in verbal and math continues at or above state and national averages. Math runs consistently above averages.
In annual state testing, school results are compared to national "norms" on the Stanford 9 exam. School performances depend on many variables, including students’ primary language and socioeconomic background. Each school, based primarily on Stanford 9 test results, receives an Academic Performance Index (API) number and ranking. Contact the Public Information Office for a separate publication on student test scores and the API program.

How does the year-round school schedule work?
Nine of the district’s elementary schools operate on a year-round schedule. Students attend classes the same number of days annually as those on a traditional schedule, but their vacations are divided into three one-month segments during the year.
Each school has four tracks of students. While three tracks are in school, one track is on vacation. This allows a campus designed for 750 students to comfortably house 1,000.

How active is the PTA?
Very active, with 10,300 members districtwide. Nearly every school has a PTA unit. During the last school year, PTA volunteers logged more than 170,000 hours of service. PTA leaders work diligently in support of key issues affecting education, the welfare of children, parenting and the home. PTA is now a generation well beyond its old "punch and cookies" role. It is savvy and politically knowledgeable. Membership information is available at the PTA office in the Administration Center or at a school.

Are hot lunches served?
Food Services is a partner to the instructional program by offering breakfasts, hot lunches and à la carte items each day to students and staff. In fact, the district operates the largest daily "restaurant" in Glendale, with more than 17,000 meals served daily.
All menus offer a variety of choices that meet various dietary guidelines.
Plate lunches with balanced offerings are available at a very reasonable price. Students have a significant role in menu planning from elementary through senior high.
A large variety of à la carte items, as well as salad, baked potato and taco bars, and popular items from local fast food restaurants are served, depending on the grade level and school.
The district participates in the National School Lunch Program. Breakfast also is offered in most schools. Students may qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, based on financial need.
For more information, call the Food Services office at 818 249-8020.