Luther Burbank Middle School

Principal: Anita Schackmann

Luther Burbank Middle School is a learning community dedicated to high expectations for all. We acknowledge that students learn in different ways and we offer personalized support in an environment that includes rigor, celebration and a focus on continuous improvement.

Uniquely situated at the crossroads between the media superhighway and international travel, Luther Burbank Middle School is one of three middle schools in Burbank, a big city with a small-town feel. Because Burbank is home to media giants NBC, Warner Bros., and Disney, and neighbor to the Bob Hope Airport whose planes glide over our school, not a day goes by when Luther students don’t directly sense the excitement and possibility their futures hold.

Built in 1947, Luther has recently completed modernization. Like a butterfly, the newly designed school has recently emerged from its construction cocoon. In addition to updated classrooms, gymnasium, science and technology labs, we have opened a new culinary arts room. Luther is a destination for learning and a hub of activity.

At Luther, our motto is "Moving in the Right Direction." Based on a close focus on past performance and the firm belief that “one size fits all” academic programs do not benefit children, the staff is dedicated to tailoring a flexible and responsive instructional program to meet the specific needs of all of our students. We believe in meeting kids where they are and we use current research, technology, best practices, and a host of effective support systems to help chart our students’ routes to success. In doing so, we are seeing results. Last year, Luther saw a 26 point gain in our Academic Performance Index. Luther provides a high-quality academic experience for over 1000 ethnically, socio-economically, and academically diverse learners. Some schools might find the challenges inherent in serving such a wide range of children overwhelming. We find this unique blend to be Luther’s pride and strength. Programs to serve our students include GATE, SDAIE, ELD, co-teaching, gardening, special education, vocational, art, and music classes. It is an exciting and wonderful time to be a Luther student because our programs provide a strong academic foundation and a focused series of experiences for personal and academic growth.

Our vision is brought to life by people. Each September, our Family Picnic kicks off the new year. This celebration brings people together to share a meal, dance, and play. During the year, Luther staff works endlessly to provide rigorous and engaging learning experiences for all students from the moment they walk in the door to far beyond the bell. Visit Luther during one of three outstanding culminating activities for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and you will find that the students, staff, and their families have been transported to another era, not by a nearby jetliner, but by their learning. Our lawns are taken over by costumed students living history during our Greek Festival, Old World Faire, and History Day. You might be asked to compete in an Olympiad, create and barter some trade items, or debate Abraham Lincoln. Our location allows students access to a wealth of nearby destinations such as the California Science Center, Shakespearience, the Long Beach Aquarium and the Reagan Library where our students board Air Force One, explore aquatic habitats, perform in Romeo and Juliet, and understand earthquakes. Our students’ learning takes flight no matter where it occurs.

Luther Burbank Middle School is a vibrant, happy place for students, staff, and our community. Our passion and goal is to make concrete the promise of their bright futures. Luther is a school moving in the right direction and the destination is success!