Granddaughter's Christmas Play My family and I have been part of this parish for many years, with several of my grandchildren graduating from St. Finbar. It has taken me a long time to write this because I wanted to see how the situation would play out. Unfortunately, after witnessing what happened and seeing the lack of accountability, I now feel compelled to write this letter. What I experienced during my granddaughter's Christmas play was both shocking and deeply troubling--a complete departure from the values of faith, respect, and professionalism that our community should uphold. What I Witnessed While sitting in my car in the parking lot due to back pain, I observed several incidents that made me question whether this is still the right environment for my grandchildren. The first involved a very short woman storming through the parking lot, loudly shouting obscenities such as, "F*** you, b****," and "I'm here to throw down." At first, I thought she was a student, but as she drew closer, it became obvious she was a parent--identified by others as an eighth-grade mom. She continued this behavior all the way into the play, with no concern for the families, children, or grandparents around her. Soon after, I witnessed another disturbing situation. A group of parents were saying their goodbyes near my car when the school librarian walked by and began filming them in a voyeuristic manner. One of the parents noticed and calmly asked, "Why are you filming us?" Despite this polite inquiry, the librarian refused to stop and escalated the situation by berating the group and shouting obscenities at them. It was shocking to see such unprofessional behavior from someone entrusted with the care and education of children. Angie, a staff member, stepped in to defend the group and confronted the librarian, asking, "What are you doing? Stop filming." Instead of de-escalating, the librarian shouted back at Angie and bizarrely claimed the parents shouldn't be in the parking lot. The argument intensified, with yelling and berating taking place right outside classrooms where children were just steps away. Over 20 witnesses--including grandparents, parents, and children--were present to see this chaotic confrontation unfold. Lack of Accountability Despite the fact that over ten people immediately went to the principal to report these incidents, no repercussions were taken against the librarian, her friend who was yelling obscenities, or the eighth-grade mom. This lack of action is both unacceptable and deeply disappointing. It is this disregard for accountability and professionalism that has led me to write this letter. My Concerns As someone who has long supported this parish and school, I am heartbroken by what I experienced. For years, I've heard growing concerns about the direction of the school, but witnessing these events confirmed my fears. The inaction from school leadership regarding the behavior of both faculty and parents leaves me questioning whether this environment upholds the values of a Catholic education--compassion, professionalism, and respect. Final Decision My family and many others have had enough. After these events and the lack of accountability, we have decided not to return to St. Finbar next year. Any of the good that once existed at this school is now gone. The faith-based values, respectful atmosphere, and professionalism that once defined the community have deteriorated beyond repair. We no longer feel that this is a safe or respectful environment for our children and grandchildren. My hope is that this community can one day return to what it was. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. read more

As a family with two children that went to St. Finbar since 2018, our experience with this school has revealed some serious concerns that forced us to withdraw both our children. Look elsewhere for education. Here's why: Pros: - Few dedicated teachers/administration who genuinely care Cons: - Deeply concerning student safety issues. Massive issues with bullying with no intervention from administration. Met with the principal about this and she laughed saying "this classes boys are just something else" - Deeply concerning administrative behavior: The principal told us directly that our child "needs to be medicated" - an incredibly inappropriate and potentially damaging statement to make. When we brought this up to her with a third party she denied she ever said this to us. - Basic health and safety problems: children given only 5 minutes to eat lunch (my son constantly came home hungry), water fountains dispensing murky water. Plus, students are crammed into a very small room to have lunch while the lunch staff is extremely rude to the children, again resorting to yelling and intimidation tactics. - Poor handling of student needs: despite having a child with mild ADHD and anxiety, the school provided inconsistent and inadequate support - Overcrowded classrooms affecting learning quality - Concerning staff behavior: instances of teachers yelling at students and publicly shaming them... often calling them "stupid" in front of their peers. This is left my son crying many times and not wanting to show up to school the next day. - Administrative unresponsiveness: emails and serious concerns often go unaddressed The impact on our children has been significant. One of my sons expressed that "he hates his life" due to his experiences here and asked "what did I do to deserve this?" Even our other child, who generally manages well, has come home in tears multiple times. Do your research. Do not attend this school. Read around for reviews on other sites... You will see the same common themes. The school's current state is particularly disappointing given its previous reputation for excellence. Despite multiple attempts to address these issues with school administration, parish leadership, and the LA Archdiocese we've seen no change. The school needs significant improvements in leadership, student support, and basic operational standards to return to its former status as a quality educational institution. I hope by sharing our experience, other families can make informed decisions about their children's education, and perhaps the school will be motivated to address these serious issues. One of my son's classes alone had 5 families drop out in a single school year. That is cause for alarm and nothing is being done about it. It saddens me to have to pull 2 of our kids of school in the middle of the school year, but the situation and experiences we have had warrent such a bold move. I cannot watch my kids stuffer like this and have no support from administration or the LA Archdiocese. Children deserve better. We aren't the only family experiencing these issues, but this is our story. read more

If you are looking for a great small private school for your children....this is NOT it! DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! This school has a number of really bad reviews and I would highly recommend not ignoring them like we did. The principal is a very little man with a huge ego and a power trip who is impossible to work with if you aren't a radical right wing Trumper and this is coming from a moderate Republican. He thinks Covid is a joke and acts like a mini Trump dictator refusing to wear a real mask and the Archdiocese does NOTHING about it. We invested deeply in this school and loved the kids teachers but this fool not taking a pandemic seriously was crossing the line. He has treated parents like crap during Covid refusing to answer simple questions or be transparent in the least bit. We loved the school community for the time we attended but now realize it was the right choice to leave. At one point we would've had an issue swallowing the lies this idiot spurts. I wish we hadn't ignored the bad reviews it could have saved our kids so much pain. We thought it was just a few fringe angry parents but it's not. I truly believe most parents would NOT send their kids to this school. If they knew now what they didn't know then. They stay because the kids attachment period. This principle is a total bully that has no boss or accountability. The priest that runs the church is supposed to be his boss but he's MIA and could care less about the operation of the school. This priest seems to just be around for the regular pay check. I've never met a priest so fake and full of it. When parents went to him to complain about the principal he told 4 different parents "your the first person who's ever complained about him" LIAR!!! I know countless parents who openly say theyve gone to the priest and he strokes them and does nothing. Absolutely ZERO involvement as a boss or as someone who even cares about issues at the school or how the school families are doing during covid. Archdiocese knows this school has major problems with this principle but they don't care and will tell you that they have no power and are only advisors to the school in decisions. He has a reputation throughout LA for being difficult to deal with and leaving a field of parents and kids in his wake that he's kicked out for "questioning him". You disagree with anything he says and he will kick you out. If you think at a private school you have rights because you pay tuition think again! You have no rights at this school and your children will suffer for your excusing the bad behavior. Parent have no rights and the education is average. If you are looking for a good Catholic school look at the principal first. They ultimately have all the power and you better pick one you like and trust. Do yourself a favor and avoid this school. Look at Saint Francis, Saint Charles or Incarnation. If your Catholic like me, this bully will push you to question your faith and your relationship with the church. read more

If you're considering St. Finbar School, it's important to understand what you're paying for. While private schools often promote small class sizes, strong academics, and a supportive environment, this school falls short in many ways. Class sizes are around 30 students, making it difficult for teachers to provide individual attention. Many of the teachers are actually parents of students rather than trained educators, and they often leave the classroom to tend to their own children. There is little to no support for kids with ADHD, dyslexia, or special learning needs, and many families who have transferred out find their children testing behind academically. The school itself is rundown, with no designated restrooms for younger kids, forcing them to use poorly maintained adult bathrooms. There is no dedicated custodian, so much of the cleaning is left to parents and volunteers. At the same time, financial transparency is a serious issue. Families have been charged well above standard rates for weddings and funerals, with no disclosure that the extra costs are actually optional donations. Another major issue is confidentiality. Many families have reported that personal matters they discussed with faculty or staff were shared openly within the school community. If a student gets in trouble, the principal has been known to pull them into the office, separate them from their peers, and question them without notifying parents or having another staff member present. Because it is a private school, they are not required to follow public school regulations, meaning parents may not even know when their child has been questioned or disciplined. Over the past few years, many families have withdrawn their children, and even teachers have removed their own kids from the school. Parents who ask questions or push for improvements often feel ignored or treated as if they are a problem rather than valued members of the school community. Since the administration is backed by the LA Archdiocese, there is little to no accountability, making real change nearly impossible. Considering the high tuition and lack of financial transparency, it's worth asking if it makes sense to pay for an education that lacks proper resources, professionalism, and academic support. Burbank public schools provide certified teachers, student support services, and financial accountability without additional hidden costs or mismanagement. If you're thinking about St. Finbar, take the time to research, speak with families who have left, and read through reviews to get the full picture. read more

1-Star Review for St. Finbar School I was hopeful when enrolling my child at St. Finbar, but after experiencing the curriculum, administration, and overall school environment, I cannot recommend it. Academics & Opportunities The school is far behind academically compared to local Burbank public schools. There are no advanced learning opportunities such as robotics, coding, or STEM enrichment programs. While other schools are preparing students for the future, St. Finbar seems stuck in the past with little effort to modernize or expand learning options. Extracurricular & Sports The sports program is severely lacking--not only in skill development but also in organization. Every game my child played ended in a loss, and it was clear that coaching and training were an afterthought. There's no real emphasis on teamwork, improvement, or sportsmanship. Financial Transparency & Fundraising One of the biggest red flags is the lack of financial transparency. Parents are constantly asked to contribute to fundraisers, yet there is no clear explanation of where the money goes. Many of these fundraisers involve the school selling low-quality junk food to kids--something I don't even allow my children to eat. It feels more like a cash grab than an effort to improve the school. Pickup, Drop-off & Safety Concerns The drop-off and pick-up process is chaotic and inconsistent, changing almost daily with little communication. Incredibly, students are the ones directing traffic, which raises serious safety concerns. I have never seen anything like this at any other school. Teacher Engagement & Professionalism Many teachers arrive at the same time as students, which doesn't instill confidence that they are adequately preparing for the school day. Additionally, a noticeable amount of teaching time is spent on their own children, rather than focusing on the entire class. This creates an unfair learning environment and lacks the professionalism expected in a school setting. Final Thoughts Between the outdated curriculum, lack of academic and extracurricular offerings, poor sports programs, unprofessional classroom dynamics, and questionable financial practices, I regret sending my child here. There are far better educational options in Burbank that prioritize both academic excellence and student development. read more

As a parent of a graduating 8th grader, I can say with full confidence that sending my child to St. Finbar School was the biggest regret of our lives. Principal Azar is the coldest, most heartless administrator I have ever encountered. There is zero God in her heart--just a thirst for power and control. Compassion? Nonexistent. Fairness? Laughable. Instead of fostering a school built on faith and integrity, she enables bullies and almost celebrates their families while punishing anyone who dares to speak up. I have personally watched her remove families who voiced concerns, silencing them like they never mattered. The school environment is disgusting--literally. Just step into the bathrooms, and you'll see the filth firsthand. Rat poop all over the place. How is this a Catholic school when basic cleanliness isn't even a priority? My child refused to use the restrooms because they were so unsanitary. It's an absolute disgrace. And don't even get me started on the cafeteria food. Processed junk, loaded with sugar, and barely nutritious. They claim to care about our children, but they feed them the worst food possible. Principal Azar has ruled this school with intimidation for years. Instead of leading with kindness, she runs it like a dictatorship--favoring the worst families, enabling bullying, and casting out anyone who refuses to bow to her. We've seen it firsthand for years. The truth needs to come out. Do NOT send your child here. And if you think Father Francis will help? Think again. Beg, plead, or try to reason with him--you'll get the door slammed in your face. This is the same man who preaches about leadership, honesty, forgiveness, and faith, yet when it truly matters, he turns his back. After reading seven years' worth of his emails about these so-called values, it's clear he doesn't even know what they mean. But you know where you will find Principal Azar and Father Francis? At the fiesta, collecting your money. At a funeral, making sure they get a check. They won't lift a finger to help struggling families, but they'll be front and center when it's time to cash in. If you want a school with real Catholic values, look elsewhere. St. Finbar School is beyond repair. read more

As a concerned community member, I feel compelled to share my experience with St. Finbar School. While it may seem like a solid choice at first glance, the reality is far different. Beyond the unresolved bullying issues, there are also serious concerns about the quality of education. Over the past year, multiple families have left--some even mid-year--due to the persistent bullying culture that has affected students across all grade levels. Shockingly, even faculty members with children at the school felt forced to withdraw their kids abruptly because of these issues. Instead of addressing concerns head-on, leadership has consistently downplayed and ignored the severity of the problem. Additionally, academics at St. Finbar have fallen far behind. Many students who transferred out and tested at their new schools were found to be a full year behind their public school peers. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction. Parents expect a private school education to be a step ahead, not behind. Unfortunately, accountability has been severely lacking from both Principal Azar and Father Francis. Rather than taking action to protect students, the school seems more focused on controlling the narrative and minimizing concerns rather than truly resolving them. Families who have spoken up about their experiences have been met with dismissive responses and little to no real support. A safe, high-quality learning environment should be the foundation of any school, but that has not been the case here. It's heartbreaking to see so many students and families negatively impacted while the administration refuses to take meaningful steps toward change. If you are considering this school, I strongly encourage you to connect with former families about their experiences before making a decision. read more

As a parent who entrusted Saint Finbar Parish School with my child's education, I am appalled by the misconduct exhibited by the principal and the priest. Their actions have not only betrayed the trust of families but have also inflicted lasting harm on the community. The principal's behavior is nothing short of tyrannical. She has created a hostile environment where bullying is rampant, and any attempt to address concerns is met with intimidation or outright dismissal. Her complete disregard for the well-being of students is both reprehensible and inexcusable. Equally culpable is the priest, who, rather than providing moral guidance, has chosen to be complicit in this toxic regime. His passive acquiescence to the principal's despotic rule is a dereliction of his sacred duties and an affront to the very principles he is supposed to uphold. Confidentiality breaches are rampant, with private information about students and families being callously shared without consent. This blatant violation of trust has left many feeling vulnerable and betrayed. The cumulative effect of this leadership has led to a mass exodus of families, many of whom have withdrawn their children mid-year to escape the pervasive toxicity. The principal and priest have not only failed in their professional and spiritual responsibilities but have actively contributed to the degradation of what was once a respected institution. In summary, the principal and priest at Saint Finbar Parish School have demonstrated a complete lack of integrity, empathy, and professionalism. Their actions have caused irreparable damage, and they are wholly unfit to lead or serve in any capacity within the educational or religious community. read more

send ur kid here if u hate them. this place feels like hell even tho it's a catholic school. the bullying here is insane and so many people are leaving. the principal doesn't do anything about the bullying and genuinely does not care. she takes down all bad reviews just because she doesn't want people to think it's a bad school. the water is nasty. school is so ugly id rather stick needles in my eyes. and the fundraisers don't do anything for the school at all. education is terrible and I would rather learn from a monkey. the food here is diabolical. and the principal doesn't care about them kids at all. and not to mention how the principal forced parents to buy ipads for kids just for them not to even use them. so yeah if u want your kid to fail in life send them to this school. and the after school care is terrible. the last princapal idk y he had to leave. new principal drove the school to the ground. and the "food" is just frozen food that prolly came from a warehouse in tawian. the school smells like puke and horse poop. there is one custodian cleaning but he does lowkey chill tho so he cool . so yeah if u love ur kid don't send them here it's a hellhole and id rather step on legos and hit severe traffic on the 405 then have to go to this school. And Ms.Lara walks around the school barefoot like who does that, that nasty as heck man not cool. I would rather go to japan and learn kungfupanda instead of being in cali going to ts school. Parents are allowed to go into classrooms only if they know the principal which is lowk unfair iykyk. Anonymous User signing out peace yall read more

After so many years, my child is finally graduating from Saint Finbar School -- and we are beyond relieved to be done with it once and for all. This school is not what it claims to be. Beneath the surface of uniforms and parish events lies a deeply broken system that lacks compassion, leadership, and vision. Principal Azar and Father Francis are far more concerned with money, optics, and control than with fostering a genuine sense of community or inclusion. They talk about faith and values, but in practice, it's all politics and favoritism. The curriculum is outdated and uninspired. There's little to no emphasis on technology or preparing students for the modern world. While other schools evolve, Saint Finbar stays stuck -- and our kids pay the price for that stagnation. And let's be honest: if your child is different in any way -- whether they're short, neurodivergent, shy, or don't fit into a specific mold -- this school will not embrace them. It is not an inclusive environment. The culture among many parents is cliquish and toxic, and rather than challenge it, the administration enables it. We stayed far longer than we should have out of hope and habit. But now that our child is graduating, we are walking away with clarity and no regrets. If you're considering Saint Finbar, look deeper. Your child deserves better. read more

Yikes! The principle Mr Morasco is a terrible human being. Ive seen him scream at people at the thanksgiving dinner at the church. He hires mean teachers that scream at the students and the class sizes are 35 per class, its a farce. Our Kinder teacher was so terrible that she scared many kids, hurt their self esteem for reading and she would embarrass the kids in front of their piers. There were many parents that complained against this teacher and Morasco did nothing. He does not care about the kids. The teachers there are all really cranky. There is an air of tenseness there. Everybody seems to think they are getting a better education there. When we moved to a Burbank Public School my daughter was behind in math. The majority of the parents there are very immature and mean, blue collar people with no college education and not much sense. One guy asked me what i thought of the woman breast feeding in public, he was very upset about it, they talk allot about others there and not in a nice way. The people are mostly from other countries. Some very strange people all in that group. Everything and everyone has a very old school mentality. Its a strange place. read more

As someone who once attended Catholic school and held those formative years in high regard, I'm truly disappointed in the current state of St. Finbar School in Burbank. Sadly, it's not what it used to be. Since the leadership changed a few years ago, the school has been on a steady decline. The sense of community that once made it special has noticeably faded, and I've seen so many friends and families leave in recent years -- a clear sign that something isn't right. The curriculum feels outdated and uninspired, lacking the depth and engagement I remember from my own school experience. In today's world, students deserve an education that evolves and prepares them for the future -- this simply isn't it. The campus itself is in poor condition. The roof has been covered by a tarp for months, which speaks volumes about how maintenance is managed. With the amount of fundraising and tuition being asked of families, it's frustrating to see such poor standards across the board. It pains me to write this, but families deserve honesty. Catholic education should be rooted in excellence, growth, and integrity. Unfortunately, St. Finbar no longer reflects those values. read more

As a parent, I want my child to grow up in an environment that celebrates individuality, encourages empathy, and supports all types of learners and identities. Unfortunately, our experience at St. Finbar School fell short in these areas. Families with children who have learning differences, or identify within the LGBTQ+ community may find it difficult to feel truly supported here. The school's hyper-conservative values often feel out of step with today's diverse and inclusive world. Expression of identity--whether related to learning needs, personal beliefs, or gender--did not always seem to be welcomed or respected. In our case, there were moments where we felt that individuality was met with judgment rather than compassion. Every child deserves to feel safe and supported without fear of being bullied, singled out, or marginalized. Sadly, this was not our experience. That's why, after just one year, we've made the decision to pull our child out and find a school environment that aligns more closely with our values of inclusion, kindness, and respect for all. read more

If I could give this school a -1 star I would. Do not send your kids to St Finbar School! We have had the worse experience I have ever had at a school. Principle Azar is one of the most unprofessional school faculty I have ever met. Constantly breaking confidentiality and sharing private information with other teachers and parents that she is friends with at the school. Massive conflict of interest day to day. The Other parents might have been the biggest problem of all why the kids lack manners and empathy. If you care about the safety of your kids and care about the education. Go to any of the amazing Burbank public schools available for free and have standards. Just read the reviews of the Burbank public school compared to Finbar! read more

DONT GO HERE!!!! all the teachers are rude and the school food absolutely sucks all the kids there are rude and selfish, teachers also play favorites! the principal literally just stays in her office on Zillow. if there is a school fun raiser do not donate it's all a scam. that's why I left this dumpy place. also prepare for dead rats in stalls and mold everywhere and don't drink out of the water water there is lot of mold. DONT EVEN DARE GO HERE read more