Best High Schools in Zip Code 91506

This analysis covers four public high schools serving grades 9-12 in the 91506 zip code of Burbank, CA, all part of the Burbank Unified district, which is rated above average statewide.

The standout school is Burroughs High, a large traditional high school that excels with a near 99% graduation rate, very low dropout and chronic absenteeism, and strong test scores, ranking it among the top high schools in California. In contrast, the three smaller alternative schools—Burbank Unified Independent Learning Academy (BUILA), Monterey High (Continuation), and Magnolia Park—serve more at-risk students and show much higher rates of chronic absenteeism and lower test proficiency, though Monterey High achieves a remarkable graduation rate comparable to Burroughs.

Because Burroughs High enrolls nearly 90% of the area's high school students, the district's overall averages closely reflect its high performance, masking the significant challenges faced by the smaller alternative programs. A key finding is that higher spending per student, as seen at BUILA, does not automatically translate to higher test scores, suggesting school model and student needs are major factors. Parents should note the stark differences in environment and outcomes between the large comprehensive high school and the specialized alternative options.