John Muir Elementary School

Thanks to the teachers, program and atmosphere there, my granddaughter thinks learning, especially reading, is 'cool'.
--Submitted by a parent

My 3 kids went to John Muir and had positive experiences
--Submitted by a parent

John Muir is the best Elementry school in Berkeley!! It reminds you of a private school because of the ratio of students to each teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at John Muir School in 4th grade this year and has felt welcomed by the community and staff. The school is small enough that all the teachers and staff know the students and parents. The teaching staff is great, and include science teachers, music teachers and a dance teacher. The campus is large and beautiful, and supports a great PE program, and gardening and cooking classes. There are so many extracurricular opportunities at the school: book clubs run by the librarian, small sports teams run by the PE teachers, and after school classes sponsored by the PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter transferred from a private school to John Muir School. We've been really happy with her experience, and her teachers have been excellent. This year in addition to academics, she's learning about opera and some of the great artists. She has dance class, gardening and cooking class, as well as recorder lessons.
--Submitted by a parent

John Muir is the smallest school in student population. It allows the parents and staff to know the names of all the students. The students know we care when we call them by name.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son is in his 3rd year at John Muir. Generally, the teachers are outstanding. Despite its being the smallest public school in Berkeley, the building and grounds are extraordinary - a huge grassy field, a creek and playground. The classrooms are large and sunny. The PTA has a dedicated and welcoming core of involved parents. Probably the most special thing about the school is how responsive the administration and teachers have been to my son's needs. Our first year, my son had a traumatic experience (not at all connected to the school.) When I informed the school of what had happened to our son, everyone from the principal, to the school secretary, to his homeroom teacher took an ongoing and active interest in his well being and recovery. We felt incredibly supported. My son has also thrived academically, he has developed a great love and skill at reading and math.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of three children who have attended, or are currently attending John Muir. As the smallest school in the district we have a close community. With a very dedicated staff and a committed parent body we have focused on building community placing it higher on the pta focus than fundraising (although we do that too!). John Muir educates the 'whole child' - meaning their minds are challenged academically, their bodies are cared for with universal breakfast, dance and p.e. weekly and add to that gardening and cooking! The last flowing Berkeley creek running through the grounds provides unique science opportunities. And the afterschool enrichment classes are affordable for all with support from the PTA. We are a happy happy John Muir family!
--Submitted by a parent

John Muir is gem of a school. The staff are dedicated and hardworking; the parent community is diverse and active and the site is beautiful. We're blessed with a natural creek running through the school. It complements our focus on the environment. Besides the classroom curriculum, we offer a gardening/cooking program, physical education 2x a week in every grade, an art teacher, a music specialist and a myriad of assemblies and field trips. We're the smallest school in Berkeley which helps give the school a 'community' feel. Go Grizzlies! (That's our mascot).
--Submitted by a parent

We've had a kindergarten child at John Muir this year and have loved the experience. The teacher was wonderful skilled, affectionate, smart. The principal is excellent. She has attained great school spirit and runs a tight ship, while encouraging the children to be the best they can be. There is lots of attention paid to student recognition. The grounds are lovely and the staff person running the garden program is particularly good with children. The afterschool programs are also well run. An enthusiastic group of parents is involved in all activities.
--Submitted by a parent