Muirlands Middle School

Having had two children attend this school - one presently in 12th grade and one in 8th, my experience with all of the grades at Muirlands is that it is a school of extremely strong teachers who provide an excellent learning experience. I can't think of one teacher all these years who hasn't challenged and inspired. The principal is an excellent leader who cares about the children. In this community, it is academically one of the most challenging schools, even among the private schools.
--Submitted by a parent

In my previous review, I forgot to add (for the parent who is not enamored with the Muirlands math teacher) that my child is currently in that teacher s math class and, struggles with algebra. Anytime my child has asked for help, that teacher has given up her lunch for him. Her after school tutoring program is great. Kids can stay for as long as they want, and my son has taken advantage of that to get his homework done. She stays until 6 on most days. Too bad your daughter did not take advantage of that! We do not allow our son to fall behind. Algebra does not come easily to him. We encourage him to complete his homework. My other 2 children who attended Muirlands did not experience any humiliation from any teacher. My son does not either. Teachers work very hard and, oftentimes, do not get the respect they deserve. In fact, they are humiliated at times and the parents do nothing about it. As for administration and counselors, I have never had a negative experience with them.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 9th grade now and is doing well in school with the exception of algebra, admittedly a difficult subject. Math is an extremely important subject and needs to be taught well. My child is now a year behind in math, which really becomes a problem with UC school requirements. The math teacher needs to retire! The school needs to hire someone who will teach effectively and actually help struggling students, not care about just the "smart" students. She does however excel in humiliating the struggling students. The principal and counselors did nothing to intervene. We hired a great tutor but it our daughter was so far behind it didn't really help. The staff also needs to check the bullying problem, especially against the special needs students.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at muirlands, going into 8th grade. Muirlands is a hard school. You have lots o homework, and big punishments for little actions. The school focuses too much on the bussed in kids who dont even want to be there. The principal isnt very nice, the campus is very dirty and smells very bad. There are a few really great teachers (mainly 6th grade teachers) such as Ms.Latta, Mr.Best, Mr.Heinze and so on. Coming from a super amazing Elementary school, muirlands was terrifying the first year. But now I do understand the real world. I have made a lot of friends this year and we have a lot of fun during classes so in a way, it's worth it. Muirlands IS a glimpse of the real world which every kid needs to experience before being thrown into the real world.

THis is the greatest school ever. the teachers, principal, the classes are so great that words cannot describe it.
--Submitted by a parent

Muirlands is a fantastic school. I was really worried that my child would be lost there, but that was completely unfounded. Not only is the quality of teaching excellent, but also there are also so many opportunities for fun. All the new kids (and their parents) who were worried about going to Muirlands, all agree it is a great school. I am frankly wonderfully surprised--because I was so worried about Middle School. However, at Muirlands the teachers are EXCELLENT, the communication between teachers and parents is clear and helpful. The staff are cheerful, parents are engaged. Yes, there is alot expected of the students (and their parents for that matter--e.g. signing off on homework and being involved in their kids' academics), however there is help always available. Also at Muirlands they take every opportunity to keep kids socially happy, and busy having fun during lunch. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

During the first week of school, one of the staff coordinated a meeting for all of our students teachers to attend to coordinate our efforts to make sure the school year would be the most beneficial possible. That was unsolicited. All of the teachers were great, happy to be there and caring educators. It does not get better than this.
--Submitted by a parent

Muirlands is not such a great school, well in my opinion. I am currently in the 7th grade and the homework, asiignments, and the test and quizzes are really frustrating. If you don't take my word for it, ask any student! That is why i give Muirlands 2 out 5 starts.
--Submitted by a student

I am a student here and i enjoy being one because this school has great education and great teachers that make learning easy.
--Submitted by a student

I am a student and I quite enjoy this school. It is one of the only in SDSU that has lockers and the balance of fun and learning is great. Teachers contantly encourage students and the field trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that few people could even dream of attending. The punishments, we feel, are fair, and the assignments are neither difficult nor rigrous if a child understnads time management. And that is why I give Muirlands a 5 star rating!
--Submitted by a student