The Mirman School

I am now a freshman in high school and SO thankful I went to The Mirman School. All of the teachers are so passionate about the children and what they teach and really encourage the kids to find their own voices and develop a love of learning. The most important thing I gained from going to Mirman, is the love to learn. Even 3 years after leaving, I am still so fascinated by the world around me and I could have only gotten that from Mirman. After matriculating to middle school, there was a noticeable difference between me and my classmates. I absorbed information quicker, had better organization skills, and my cognitive skills were much more advanced. Mirman caters to every single child and there is a very strong sense of community. Not only does Mirman teach the mind, but they enrich the soul and hearts of their students (cheezy but true). The arts and language programs are stellar. For a while, the administration system was a bit shaky, but is on the right track now. Mirman shelters the children from unwanted influences, but does not coddle or suppress their ability to learn about the world around them. I would highly recommend The Mirman School for your highly gifted child.

I am a student of Mirman. IT IS AWESOME!!! The only reason that I could see you don't like it is if you want teacher to do everything for you. If you want that go to campbell hall and see where that gets you ^.^ Anyway, if your child doesn't feel challenged, thats because they aren't moving him up, and that is because your child's grades aren't proving he or she is ready. I hope you come to Mirman. The athletics are a bit rusty, however. I enjoy Mirman because their is such a mix in subjects.If you child has an IQ of over about 150. NOT EINSTIEN, HE IS THE HIGHEST OF ALL TIME, 190. That part is to the meanie who only takes his or her sons advice about Mirman. the one one star giver.

My kids each attended Mirman and there has never been a question that it was well worth the time and money sending them there. They will tell you that they had the best teachers and best academic experience of their entire schooling (and that's including their later Ivy League experiences). As a parent, what meant the most to me was how safe, comfortable and understood they felt. This was a place where they felt like they belonged and where they were able to grow and discover themselves without fear of being labeled odd or difficult. If you have a highly gifted child, you should move heaven and earth to get them into this school. They will never forget it.
—Submitted by a parent

I'll make this quick. It comes down to two things. One, the kids at Mirman are smart and are treated as such. Two, the staff at Mirman are simply their to guide, not really teach. This formula works great if you have a kid that really wants to learn in a certain area, but if your kid doesn't want to focus as much in another area. You will see a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

We considered other schools within the public and private sector and with extensive research, long conversations with all of my son's past educators and with professionals who deal with kids, Mirman was the best choice for our child. In starting our second year at Mirman, I can now fully appreciate why I was given this advice by so many others. The school teaches you and your child how to really use and apply the brains they are born with so that they grow into full, happy adults who are very comfortable in their own skin. I see my son challenged academically and see him (and us) supported and guided in all aspects of his emotional growth too. Mirman embraces the "who" of your child in addition to "what" your child was born with. We are so happy with the diversity, warmth and guidance from the school and all parents as a whole. Darned right you see lost of reviews for such a small school. Those of us who ended up here has lots to be thankful for and are not shy to tell everyone else about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Please note that the reason there are so many reviews of Mirman on this website is that it represents the passionate and polarized feelings regarding a school that is for a very select group of children. The expectations of parents for special treatment of their "genius" children (and there are many children who score above Einstein's IQ at Mirman - that is not a calling card) are way out of proportion to what any group learning environment can provide. If you want a collegiate environment, figure that out. If you want 4 languages, hire a tutor. Send Jr. to college at age 6 or 9. Many people with exceptionally and profoundly gifted children do. However, if you track those same children at age 25, not many are saving the word from cancer or developing new biotechnology. And certainly if their role models are trashing a school where people are doing their best to help gifted children in the best way they know how, that child is not likely to offer much to the world other than IQ alone. Einstein was, by all reports, a kind man.
—Submitted by a parent

Having a child with an IQ higher than Einstein, going to Mirman seemed our only choice. We feel completely BETRAYED! Our child was bored, unchallenged, not taught Basic Math or how to write an Essay by Upper School 2. Kids could come out of Lower School fluent in another language, instead they can type fast. The Laptop Program has negatively affected handwriting, eye-hand development and Art skills. Bullying issues are ignored and parents learn quickly not to speak up. Feedback is unwanted by the heartless, inept few in charge, who have created an absurd curriculum with teachers who either yell, are inexperienced or should retire. Our child hates Math now! Unforgivable! When a classmate in LS can just make up a bunch of numbers after 3.14 and pretend to be a Pi expert by fooling his 2 teachers who deem him a Math Mover/Top Student, you realize the school is a Facade. They tout outside tutoring from Johns Hopkins/CTY as a School Achievement. All successful kids there have to tutor outside or they're rejected from the top schools (new trend from this leadership) or repeat a grade because the curriculum isn't adequate. When a school can thwart Genius- that's FAILURE!
—Submitted by a parent

We wouldn't consider any other school, and are so thankful that our child was selected to attend this academically rigorous school. Mirman provides the very best education for highly gifted students, hands down. One of the first things that we noticed was the passion and love for learning that the students have, at all grade levels. The brilliance, individuality, talent and creativity of the students is respected and cherished by the entire Mirman community. Parents that have kids at other private schools as well as one at Mirman mention how the other schools were not challenging enough, and how refreshing it is to have a school like Mirman, with a philosophy that meets the needs of their exceptionally smart kids. I would suggest even MORE individualized curriculum in the classrooms. Once that happens, we will be even more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been fantastic for my kids for years (both Upper and Lower Schools). They have wonderful friends who love learning and appreciate each other's talents and interests. The students never have to "dumb themselves down." Many assignments are project-based allowing the students to delve deeply into the subjects in which they are interested. There are few worksheets and little to no repetition. Most teachers are very good (some are excellent), but there are a few that need to be let go and replaced with teachers who are intelligent, energetic, confident, and want to teach to the level that these students are capable. Teachers should also provide more differentiation as some students are exceptionally smart and need greater challenge. The one other problem has been the closed door policy of the administration, but that may change as the headmaster will be leaving soon. Parents and students who started at other private and public schools usually appreciate Mirman School the most, as they know that other schools do not meet their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Mirman School is finally going to be a "great" school. It has always had amazing students and some wonderful teachers, but the headmaster has been an impediment to the school being all that it could and should be. the headmaster fortunately will be leaving at the end of next school year and the worst teacher will no longer be in the classroom this coming year. The headmaster is notorious for never getting rid of the few very poor teachers, constantly being off campus to attend conference to see and be seen, rather than focusing on school leadership, gifted education, and knowing the teachers, students and families, and for instilling fear in anyone with a suggestion or concern. A new headmaster will have the opportunity to enhance the curriculum, hire the best teachers, encourage more individualization of the curriculum, and be a warm and friendly presence on campus motivating teachers, administrators, and parents. With those changes, Mirman School will be great. Exciting!
—Submitted by a parent

Love the concept, hate the execution! The main emphasis at this school is discipline and class control! The administration is cold and only interested in protecting the teachers (some of whom should have retired years ago.) The teachers expect perfection and will slowly zap your child's spark for learning. There are a few special teachers in the mix but having already sent a gifted child through LAUSD, I have to say, the LAUSD teachers were more caring and much more generous with their time, especially with a kid who wants to learn. Don't be fooled by the smoke and mirrors!
—Submitted by a parent

We entered at US1, as a middle school. It's not for everyone...but it's extraordinary for the right student. Highly competent, passionate teachers & creative programming challenge & inspire. The Art, Music, and Theater programs are top notch & the academics are simply unparalleled. If your child is bright, curious and self-motivated, they will soar, & will be supported in matriculation options ranging from LA's best private high schools to the finest east coast boarding schools, if that's your cup of tea. Schools nationwide are familiar with what it means to be a successful Mirman student, & pursue grads for admission accordingly. The school is a rare environment in LA; there is no private-school pretentiousness. Very high parent involvement by caring, intelligent parents (nannies aren't working the bake sales--the busy executives, entertainment professionals, doctors, lawyers, & scientists who send their kids here are). The kids who go to Mirman are there because they've learned & earned their way in & want to be learn, not because their parents are rich. The school also fosters a supportive, non-competitive community where kids are driven to best themselves, not others.
—Submitted by a parent

The "clustering" is great & very important & Lower School families have big enthusiasm & want to believe this is the perfect place, but here are some sobering facts from Upper School: Kids with Legacy did not get into the top tier schools last year, others with Legacy were Wait listed; others had to go to Public School bc they did not get into ANY schools. The ones who did not get in & were under US4, now realize that they have to tutor -like the others! They really thought there wasn't a math problem - their kid always makes A's & is a Math Mover. I know several success stories where the school never asked where the kids were going.so just how accurate is that Matriculation List? When you've spent about a quarter of a million dollars there and the school doesn't know your kid's name, your opinion may change. You assume the teachers have experience and credentials...Why won't they post it on their website like other schools? Some are not teachers at all! The basics are not taught, as all work is focused on Open House projects. So lots of tangent projects. You have to go to CTY, tutoring or get out to get the fundamentals (except for grammar). Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year in the lower school and we couldn't be happier. He was extremely advanced in reading and science, less so in math. They are patiently helping him where he needs work. This school has much less of a Hollywood vibe than other LA area private schools and it feels very inclusive. The parent community is mostly professionals and very involved. I can't speak to the applying out process yet, but the elementary education is top notch. As are the new teacher hires over the last couple of years.
—Submitted by a parent

thank you very much for your insight. our child was humiliated and ostracized at her past school (private). she was not accepted by her peers since she was "different" and no one recognized that she was gifted let alone highly gifted. she loves to learn, loves school, and is imaginative and creative. Luckily this was not extinguished. we just want to find the right place for her where she will be happy and with other children like herself.
—Submitted by a parent

Mirman has been a gift to us as a family of highly-gifted students who were accepted at other top schools but found a large group of peers - finally - at Mirman, where they could discuss ideas rather than waste precious time jockeying for social position. If your child is highly-gifted and loves to learn and enjoys thinking outside the box, check it out.
—Submitted by a parent

To prospective family: Don't believe everything you read from one unhappy reviewer. My child has never received help from outside of school and is doing exceptionally well. I know tons of kids at other top tier schools who get tons of tutoring. Some of those kids are the top math students. Some kids need the help and some kids want to get ahead. It doesn't mean the school or teachers are incompetent. Same at Mirman.
—Submitted by a parent

Mirman has an uncaring, ungifted administration.. The kids and their parents are gifted and still have to intervene in teaching on many levels. Every year 10-12 kids do not get into the schools they apply to - mostly due to the incompetent math program there. All mathlethes and successful kids at Miman get math training in some way outside of school. They now try and keep the Upper School students and do not purposely teach them how to write essays until after US2. The Head of US is a bully. They only care about their bottom line - not the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I recently graduated from The Mirman School and am now attending a private boarding school. I attended Mirman for 8 years and loved almost every single moment of it. Mirman has a very strong and charismatic faculty, which I enjoyed my entire time there. Unfortunately, many great teachers have left over the hears, which has really changed the chemistry around campus. I must say Mirman was a wonderful school for me, and affected my character development and passion for learning in extremely positive ways. It instilled the importance of community, which I'll be greatful for forever. Unfortunately, I do feel that Mirman is on a slight decline, but if it gets its act together and continues to be a wonderful school, I'd love to send my children there someday. Unfortunately, it did not instill a the best work ethic, and it was hard to adjust to such a rigorous workload when I went to high school. In summary, thank you Mirman, for providing me with the best possible learning environment I can imagine.

My child went to Mirman for 6 years. The academic education is very strong and your child will be well prepared academically for middle and high school. However, I really had the feeling the the administration of the school is corrupt. Very wealthy parents (i.e. large donors) and members of the board seem to get to choose the teachers that their kids get, their kids do not face the same discipline, and they seem to get preferential treatment with help in applying out to other schools for 7th and 9th grades. I found that aspect of the school loathsome. That being said, the children are quite bright and have a nice peer group. I am just glad that I do not have to deal with that environment anymore as frankly I would get a sick feeling in my stomach when I dropped my child off.
—Submitted by a parent