The Mirman School

Our children could not be happier. They are learning in an environment conducive to the way that they learn, surrounded by other children who see the world through similar eyes. We came to Mirman from another school - and know now how other learning environments can claim that they understand highly gifted children, but in reality, simply pile on busy work or let them 'learn' on their own. The first year of Mirman is particularly wonderful, giving the children the opportunity to work at their own advanced pace (not waiting and waiting, as in our previous school) and learning to accept challenges as an exciting part of learning. Our children never experienced a 'challenge' in their other school. Time is spent on character development. Art and Music here are phenomenal. The parents are warm and supportive and those who volunteer donate many hours because of their love of this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

Would not choose this school if I had to do over again. Although my daughter is at the top of her class, I do not believe that she has received an education that best prepares her for the 21st century. Many of the educational concepts of the school are truly outdated.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school for the right child. Not for the average kid, I can see why some parents may be frustrated because Mirman is not a good match for every student. But for the truly gifted child you can not dream up anything better!
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: highly gifted students are stimulated at their own pace, award-winning art and music programs, some excellent teachers, plus putting all gifted children together is wonderful as their enthusiasm and interests feed off of each other. Cons: the horrendous admin who don't even appear to show a fondness for children and don't know the childrens' names; the increasingly harsh discipline which seems to focus on form rather than substance and following rules to the letter; a small, select clique of wealthy families who run the place, cheer on the administration without debate, and treat everyone else as outcasts; alarming changes to the curriculum which include far less art, PE, recess, etc. Generally, our children are happy but we take it day by day.
—Submitted by a parent

I think it is a good school.
—Submitted by a student

I am not saying the school is perfect, but it is as close to perfect as you can get (for the right child). The children are challenged and very happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a horrible school. I would avoid it like the plague. Don't be misled by the glossy brochures and fancy website. This school does not foster academic excellence or a love of learning. It does not promote critical thinking. The only way that I would reccommend the school is if your only alternative was an inner-city public school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Mirman is a great school for so many reasons but mostly because the children are truly the most important priority here. I am very satisfied with the curiculum, the extracurricular offerings the level of parental involvement, diversity of faculty and the feeling of family that I get from Mirman. Like every school it's not perfect but I am happy my kids go there because they come home happy every day from school. What else can you ask for?
—Submitted by a parent

Would not recommend school. Parents are highly competitive and are involved in school in order to get leg up for their children. Teacher quality is on par with other schools in the area. The most important question is what is the end product of the education. Unfotunately, if one looks at the record of the school it is rather dismal. There is a very high turnover rate among students compared to other private schools. And the accomplishments of the graduates in terms of the colleges that they end up going to and what they accomplish later in life is actually quite disaapointing.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is highly academic, probably the most rigourous elementary program in Los Angeles. However, the school tends to stress memorization of facts rather than conceptual thinking and understanding. The availability of sports is poor as the school does not have a gym and the amount of time allocated to physical education is too little. A major problem with the school is that the school does not do what is in the best interests of the children but rather what is in the best interests of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is the greatest of all. all 3 of my children go there and seem to exceed in all academic levels. they are highly gifted, and love the experience that mirman gives. one of children love the sports and seem to push her team to the best and now has the gift of teamwork. this school should be recommended to all!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Mirman for six years. We left only because we moved away. It was the most wonderful and educational experience. The children accomplished amazing things in an incredibly small nurturing environment. They were stimulated and challenged and loved school. Most of the teachers were exceptional. The music and drama department unbelievable. Computer instruction and science incredible and many opportunities not available anywhere else.The school participated in interschool athletic events and recieved awards. The parent community was very friendly and not at all what people conjecture. There was a lot of self discipline taught, and the children's safety paramount, something we now sorely miss in the public schools. We were there when the Mirmans were there and after they left and feel that it was the best education that we could have given our child and only wish that we lived close enough for our son to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

The lower school curriculums are fun and engaging, and the upper school learning is very alterantive and hands on. All the teachers are accepting and do not pile on homework. The classes are small and everybody is very close and in the later years is very happy. I attend this school and it remains the one place that I cannot wait to go to. In fact now, in the summer, I recently realized that I could not wait for school to start. Take it from somebody who actually goes to Mirman, not a parent, a child. Mirman is amazing and I love every second. I learn so much everyday. send your kid to Mirman! It's fantastic. I love it.
—Submitted by a student

This school was recommended by other schools for our son who is exceptionally gifted. What a mistake. The academics are fine, but the teaching/administrative style is highly punitive. It teaches kids to be afraid and hate school. It squelches creativity in kids whenever possible and encourages conformity, passiveness and fearful obedience. Art and music are limited, after school activities are basic. PE is ok and is a favorite with our child. The administration is hostile to even the politest parental inquiries and rewards only those parents who donate in large sums. We are eager to move him to another school. He is at the top of his class but he is miserable. I would rather have a happy child and give him extra work at home than a scared and beat down child that hates school. We were really disappointed with our experience at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

A few years ago the administration changed and not for the best. The head of school caters to certain parents and plays politics. A wonderful music program was cut and replaced with an inferior and smaller program. The overall culture of the school has declined and teachers don't seem as happy. Many of us wish for the old days when the Mirmans were actually involved in this institution.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a mixed bag. For some kids, it is a good school but for many it is poor choice. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict which kids will thrive and which will fail. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the kids who start in room 1 end up leaving the school prematurely because the school was not the right choice for them. THere are good art and music programs. The school is very academic. The sports programs and the amount of physical education are lacking. There are some exceptional teachers and many average teachers. Not a very family friendly school as the school does not give siblings much of an advantage in the admission process.
—Submitted by a parent

I would definitely not recommend this school. The administration of the school heavily favors those parents who give large amounts of money. The school has changed from a school centered upon academic excellence to fundraising excellence. Many parents are heavily involved in the school. But unfortunately this also is a negative as one of the main reasons for parental involvement seems to be so that the parents can get a edge up for their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter currently attends Mirman. She is thriving! The school is definately not for every child. It is very intense and fast paced. The right kid will reach great heights there.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to the school for 5 years and finished last year. The quality of teachers is quite variable. There are probably 2 great teachers in the school. The rest of the teachers are average to below average. The academic programs are intense. However, the teaching style is very old-fashioned and does not inspire one to want to learn. There is an excellent violin program. Compared to other private schools the availability of sports and other non-academic activities is quite limited.
—Submitted by a former student

My son went to the school for 4 years. He is highly gifted. The school was an absolutely miserable experience for my child. Instead of inspiring kids to love learning, it inspires a loathing of school. My son is thriving at his new school.There is a very high turn over rate among students.
—Submitted by a parent