Joaquin Miller Elementary School

This is our third year at Joaquin Miller and we could not be more pleased with the principal, teachers and PTA/level of parent involvement we have experienced. JM is blessed with an extraordinary community of people all working together to help the students achieve but also excel. One of the things we like best about JM is the extra attention paid to the kids "at the top" as well as "on the bottom" through tutoring, PTA-sponsored teacher's aids and programs such as the after school enrichment programs which offer everything from languages such as Spanish, Mandarin and French to music instruction, public speaking , chess, science, dance, Ecology Club and Odyssey of the MInd. In addition, we boast a diverse student body that represents everything we love about Oakland! We also have a classroom of learning-disabled children whose scores are folded into the overall school's scores--so don't be fooled by how JM's scores look a little less robust than neighboring Hills schools. Joaquin Miller truly is a Great School.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at JM, and we're really pleased. We moved from a state where funding for librarians, music programs and computer teachers, etc. is provided by the state, so coming to California was a bit of a shock for us. But we are so impressed by how the JM parent and teaching community has risen to the occasion, and through fundraising and creativity, have kept important programs alive and high quality. Our child's teacher is a gem. Our child is learning so much and loves doing it. Socially, I have found the other parents to be friendly and approachable. I'm glad we are here.
—Submitted by a parent

VERY involved parents, great teachers, fantastic enrichment programs offered, lovely & spacious campus
—Submitted by a parent

We feel very fortunate that our sons are at Joaquin Miller. It feels like everyone involved with the school, the teachers, principal and parents are all wholly committed to distinguishing JM as an exceptional school. As a consequence, the sense of community is extraordinary - parents are involved in all manner of activities and there always seems to be someone to pick up the ball and run with it. Society itself should work this way.
—Submitted by a parent

JM has been a great school for a long time, and our new principal is helping us make it even better. I'll be on kid #3 at Joaquin Miller next year and I can't wait for him to have the same strong teachers our other children had and to enjoy the same community-, skill- and character-building experiences.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school with outstanding teachers/staff and a very active parent community. We have been happy since our oldest started 6 yrs ago and it seems that it even gets better every year.
—Submitted by a parent

JM has a fantastic parent community to support the teachers and students. The living history program is wonderfully rich, and helps the kids build a sense of identity while also learning about the diverse world we live in. The principal is great.
—Submitted by a parent

It has a thriving community of teachers, parents and students who along with a new and committed principal all contribute to a comfortable and safe environment focused on learning. and community.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers to teach, a great principal to lead and great parents to support all the children of our school. A great place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

JM has strong, committed teachers and staff, an outstanding principal and a highly supportive and active PTA. A highlight has been the annual living history days for each grade. We have been thrilled to be a part of the JM community.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful community and great teachers. Our daughter is thriving there!
—Submitted by a parent

JM has wonderful teachers, a commited staff and an awsome principal. We have a great PTA and a wonderful community that is very supporting.
—Submitted by a parent

It has great community involvement, great student body, great PTA involvement, raises a lot of money, great teachers, diversity, great cultural awareness,
—Submitted by a parent

The community is unmatched in joining together to support and nurture students and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Caring, effective principal who is a good listener and kind to kids-- very involved and visible. AMAZINGLY involved, effective, cohesive parent community who are always striving for more. GREAT, commited teachers. Really unique, innovative learning programs like Living History Days and African Dance for each grade level. Strong extracurriculars, music, and PE, and a friendly, small-community feel.
—Submitted by a parent

Great diversity, extremely devoted teachers with great retention, varied activities included in the school day as well as an amazing Enrichment program for after school for a fee. As a parent, it's my favorite place to volunteer.
—Submitted by a parent

My son's kindergarten teacher has been phenomenal, as good if not better than we would have expected at a private school. The parent community is very engaged.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have thrived at Joaquin Miller and am confident will become better contributors to our society. The school fosters a learning environment with amazing teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Enthusiastic, committed teachers, involved parent community. This school puts paid to all the horror stories one hears about public schools - the classes are small, the curriculum is exciting and varied, despite adhering to the boring Open Court stuff. Teachers strive to have all students in the class achieve, not just the stars or the ones who might be feeling left behind.
—Submitted by a parent

The education is fabulous, the environment supportive, and the PTA strong.
—Submitted by a parent