Miramonte High School

MHS prepared me extremely well for college. While the people and social aspects weren't by any means my favorite part, the academics were solid, challenging, and relevant.
--Submitted by a student

MHS is FANTASTIC. In all aspects. Teachers, academics, social life (most of the time), prepares students well for college...etc.
--Submitted by a student

i hate this school more than anything in the world. yeah the teachers and academics are nice but the other students are complete jerks, id say 40% do crazy drugs. I am a transfer student from the el sobrante area and mexican and not accepted because of that. If you look anything out of the ordinary of their already pre-set environment or cliques, such as i am, you will be stared and and be made fun of behind your back, i am being called ghetto because i am not either white or asian. this school is a complete joke socially. and the so called link crew that helps you try to fit in only gives you free pizza.
--Submitted by a student

Great and challenging academics with many AP classes offered. Extraordinary drama, music, sport , journalistic and public speaking programs.
--Submitted by a parent

Miramonte is a great school for college prep. After attending this school, I feel that my children will be well prepared for college. They had some wonderful teachers who were very dedicated and inspiring. However, I agree that if you are not an advanced and very well-prepared student, you could easily get lost here. I also think the alcohol issues at this school are disturbing. Why does there have to be alcohol at so many school fundraisers and related activities? After noting this, I'm not surprised at the number of DUI's among the students. Also, there is quite an exclusive attitude at this school. So for my third child, I am exploring other options.
--Submitted by a parent

The academics and sports programs are superior to most surrounding schools, however the staff and students, not counting teachers, are very unconventional. In fact the student body as a whole are out of control, seeing how students have died from drug use, with staff failing to take any significant actions. Be very careful when placing your child in this school. -Note. The new principle is apparently doing a much better job than the former failure of a principle who recently "resigned" a year ago. The former principle did very little to quell drug dealers and bullies on campus, even when directly reported to about such activities and individuals.

Great parent involvement. The teachers are some of the most dedicated people you will ever meet in your life. Miramonte puts a lot of pressure on the students to perform and some students will crumble under the pressure. Everybody takes AP or Honors and some students end up taking courses they aren't ready for. The counselors will not guide the students much except for when it comes to colleges. If your child is naturally gifted this school will treat them well. However, if the student is not self-motivated or naturally bright he/she will not fair too well.
--Submitted by a parent

Miramonte is a high-achieving and fun high school with arguably the best and most committed teachers you will find in any public or private high school. My classmates are interested and interesting, talented, athletic, artistic, intellectual, and passionate about work and fun. It is the best high school around!!!!!
--Submitted by a student

Good school for high achievers, Students push each other to work hard and be successful,. Some very good teachers.
--Submitted by a student

I think the other reviews are accurate. Miramonte is very strong on acheivement. The extracurricular activities are solid. I think it produces highly ambitious young people. Unfortunately I don't find the students to be aware of much else. Not very well rounded and not aware of the world around them. Teachers are very dedicated if the student is high acheiving, if not children are easily lost and seem to fall through the cracks. The counseling is focused solely on college preparation and there are not services or time from existing staff to help with social, emotional and other issues kids face during this challenging time. I found the adminstration unresponsive and uncaring and very protective of tenured staff who are abusive (but acheivement successful) in the years my son attended 2003-2006. I hope it is different now.
--Submitted by a parent