Orinda Intermediate School

I think many in Orinda have their rose tinted glasses on. OIS is plagued by a mix of great, good and teachers who should NOT be teaching any longer. It's been a mixed bag for us. My child's core teachers have been excellent, however, his math and science teachers have not been. We are currently having to tutor him in math because there have been so many subs. We are now trying to get our 2nd child in private school because we don't want him to experience the same mediocre teaching, large class sizes and a cycle schedule that is not conducive to flexibility and electives. Lastly, OIS only teaches two languages: French and Spanish. Where is the Mandarin and Latin? Due to scheduling our son did not get any electives in 6th grade and missed out on having a language and art. Very sad when literally $350,000+ of parent funds go to extra curricular activities. The one thing I am impressed with is the principal, Michael Randall. He truly cares and works hard to find solutions when you approach him. However, bad teachers are still protected by the teachers union. See the movie, "Waiting for Superman" on that subject.
—Submitted by a parent

An amazing school of outstanding quality in a community that places a high value on public education. My kids have thrived here as teachers, administrators, and parents work together to challenge the kids and engage them in the educational process. Art, music, computer science, PE, foreign language, wood shop, leadership, yearbook, and a host of other classes round out a great scholastic experience. OIS has a parents club that goes above and beyond to "fill the gap" in funding that the State fails to provide. Along with the Educational Foundation of Orinda, the OIS parents club works closely with administration to raise funds and provide parent volunteers to enrich the experience at OIS.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, wonderful programs, and a very easy transition from elementary school to middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers do not talk to parents (unless a significant problem has developed). online tools used to tell parents about student work sporatically. teachers are not being evaulated by principal (multiple parents complaining tests are coming before teaching/hwk, no action taken). Math Specialist cut, only 2 counsellors. Reason students do well is that community has highly educated parents and money to tutor their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

my kids love this school. their principle is nice to everyone and the programs r just great. my daughter said that it was ten times better than her elamenarary skool.(Wagner Ranch)
—Submitted by a parent

My son (6th grader) enjoys this school. Fantastic proncipal and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding level of organization, top down, at OIS. Staff and faculty are on top of students' progress and sensitive to how hard it is for some kids to make the transition to more self-guided learning. The level of feedback about our daughter's performance and concerns has been outstanding. Not all of our daughter's teachers are of exceptional ability. That's the only downside.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a good school, but the teachers try too hard to be nice. I mean, come on people!
—Submitted by a student

I love this school! I'm currently going to OIS, it's been an amazing year for me! The teachers were kind and the best. Like one subject I hate the most was science, but my science teacher mad me love it now. The staff and principle are awesome and they help you a lot. Everybody is very friendly, and there is a lot of parents involved here which helps a lot! This is the best middle school I've been to!
—Submitted by a student

OIS is an excellent school that does an outstanding job meeting the educational, social, cultural and extracurricular needs of its students. The teachers range from very good to extraordinary. The support staff are committed to the kids.The leaderrship and dedication of the principal is not to be believed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school, with the best API scores in the state. We have wonderful teachers, electives, after school programs, classrooms, and more. Everyone here works very hard to ensure that the school stays a nice, friendly place. We even won an award for being a 'School of Good Character'.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school my daughter did an amazing job. All the teachers are wonderful specially the principal he goes the extra mile for a student! Tons of homework!
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of all programs is very good. This is a top-rated school where academic standards are high. It is not a very friendly school for children requiring special-education services.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically a strong school; very poor atmosphere; sterile environment, short-sighted view on education.
—Submitted by a teacher