David Starr Jordan Middle School

I am a student at Jordan Middle School, and compared to other junior high schools, this is probably one of the best. Almost all of the teachers are caring and are great at teaching. They all seem to enjoy their job. Also, during many classes we have the chance to use numerous textbooks, computers, and iPads. The school seems to lack nothing. The newest principal has great leadership qualities and he really gets involved with the students. The only problem is that the students are under a huge amount of pressure to succeed, with Jordan being one of the richest and best middle schools in the country.

There are only a few good teachers. Families and Administration want to be positive so no one challenges the poor teaching. I love the community, but regret that I sent my children to the PA schools. Also the school facilities and classrooms are very run down. Many family don't care abou the appearance, but I think it is a reflection of the lack of respect and willingness to have a top tier education environment for the children. Maybe they just do not know what a modern school should look like and they accept things as they are. The district needs more families to challenge the status quo!!!
--Submitted by a parent

As with all schools, there are good teachers and not so good ones but the good outweigh the bad. More attention to writing skills would be preferable. Two Vice Principals, Christina Regalia, and Christine Wang are fantastic - professional and competent. Principal Milliken is new but seems good and seems to care. Other office staff I have encountered are friendly and competent. The female crossing guard in front of the school is also fantastic and really cares about the students. Like all PAUSD schools, Jordan has a small quantity of students who are bused from East Palo Alto. Sometimes there are behavioral problems but staff seem to deal with it appropriately. People should remember that this is a public school, not a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

We went to JMS the past 3 yrs. As first time parents sometimes we learn after the experience. We love PA, but the school system has not lived up to it's reputation. We really had mixed challenges at JMS. While it was rocky at times...my child matured so much. I think the 'end product' may have been the same whether JMS or private. Having said that...I would have at least considered private . JMS: Dedicated, nice teachers, most are coasting...they really need to retire many teachers at JMS. Weak teaching, Very mediocre, but smart kids. The principal, Mr. Milliken looks the role, but lacks warmth and skills to interact with preteens. The Vice Principal, Ms. Wang in 2008 is fantastic with kids, parents and resoluting issues. Go with your gut, don't think it will be better at JMS...it does not get better. With your guidance your child will be fine.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to JMS, Special Day Classroom, and he was blessed with the most thoughtful guidance from the Special Ed Teacher there, Mrs. Daryl Richard. As a parent, I enjoyed being part of her team and enjoyed excellent communication with them. They were open to coordinating the classwork at school with the program my son is enrolled in at SCORE! My son was able to participate in periodic school concerts and plays. We did feel that Special Ed was a low priority with both the School District and School Administration, as reflected in the classrooms and eqipment made available. That is why we were particularly grateful for the effort made by the Special Ed Teacher and her team of aids to organize class activities and attempt to mainstream able students. On the whole, our experience at JMS was positive and beneficial.
--Submitted by a parent

Jordan has significant problems. Teachers range from excellent to disasters-no consistency. No ability to control disruptive students in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

Mostly great teachers, math teachers vary widely, parent to teacher communication varies widely, some are wonderful, some don't communicate at all, great parent group with good participation
--Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is excellent. Parents volunteer in the classroom (particularly in 6th grade classrooms), in the library, as noon time angels and of course as PTA members. The offering of electives is excellent - music, art, computers, industrial technology, Spanish, Japanese and French are just some of the offerings. Teachers have open channels of communication with parents and are easy to reach by email and some by phone.
--Submitted by a teacher

Very organized and well structured curriculum, very competitive atmosphere and excellent for students that are academically inclined. Teachers are accessible and respond well to questions, concerns, and suggestions. Parents are connected and very involved in student achievement and school functions. We are very satisfied with the quality of teaching and management.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! Academically challenging.
--Submitted by a parent