James Lick Middle School

My daughter just started this year. I have heard good things, but some negative comments about the principal. I am hoping my daughter adapts. Today I already heard something I didn't like with disruptive kids.
--Submitted by a parent

The only year that worked for us was 6th grade, although I loved almost all my son's teachers. When the past principal left a lot of them left with him as well as the academic performance and spirit. New administration tends to be patronizing and condescending when you make a suggestion or a comment as parent. It most be hard for those great teachers that remained. Parents need to stand their ground and ACT, put pressure and protect their kids from becoming the tail of Lion.
--Submitted by LORENZA T.Lerdo O'Malley, a parent

Most students are disruptive, and there are quite a few bad teachers. I don't feel challenged at all at James Lick. The whole school community is suffering because of the budget cuts.
--Submitted by a student

My Daughter is in 6th Grade at James Lick this year. She absolutely LOVES her new school. She says this school is the best thing that has ever happened to her! The other kids are great and she has made a lot of new friends. The teachers are great and the after school program offers lots of different activities. The Musical Theater program and the Art classes are also great. I would recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended James Lick for the past three years. Most of her teachers were amazingly dedicated and strong. I am concerned about the future of the school based on my interactions with the new principal and vice principal. I must say that I felt heard about issues but no real action took place to remedy problems and I felt that I was looked upon as atrouble maker. Hopefully, this year will run smoother and parent voices will be heard.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was well prepared for high school honors classes - she enjoyed going to James Lick My son is in 7th grade and is challenged and enjoys school - both my kids are high achieving GATE students and they were well served at James Lick - I feel that the differentiation really worked better than segregated tracks. Strong art program, lots of community building with the student and family community
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student at this school. I graduated in 2008. This school is a very good school. All of the teacher are hard on us, but was good that they was. I am very happy that i wen't to that school and if you are reading this you should make your child so to this school. This is a true jlms graduated
--Submitted by a student

We've been thrilled with James Lick. My daughter is thriving academically and socially. The teachers are talented and dedicated. They give 150 percent to the kids. My daughter is doing great in all her academic subjects--even math, which hasn't been her favorite subject in the past. She also loves all the arts that are available, including chorus, dance, and studio art electives and a musical theater production of 'Bye Bye Birdie' as an after-school activity.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the hidden 'gem' of middle schools in SF. The arts focus keeps kids involved and motivated while the academic program is rigorous. The diverse population reflects the San Francisco community and it's values. Go Bulldogs!
--Submitted by a parent

There is considerable writing across the academic core classes and in my view this is an indicator of high expectations, teacher quality and leadership. Though my child is in General Education, she benefits from the presence of the Immersion program because this leads to more discussion of academic subjects across the board. The music program has expanded to include 2, the art instruction is not only high quality but motivates those students who do not think they are 'art' oriented. Recently the 6th graders began a 'wheel system' where each 6th grader gets to experience the selection of Arts offerings and Peer Leadership. Parent involvement is high and consistent.
--Submitted by Lorraine Carr, a parent