Miraloma Elementary School

I think Miraloma is an up-and-coming school that is really beginning to turn itself around.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a lot of anxiety over choosing the right school for our children. We are so happy with Miraloma Elementary and are pleased at how our children have grown. The teachers are very friendly and approachable. The parents are great and are really working hard to improve the quality of education at the school. The principal is a tireless leader who has pulled this school together and created a wonderfully safe and enriching atmosphere for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I had 4 children who attended Miraloma. This school and the district have all the same curriculum--I should know I worked for the SFUSD for 18years. the students are below average. I moved to another County and my children were below average for their grades in comparision to the other children. After one school term at their new public school my children improved tremendously. That was 4 years ago, now our eldest daughter is a straight A student approaching Calculus this summer in school.....
—Submitted by K. G., a parent

We happened on Miraloma 2 years ago and do not regret turning down our spot in what was our 'first choice' schlool. Marcia Parrott is an amazing Principal; she knows every student by first name and is intimately involved with every students education. My son has had the most talented and dedicated teachers I have had the privledge of getting to know. They are alway open and egar to discuss my son's progress and willing to change to suit each child's needs. The Mirlaoma Educational Enrichment Program (MEEP) is a wonderful afterschool program. Students learn Karate, study Drama, and have access to Forign Language Study as well as time for homework and outdoor play! The Miraloma PTA is an amazing, growing organization! All of the parents and staff members who are involved truly love what they do and are dedicated to making Miraloma the best school in San Francisco!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is five and originally started kindergarten at an expensive private school, but was soon asked to leave because they found him unwilling to participate in a meaningful way. We soon thereafter enrolled him at Miraloma where he quickly was made to feel welcome by his new teacher and classmates. Best of all our son is finding his new school to be a most enjoyable experience. As parents, you simply know when your child is happy and doing well. We now couldn't imagine our son going to school anywhere else or getting a better education at any price.
—Submitted by Daniel Melgar, a parent

We have a kindergartener at Miraloma Elementary School, which is located on top of Mt. Davidson in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. We feel very lucky to be at Miraloma. The small school feeling makes it easy to build a community where parents, teachers, students and staff come together to make it a very welcoming place. Together we are continuing our goals for making academic achievement, health and safety, and a comprehensive arts curriculum a priority, so our children can thrive. Some of my favorite things about Miraloma that I think make it a special place are the morning assembly, the weekly sing-along, the bright and sunny school facility, the growing parent community, the fabulous and dedicated teachers, an outstanding, friendly and committed principal, and a diverse student body.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartner and a second grader. When we started at Miraloma the energy and excitement was beginning to build, now I see all the hard work has been appreciated. The school community has grown and we are so excited that other people have noticed. Miraloma is an example of the staff and parents working and achieving together -with nothing more than our children in mind. Marcia Parrot is the kind of principal who is on the playground, in the classroom and there for the kids, parents and staff. Her dedication is amazing.
—Submitted by laurrie petrelli, a parent

Miraloma is everything we hoped elementary school would be for our child outstanding teachers, top-notch facility and a wonderful sense of community among families. On several occasions, different teachers have confided that they love teaching at Miraloma and that they have a advocate and mentor in Principal Marcia Parrott. My child s teachers have both been talented educators with insightful perspectives on my son. What was one of my greatest concerns going into the school has turned out to be a personal joy the energetic and friendly parent group. Parent involvement has grown exponentially since Ms. Parrott joined the school 4 years ago and is making great contributions to the arts program, improving the facility, supporting the teachers and much, much more. There is a sense of excitement at Miraloma as well as a commitment to the needs of all the children and families in this diverse community.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership provided by the Principal, the quality of the teachers, and the level of parent involvement is exemplary. The Principal maintains order in a cheerful manner, from the beginning of the day with the orderly morning drop-off scene, the welcoming and community-building 'morning circle', to the end of the day, with the orderly pick-ups scene. Ms. Parrott seems to have a simple-to-follow, efficient way of handling all aspects of the running of the school, and a warm and welcoming presence. The teachers knowledge base is extensive, and their enthusiasm for their work and genuine interest in the children is everything a parent could want. The PTA raises thousands of dollars for supporting wonderful activities and programs at the school and so far I've seen no evidence of politics.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Miraloma--one in fifth grade and one in first grade. They are both extremely happy and doing great academically and socially. They have had amazingly gifted teachers and the school gets better and better every year.
—Submitted by elizabeth Halperin, a parent

We are new to Miraloma this year. The school came highly recommended through a group of Co-op Parents we have worked with. Miraloma has history, diversity and a commitment to the family. I believe that the teachers, staff, curriculum and facilities are essentials to building a good school. But a great school is birthed when the good school is empowered and served by active families in a context of broad history and diversity. Miraloma's leadership has welcomed us as parents. The commitment of the entire community is contributing towards the making of one of San Francisco's better schools. A community of participants, not consumers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started at Miraloma this fall. We are very happy with her kindergarten (17 kids), the class and the school. I've spoken to at least 10 other parents new to the school who say the same thing. Several parents I've spoken to have been in the waiting pool for other schools and would not now change even if a spot opened up in their original first choice school. Miraloma is small and personal, with has a great principal who is involved in every aspect of the school, and hugely supportive of the staff. The teachers are happy and committed. The building is large, bright and clean, in a totally quiet and safe neighborhood with a playground next door. It has an auditorium and a gym as well as a large lunchroom. There is A LOT of parent involvement- parents are staffing the library, helping in the computer lab etc- and the PTA is currently raising money for an arts program. This is a school with a great buzz and a lot of well-founded optimism among parents and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We liked Miraloma from the first moment we stepped in its doors for a tour. Now that we're there we love it. Our son loves to go to school, and we are ever impressed witht the curricular things he tells us are going on in his classroom. Everyone -the parents, the teachers, the principal - is dedicated to doing what is best for the students. Having the neighborhood park adjacent to the park is great and more than makes up for the lack of afterschool activities. Our son does take Spanish after school on site, though.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started kindergarten this year. As a shy child, I anticipated he would be lost in the crowd, but his teacher and classmates have brought him out and he is thriving. I am impressed with the parent participation, so much so, that I have joined the PTA and School Site Council to become more active myself. Miraloma is an overlooked gem with great leadership and outstanding community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in kindergarten and so far we are thrilled with Miraloma. He loves school and his teacher. I have yet to see or hear anything to make me think less of the school. Everyone is friendly, the program seems top notch, the facility is fantastic and my son is happy.
—Submitted by katie Handelman, a parent