Bret Harte Middle School

Bret Harte Middle School is an excellent middle school in San jose because of their academics, and school spirit. If you are looking for a good school pick this school because you won't find a quiet, peaceful neighborhood/school. The administration is excellent in conducting their duties.

Mr.Walker is is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. he does realy fun stuf I am a 6th grader at bret hart . he is funny .he is the BEST p.e teacher .my name is Ramiel

i love this school!!! it is very friendly and the teachers are very good with us. mr, is the teacher i want to recomend. he is amazing, but he demands. and you will be greatful.
—Submitted by a student

I love that the teachers love my kids. It is hard not to love them (totally bias of course) they work their tails off doing homework and getting good grades. I love that the teachers are computer savvy and they respond in a 95% to my requests and my E-mails. But most of all I love that being such a stinky parent myself, and so darn picky, and demand excellence, the Principal has such patience, and always has a beautiful smile on his face. He is very open and helpful. Always, always open to my demands, and to give me his time. I wish I can participate more in the school, but I think my kids appreciate the independence, and feel embarrassed because I am too friendly (they say, of course I do not think so) Homework is of a good size, but again so is life. Thank you for being supportive BH.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Bret Harte is a wonderful school that get great test scores and anyone who is going/went to bret harte is going to love it. All the teachers and staff are VERY friendly and helpful!

Bret Harte is the best middle school in San Jose. Teachers and administrators truely believe in the importance of eduction. The parents in the community are also very proactive in their childs eduction.
—Submitted by a parent

Good range of electives. Some teachers are not very available to their students in need of help as they are too busy after school and lunch time is just too short to eat, take a breather & get needed help. It is difficult to get on a sports team as some coaches seem to have pre-picked their team ahead of tryouts, despite their welcome to you at sports night - very disappointing! The principal is a man of many words, but little or no action. Never had a class schedule correct the first time and when the school fails to provide prior written notice, there is no corrective action by the school to amend their errors. Students take the brunt of a diminishing self-concept. Crossing guards are wonderful. Most office staff has been very accommodating. Do wish they'd smile more. :-)
—Submitted by a parent

The kids love this school! All the kids are nice with each other.
—Submitted by a parent

Yeah, the 8th graders harass the 6th graders a bit, but it's really like any other school. It's part of middle school, and I survived it just fine. Other things; the cheer squad? If you don't try to join, they'll just ignore you. The school is pretty big, but the teachers are good for the most part. Some teachers are very difficult graders, but others give easy A's. It's a bit uneven with the grading, so minus a star there. If you're looking for extracurriculars, the empasis in Bret Harte is most definetely on sports, so look elsewhere. So, from a student's point of view, Bret Harte isn't a superb school, but definetely better than other schools. **As for children complaining of the popularity system; Bret Harte is like any other school in that regard. Don't single out BHMS.**
—Submitted by a student

I have two sons who attend this school, the teachers and administrators have been fantastic and there is a great amount of dedication and commitment to the student body.
—Submitted by a parent

I used to go to this school and it was very bad. They all dress in Hollister clothes and that's it. Seriously, you have to fit in with everyone to make any friends at this school. 6th graders are being terribly bullied by the 7th graders and 8th graders. Also, many of the teacher's methods don't help you learn anything. There was one amazing science teacher yet unfortunetaly she retired. Also, if you want to be 'popular' you have to join their dangerous cheerleading team. The work level is quite low and I believe this school needs to improve greatly for it have a 10 out of 10.
—Submitted by a student

This is not a good school. Most students are doing below average. There are a lot of kids with no manners. I believe we made a mistake to move to this area.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to BHMS and the school is pretty good. Many students have serious issues though, and I don't mean disorders. Their is A TON of harrasment going on and most of the time the staff doesn't care. They simple tell the student to stop, warn them, and if it happens again they don't care. Many teachers are pretty mediocire, yet there are some good ones. And there is a popularity issue going on because until I started wearing expensive clothes I wasn't 'popular', or 'cool'. Also, their cheer squad is too big and even though cheer is my favorite sport I think many of the members are selfish morons. I'm going to Desert Arroyo next year, hopefully that school is better than this.
—Submitted by a student

Bret Harte is a great school both academically and afterschool activity wise. With a good school structure and teachers, Bret Harte is an awesome school. There a lot of choices when it comes to after school activities like : Lacrosse, Cheer, Track, a variety of other sports, and homework center. Also, there are many clubs that suit any interest : Harry Potter club, knitting, recycling, oragami, and etc. Besides, students are free to start their own club as well. Academics are excellent! Instead of doing grade level math, students are given the opportunity to go up to high school math levels and those falling behind can go to Math Lab. Lastly, as a student, I believe there is no popularity issue. Personally, for me, it seems that no one really cares what the other wears. Students aren't treated or judged based on their clothing or their previous school.
—Submitted by a student

I have my kids a Bret Harte. It is a great school. However, I absolutely agree that the kids and the parents can be taught to build a friendlier atmosphere. Another very important thing is that the Teachers are all great, but, wish that their 'Grading' is all consistent with each other. Because students who get an 'A' with one teacher may be equal only to a 'C' with another teacher. So, on what basis is the Honor Roll, etc., measured?
—Submitted by a parent

I think it is a great school but, I also agree alot of the kids are not friendly. Especially to the youngsters who are not from Almaden..Personally I love the Willow Glen area!
—Submitted by a student

An amazing school. Great in academics, really teaches the students how to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Bret harte is a great school but the kids there are not very friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

The acedemics are great. They have all types of after school programs, too.
—Submitted by a student

They have a very interesting program where students get to explore art, music, drama, journalism, computer, etc. They also have programs for accelerated math, where 7th graders can do high school math. A large chunk of the students end up in this program. Overall good academic environment.
—Submitted by a parent