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GreatSchools Rating

Miller Creek Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 613 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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13 reviews of this school


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Posted January 19, 2013

Miller Creek has inspiring teachers, many excellent 'extras' and an overall environment that gives parents confidence. MC consistently produces county-wide winners in math, spelling, debate - against kids from higher-income districts. The library is wonderful also.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2012

I love this school , it has a-lot of great teachers, clubs, sports, activities, friends, and more that a student could wish for.


Posted March 25, 2012

I love that the school holds the students accountable for their actions, thusforth, they go into high school prepared--with materials ready when the bell rings, and armed with good manners. Both the old and the new principal have been outstanding. My only complaint is the English curriculum does not include classic novels traditionally taught to middle school students--they don't even read a Shakespeare sonnet. Therefore, they come to high school unprepared to read, comprehend and analyse literature. They only seem to read historical fiction which just isn't right. Aside from a couple of lazy teachers (every school has then) the teachers at Miller Creek are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 22, 2012

This is an incredible school. Only disappointment is the principal which came from the grammar school. I hope she is more motivated here Most teachers are great and the kids really learn a lot.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 18, 2012

We had a very solid experience at Miller Creek for our daughter. There are several outstanding teachers and the new principal is an engaged leader. Miller Creek strives to be inclusive and ensures a safe environment for all students. We have been very impressed and we recommend Miller Creek to other families.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2011

We have a son at Miller Creek. He is none too easy! I am none to easy about the capabilities of our public schools in the US usually preferring alternative ways of education. Miller Creek has been an incredible surprise; giving me hope that public education will prevail. We have a son who wants and needs a larger stage for his education. This school works for him BECAUSE of the smarts and tenacity of the people that work there. These people are dedicated to their students and to one another. The teachers and staff have worked diligently with this boy who use to abhor school. Through the efforts of the principal and his caring admin and the teachers, we have seen maturity in our son. He has found the interest and ability to WANT to learn. The teachers and staff spent time figuring out how to INVOLVE him in things he loves. It helped immensely. The school is strict. Something, in my opinion, necessary to keep children safe, given all they have to contend with. The teachers are available to meet with parents and students. The staff has their eyes open. The theatre and art and music department, a God send. Excellent school. Not many like this one these days.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 14, 2011

This school is very over the top great. I have had such a good 3 years here. The teachers are so amazing, the library is stocked with fun material, and the peers of mine are so accepting. I really don't think any other school would have the potential that Miller Creek Middle School has.


Posted March 22, 2010

We moved our son from another middle school in San Rafael to this one, and we are so happy we did so. It's a safe friendly environment with a student demographic which really strives for academic excellence. I did not know how bad our last school was until we came to this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 18, 2009

hey miller creek you rock! This school has great teachers, classes, and friends.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 24, 2008

The school is great if you fit 'in the box' but we've had extremely mixed success with kids that are atypical (i.e. not blond and not athletic and don't just follow rules blindly). The principal and counseling our older son received was really superb, but some of the teachers were unsympathetic (to say the least -- really verging on hostile). Again, some teacher swerer great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2007

My son recieved an excellent education at Miller Creek. The teachers and administration are caring, intellegent and kid centered. The emphasis is on both academics and positive social connections. Parent support in the school is outstanding. The extra-curricular opportunities are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 16, 2007

My daughter had a wonderful experience at Miller Creek. She loved her teachers and felt that they really cared about her and her success. The teachers have high standards and hold students accountable for their work. Despite the lack of leadership from the administration, the teachers still have a strong work ethic.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 22, 2005

Our son has a variety of disabilities which made school and peer relationships challenging. While not a star pupil, he grew intellectually and socially at this school. Services were geared to school and to improved social interaction; the teachers are the best I've seen anywhere and went the extra mile every time for our son. The student body is atypical in that there are many kind kids and few jerks. The kind kids were protective of our son and watched out for him. The teachers and students foster a campus culture of academics, hard work, tolerance and respect for each other, and they practice this--its not just buzz words. It costs more to live in this District, but its worth every penny. The parents are very supportive of the school with time and money so there is a terrific art and music program.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

919

Change from
2011 to 2012

+9

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

6 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

919

What is the API?
The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number assigned to each school by the California Department of Education to measure overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 as the state goal for all schools.
Change from
2011 to 2012

+9

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

6 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

185 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 55% in 2012.

183 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
70%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
67%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 86% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
100%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 62% in 2012.

209 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%
Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

178 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
70%

2009

 
 
67%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 49% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
90%
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
73%
General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

The state average for General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards) was 32% in 2012.

102 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
62%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 87% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
90%
History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

The state average for History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative was 52% in 2012.

199 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
78%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students86%
Females96%
Males78%
African American91%
Asian90%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino53%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disability56%
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate73%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)82%
Parent education - college graduate86%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students69%
Females72%
Males67%
African American55%
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino43%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)74%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged71%
Students with disability25%
Students with no reported disability74%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate36%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)64%
Parent education - college graduate69%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate78%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students90%
Females95%
Males85%
African Americann/a
Asian93%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged91%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disability57%
Students with no reported disability93%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate65%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)75%
Parent education - college graduate96%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students76%
Females76%
Males77%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)78%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged79%
Students with disability54%
Students with no reported disability78%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only77%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate67%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduate79%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate85%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Algebra I

All Students94%
Females96%
Males92%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)94%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only94%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented98%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate97%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

English Language Arts

All Students89%
Females92%
Males86%
African Americann/a
Asian74%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino80%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)91%
Economically disadvantaged75%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disability67%
Students with no reported disability90%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduate83%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

General Mathematics (Grades 6 & 7 Standards)

All Students77%
Females79%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino67%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Non-economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disability38%
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)88%
Parent education - college graduate76%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate83%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalesn/a
Malesn/a
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
White (not Hispanic)n/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with no reported disabilityn/a
Fluent-English proficient and English onlyn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

History - Social Science Grade 8 Cumulative

All Students82%
Females81%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asian75%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino65%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)86%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Non-economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disability50%
Students with no reported disability85%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only84%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)69%
Parent education - college graduate77%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate95%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students89%
Females90%
Males89%
African Americann/a
Asian89%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latino75%
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disability62%
Students with no reported disability91%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only89%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)88%
Parent education - college graduate88%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate94%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 71% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 11% 49%
Multiple or No Response 8% 3%
Asian 7% 8%
African American 1% 7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Filipino 1% 3%
Pacific Islander 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 14%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 215%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 83% 85%
Portuguese 8% 0%
All other non-English languages 4% 1%
Korean 4% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 27N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 9N/A11
Average years teaching 12N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 97%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2255 Las Gallinas Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 492-3760

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