Millikin Elementary School

This school is consistently rated as one of the top elementary schools in California, so if your child can win the school lottery, consider them very lucky. I know that by the time my daughter graduates Millikin, she will be well-prepared for any middle school because her school is laying a strong foundation in her most formulative years. I'll have to admit that I questioned whether she would be able to adjust to Kindergarten at Millikin, but so far, she seems to really like her teacher and made lots of friends already. In addition, she was academically prepared for Kindergarten, and socially well-adjusted, so I believe those things helped her adjust quickly. If you are not able to help your child with nightly homework (which I heard can get pretty intense during the higher grades) and academic progress in general AND volunteer some of your time to help the school, Millikin is probably not the right choice for you.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new in Santa Clara, California and our son just turn 3 this year. We got real good review about this school. We are going to try our luck for sure. All you parents where are you planning to send your kids for Middle school or where have you enrolled already. I need some info for middle school and high school. Where do I find it ? Thanks.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from Millikin last year. I went to a private school. Millikin made school easy for me. I have been given the highest honors. Millikin is truly a great school!!!!!

Not all the kids will fit to their system. Think about your kid before enroll. Score aren't everything about their life.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a top school that really focusses on overall development of the child.
—Submitted by a parent

I just read one of the reviews from a parent that said that Millikin has all the best kids so cannot be judged as an excellent school in comparison with other schools. Enrollment at Millikin is open to ALL students who live in the Santa Clara School District. Selection is random and students of all ability levels are accepted. Students are NOT turned away due to learning differences or disabilities. I have witnessed this first hand. The new principal, Dr. Rhodes-Stanford, has been an advocate for special needs students. Currently, special needs students (including autistic students) are taught with accommodations at Millikin. This is an excellent school in every way!
—Submitted by a parent

Actually, I'm a former student. Although the teachers may seem strict the first few years, when you get used to the process...it leads to great success. The discipline there is really awesome!
—Submitted by a student

The teachers are too Strict and children get in trouble without getting their side of the story heard
—Submitted by a parent

First of all, it is difficult to rate or review a school objectively. For most parents, they have real experience of only one school. In our case, it is Millikin. My daughter is currently in 4th grade and my younger son will start KG in Millikin in September 2008. Our experience with our daughter in the1st 5 years at Millikin has been nothing short of spectacular. The school discipline, parent involvement in all aspects, extra curricular activities, focus on academics and principal/ teachers expecting high standards makes this such a good school. This is the reason why Millikin is the top 3 schools in the state of California consistenly and often times #1, the other two being Faria and Portal in Cupertino School District. The current principal Mrs. Stanford has brought additional focus on extra curricular activities like drama and arts which makes it funner.
—Submitted by a parent

While many parents rave about this school, it should be noted that its demograhpics do not represent the rest of Santa Clara and that achievement tests are given before students are admitted. I have trouble recognizing this school as a great school when they only accept the top kids. When kids are not performing to their high standards, they are encouraged to leave the program.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my child in 2nd grade. I feel that Millikin can get more out of kids for math. My child needs to be challenged more at home since he is not challenged in school. Even the spellings can be a little more interesting then whats been done and given. Overall its a great school, tachers are vey experienced.Most of the kids know more than what they have been doing at school.....hence feel that they are capable of doing much more at school too.
—Submitted by a parent

Millikin is a special program school in Santa Clara. When compared to my neighbor's kid (also in Santa Clara), the progresses and varities (in kindergarten) are quite obvious. Millikin's kindergarteners have more homeworks everyday and have regular computer and science labs. Parents are required to volunte at least 10 hours per year.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is 5th grader in Millikin. It is an exellent school, with very high academic standards. Homework is required every day starting kindergarten. Math, science, reading, English, social studies are presented on the very high level. This school is not for everybody. Some parents may say it's too overloading and too stressful, but in my opinion this is the way proper school should be.(I grew up in Russia). In scores it is the best school in CA.
—Submitted by a parent

After the arrival of the new principal, things seem to ease a little. That means things are not as 'strict' or 'by the book' as it used to be. Still, very challenging academically. Due to district's budget cuts, Millikin now has a staggered half-day Kindergarten program that many parents have been very concerned about - in fact, Kindergarteners are not as well 'adkusted' as those of the previous classes this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Very high quality method of teaching. Basic skills being taught in Math, Science and English. Most students are smart and hardworking. I think the success of this school is due to parent participation in school activities and another factor is the high level of education of the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school academically. The principal is in her first year and is flying 'under the rador' for now. Very tight school community as well.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has great acedemic program. Parents are expected to participate in the student school work.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children enrolled in this school. The reason why I think this school is so successful is because of a lot of parent involvement in their kids education. The teachers/administrators are also very knowledgeable on their subject matter of expertise. A lot of motivation coming from the parents and teachers. Overall, I am very impressed. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a very challenging school and my son has become more disciplined and deligent because of the school curriculum. Some people think it to be too strict but without proper discipline no individual, class ,school or a nation can progress. They are doing a great job! Keep it up!
—Submitted by puja vaish, a parent

We have one child in Millikin this year and another will be joining next year. We are very happy with the program and the emphasis on the basics. The principal is strict but has a great rapport with the kids. We have been very happy with all the teachers so far - they have all been very committed and push the kids to strive for excellence. Not many extra curricular activites are offered so parents must be prepared to provide that exposure outside of school. The parents are also fairly involved in the classroom and school activites - each family is required to volunteer a minimum # of hours per child per year.
—Submitted by a parent