John Adams Middle School

It isn't that bad of a school! People spread rumors, but really, if you try, you will succeed. If you do not, you will think it's the school, and not you!... The school has excellent science, math and musical programs.

After two years at JAMS, we are moving our child to private school. 6th grade was OK, keeping in mind your child cannot learn to write in a class of 34 kids, some of whom have discipline problems. The teacher has no time for the personal attention required to learn to write. Last year half of 7th grade (each year is divided with two sets of teachers) had no regular English teacher for half of the year, and it took the school that long to fire the problem teacher. English class was babysat by a parade of subs. Next, they lost the social studies teacher and their brilliant math teacher. Both of these were replaced with permanent subs, but not great ones. The science teacher was there all year, and although he was all worksheets all the time, he comes out as a hero. Public schools are having a really hard time these days, caught between the teachers unions and the state budget cuts. Its not that JAMS is worse than the alternatives (Lincoln, Paul Revere, Emerson). Its a really tough time to be in public middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

Since the new principal and the plans for upgrading JAMS, I have been pleased with my daughter's first year. Now, I will have two children attending this coming year. The school has have various activities to be involved with and support for the students. Plus, the Boys and Girls Club right on the edge of campus, is a blessing!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at JAMS and I have been very impressed with the school. The science department is outstanding, our new principal is bringing compassion and vision to our campus (as well as high expectations for students AND staff), discipline is fair, parent commitment is growing. All good for these in between years! And, the kids are being prepared for high school. If anything, I have been consistently impressed with the quality of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been consistently disappointed with JAMS. JAMS doesn't offer much for advanced students. Little to no 'differentiation' happens in classrooms. There have been a handful of dedicated teachers, especially in Music and Math, but many are just dialing it in. Ask around--most parents and kids know who's who. Also, make sure you read the students' comments at 'Rate My Teacher'.
--Submitted by a parent

This has been a great school for my son. He was mainstreamed in almost every class. With the support of the teachers he blossomed. He loves that school and loves the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

From my experience, at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, I think that I would give the school 2 out of 5 stars. Even now when I visit John Adams, I think that the level of desiplin is very very low. One of the main rules at the school is not to curse. And yet, as soon as I step on campus, I hear kids swearing and threating other kids. I have even seen teachers right by them and not do anything. Even when the teachers do hear them, there is no consequence. I think they should fix this, because they are helping to raise our kids and by not saying anything about the bad things they are doing helps shape how they are to become. Which means shaping them into a person, we as parents, do not want.

My son had a great experience at JAMS. The quality of opportunity -- for those who want to reach -- is amazing. The science magnet teachers he had were terrific -- and their curriculum enabled my son to achieve near-perfect scores on the state testing in science! The instrumental music program is beyond compare because of the respectful, talented, and amazing leadership of Ms. Woo and her dedicated staff. Plus, Russ's after-school jazz band is just wonderful! The opportunity for math-oriented students to take geometry is fabulous as well. The only academic concern my son had was that the school didn't offer something more targeted in humanities/english for bright, motivated students... but I understand that's now in process. JAMS has much to offer its motivated students, and both the administration and teachers seemed to do their job very well. My son reached for opportunity, and the school had it for him.
--Submitted by a parent

I love my school because its very diverse in its teachings and its students. the teachers are all incredible and the priciple has turned this schol around in the last couple of years. the test scores are high but the moral of the school is even higher.....and thats what counts!
--Submitted by a parent

John Adams has an excellent music program.
--Submitted by a parent