Earl Warren Middle School

My daughter attended Carmel Valley Middle, but we chose the smaller Earl Warren for my son and have no regrets. Relaxed small-town feel, well-prepared faculty, above-average API, rigorous honors program. Many extracurricular opportunities including team sports, Concert Band, Science Olympiad and service organizations. Fairly diverse student population; Surf PE is a unique offering. The County branch library used by the school is excellent with more librarians and materials than other schools can afford. A Boys and Girls club with gym and aquatic center are right next door. No separate theater class is offered at Earl Warren, but North Coast Repertory Theater has great after-school programs for a price. The early 7:35 AM start and 2:15 PM dismissal time make afternoons less hectic. The Principal and/or Assistant Principal can often be seen out front at dismissal time. Parents can monitor academic progress through Aries online, and many parents volunteer. Optional school bus costs around $350 per semester. If you want a school where your student can try many different things, where the tryouts aren't too crowded and participation is encouraged, see if this school is right for you.
—Submitted by a parent

My son enjoys EW. He flourishs socially but the schools doesn't foster a lot of parental involvement, without its established parent cliques. I do feel that parents conferences are still needed at this age and it is not encouraged. There is also a social class divide that my child has observed.
—Submitted by a parent

Imagine all the things that could possibly make a middle school undesirable. Go anywhere else.

Overall a good school but some issues: Admin: The new principal has been here one year. The previous principal (and so others on her staff) was always walking the campus, knowing the students, on top of everything. Supervision down, exclusive clicks and bullying up. Science Dept: Teachers have a great approach. Its all about learning and stimulating interest. Tests can be retaken to improve scores. Less homework on weekends. And the kids actually learn. Math: Teachers are technically competent but inflexible. Tests are for grades. Period. No retakes. Understood the question, picked the right formula, followed the right steps, but made + or - error at the end, and its marked 100% wrong. No mercy here. History: 7th grade teacher is an emotional roller coaster. One day students are great, next day complete failures. 8th grade teacher thinks she's a university professor. Doesn't realize she loses most of the kids. Won't lower herself to look at individual needs nor offer specific help to individual students. English: Teachers ok but they do like their teachers' pets. Special Ed: Controlling, clueless, separate from core classes. Independent PE: Great option.
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers were great-especially the Honors English teachers.The school has a nice, laid back surf town feel with high academic goals. EWMS has one of the highest API ratings in the district, and encourages independent learners and thinkers. My child LOVED this school!!
—Submitted by a parent

I used to go to a private school, and was quite frightened to come to Earl Warren. This, I learned, was quite unnecessary as the school proved to be the best experience of my school years (so far). The teachers, contrary to the common assumption, are not only kind but also supportive and entertaining. Though there is a handful of teachers that can be lazy, or just uninterested in teaching, you sometimes have to overlook the flaws to admire the picture as a whole.

I go to school at earl warren and I hate it. People bully me, I can't focus in class, and I got scared to walk down the hallway.

Hi, I go to this school. I went to skyline, across the street and Im on the flag football teem. This is a great school and I love to come everyday. It is a great school----
—Submitted by a student

My daughter had a great experience there and came into high well prepared.
—Submitted by a parent