Bernardo Yorba Middle School

I used to have a child who had the "Monday morning blues" EVERY DAY while in grade school. Every school day was a battle, & I was sure we would never have a child who enjoyed learning. After entering BYMS, he now loves going to school & has excelled in EVERY subject. His experience is nothing short of remarkable, but certainly not isolated, as I hear similar stories from other BYMS parents. The teachers are 100% engaged, & dedicated to their student's success. Principal, Mr. Malotte, makes sure every kid at BYMS feel important. He impresses upon every student their responsibility for their education, encouraging student accountability and peer mentoring. It says a lot about a school when more than half of the student body has achieved honor roll, and more than 75% participate in the arts. On that note (no pun intended) the music program is second to none; with each and every performance worthy of a standing ovation. Music Director, Rita Watson brings out the best in every student, and has created such a fantastic, award winning music program. The Principal, Teachers and staff at BYMS are joined by parents in their hands-on" commitment to our children's continued success.
--Submitted by a parent

The entire staff and teachers are focused on the student's success and encourage and welcome parent involvement. Our son has done wonderfully there and has achieved personal successes while attending.

I have been a teacher at BYMS for 14 years. I appreciate the diversity in the school population and the general desire on the part of students and parents for success. I know that I plan each day for the success of all of my students. The public is generally unaware of the number of extra hours that many of our faculty members spend each day preparing for the next. Regularly I find myself in the xerox room with other teachers until 6 PM or later. One sign of our satisfaction with Bernardo is the fact that we continue to have many of our own children attend Bernardo, most of whom on on transfer. I don't believe that most schools can make the same claim. Bernardo Yorba is a successful Distinguished and Blue Ribbon school because that not are the students works in progress but we as a staff are too.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter went to this school. Overall education was superior however, the staff needs to be more involved with the everyday struggles of students. Between bulling and taking teachers sides, when the student may actually be right., they need to seriously improve. I left the school for my daughters sanity.
--Submitted by a parent

Kudos to all the administration, faculty, staff and parents who worked towards Bernardo Yorba Middle School's recognition as a '2009 California Distinguished School'! All your hard work is much appreciated. Thanks, 'A Grateful Parent'
--Submitted by a parent

My second child is attending BYMS. Teachers and staff are first rate, plenty of choices for students. The music program under Rita Watson is one of the best.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for 2 years (7th and 8th). This school taught me alot. I had the best teachers, and friends. This school was awarded a blue ribbon school and i think it is. Thank you to the principal for being there and being the best principal ever!
--Submitted by a student

AS being my second year here at BYMS, i would say that it is a great school, with wonderful departments. Not only am i in advanced art, but advanced drama as well. They are both excellent classes with tons of fun. I highly recommend both of them. For the uniforms though, well... lets just say i could without them! (Go matadors!)
--Submitted by Toni Traub, a student

Bernardo Yorba Junior High School is a Blue Ribbon Award Winning School. It is a great school. I wish it was a three instead of two year school. The kids look sharp in their uniforms. I have two sons there. The are bright and very well educated and it was not anything I did. I was used to being so involved with their elementary school and needed to be for their grade outcome. At Bernardo, they know what they need to know before they get home. They teach me when they tell me about their classes. I am very impresses with this school. The principal is always present and cares for each and every student there is no room for misbehaving there because the staff is involved. Like I said, I wish it was a three year school. I am very glad we were able to attend BYMS. Thank you Mr.Dolan.
--Submitted by Angela Fox, a parent

One year ago our family moved into this school district from the Orange School district. The education program provided by Bernardo Yorba is a quantum leap over the program we experienced at Portola Middle School (grades 6-8).I am just trying to figure out a way to provide the incentive for my twins to work hard enough to get into honor classes & programs.
--Submitted by Harry Rowe, a parent