Joe Michell K-8 School

1001 Elaine Avenue

School District

Livermore Valley Joint Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

As a parent of two children who have attended Joe Michell K-8 School for several years, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable environment this school offers. From its committed faculty and staff to its diverse range of programs, Joe Michell School stands out as a beacon of excellence in education.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2022

My son attended Joe Michell from kindergarten through eighth grade. I cannot read the school highly enough for their inclusive and compassionate care for all students. This International Baccalaureate school has the curriculum that suits my sons learning needs, and has opened his eyes to a wonderful world with diverse cultures.The principal, Dr. Laura Lembo, is beyond phenomenal. As is her vice principal and office, staff, and their openness and willingness to help parents and students like. My son had a wonderful experience there, and as a mom, a wonderful experience for me as well. Friends have told me that they are not so lucky at other schools here in Livermore and lack the amount of support that we received. I can’t speak highly enough about the school. It has been a great learning experience for both myself and son! The curriculum, topics, the summative assessments, note taking and studying habits that focus on comprehension, communication and online support, especially in middle school, prepared him for high school, and then some! Thank you Joe Michell teachers and staff. We miss you!!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2019

My daughter has had an excellent experience at this school both academically and socially.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2019

The school has been a fantastic experience for my daughter. I have 8 more years there, as my son begins kindergarten in the fall. I enjoy the atmosphere and approach to education Joe Michell school has.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2018

This is our first year at this Schoola but I am impressed with the principal, teachers, and all staff I’ve encountered. The focus on the whole child is excellent with the IB program. Excited to learn!
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2018

I’m so glad that this is our local public school. I’m so impressed with everything that my son comes home with, and the events and parent’s group are spot-on. The focus is on the KIDS, not the parents. It’s grest!
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2017

Excellent, we love Joe Michell, my son is thriving there
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2016

I love this school! Within two weeks of transferring (we had moved from Sunnyvale) my child learned more in just two then he had in the five months he was at his previous school!!! The IB program is fantastic and the are lots of enrichment activities to take advantage of.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2016

This school not only focuses very well on the obvious--learning, but they also want the children to be responsible citizens and positive contributors to the world. Multiculturalism and acceptance are taught throughout the year, not just for Martin Luther King's birthday. The principal, Dr. Lembo, is very active, engaging and forward-thinking, which is one reason the IB Program is going so well. I commend everyone involved in making Joe Michell the best kept secret while others continue to have outrageous waiting lists and overcrowding.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

My daughter started in Joe Michell last year (K) when we moved to Livermore and I have nothing but praises to say about this school. She immediately made new friends and settled in nicely. The principal along with all the teachers and staff have worked hard to accomplish the IB program and there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to work as hard to carry it out successfully. The two teachers that she's had so far have been brilliant teachers who have kept the parents involved in all the activities and at every stage of the school year.I feel that Joe Michell has great support from the district as they trust and believe in the principal's vision. And it is partly that vision and the level of the teachers engagement that makes this school so great. The PTO is also under new leadership this year and I know that within that there will be a new enrichment program as well as other activities and events happening which will be aimed at strengthening our community.There is a real sense of community within the school. I feel very excited as to how the school will develop within this new program in the coming years and no doubt it will be a phenomenal improvement to the children's quality of education and to the Joe Michell community at large.My daughter would be able to walk to Sunset but she goes to Joe Michell where she is getting an International Education.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2015

Love this school.bgreat IB program, all grades learn Spanish, lots of different enrichment activities for kids. My son loves this school. Principal very friendly. Teachers are great
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2015

We moved from Smith to Michell this year and are 100% happy. I am also a teacher in the district and there are so many fabulous things JMS has to offer. The small size and close knit community were why we switched. My son has blossomed and is thriving and I enjoy how involved the teachers and staff (custodians, office staff, and principal) are. Like the Cheers theme goes "sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name..." Fantastic environment and teachers! As a mother of 4 I am so excited to have such a great school that's also our neighborhood school for all four to attend.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2015

We were new to Joe Michell this school year. Our children had been attending a local private school, and we were a little nervous about the transition to public. We could not be happier. The teachers at Joe Michell are excellent, the community has been welcoming and we are very excited about the blossoming International Baccalaureate program. Even my youngest comes home talking about what a principled inquirer (two of the IB traits) he was that day. The principal, Dr. Lembo, has a truly unique vision for the school that has her students' best interests in mind. My children are happy socially and academically, and we're looking forward to growing with the school.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2015

As with any school, in any district, parents can make or break the school. One parent can start complaining to another parent and from there it escalates. When everybody joins together in a positive fashion wonderful things happen. I believe this is going to happen with Michell. There is new energy. Don't wear your feeling on your sleeve, change happens , embrace it.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2015

I have no idea what the last two parents are talking about as far as Michell wanting it title one status and if you are certain social status you are not accepted. I am one of many Ivy league Graduates that has my daughter there and it is a wonderful school. The Academics in Junior high are great as my child get a well rounded IB education that is not taught at our districted school that only allows one elective. My daughter has a great group of friends from all social economic class and parts of Livermore. Yes, we live on the south side in a million dollar house but no one holds it against us. I think the last two parents really need to examine why they feel that way and if that is the kind of values they want to pass on to their children.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2015

I agree with the last reviewer. The school has a chip on its shoulder and a weird cult mentality about title 1. All students and parents that are not title 1 are not welcome. If you are thinking of this school as a option because you didn't get into the charter school - don't! It is not academic in the least and the after school programs are things like parasol decorating classes! It is a really weak school with weak leadership. They need to bring in new everybody and make it a school the district can actually be proud of instead of the media charade they are playing.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2015

I really like what the IB program has to offer. I think the middle school still has a way to go to be competitive with the other schools in the city but I know it will get there. The K-5 teachers are fantastic! Currently parent participation is down due in part by new PTO leadership. Things are not being done in an appropriate manner. Hopefully this will rectify itself over time.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

Joe Michell is an absolutely wonderful school, with teachers, principal and staff that are second to none! You can tell they all truly care about the children of Joe Michell. We are so lucky to have this gem!
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

This school is really on the right track with taking in the IB program and the change in leadership. I wouldn't have my kid at any other school in Livermore.
Submitted by teacher on August 07, 2014

I am very thankful and happy to work at Joe Michell! Mrs. Lembo is a wonderful principal and she truly cares for the children, the families, and all of the staff members. Joe Michell is always looking for creative ways to keep up with the technological advances and keep learning fun and engaging. The staff is collaborative and very inviting. I feel the school and community is my "home away from home" and I'm proud to be a part of the school.