Mills High School

400 Murchison Drive

School District

San Mateo Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for San Mateo Union High 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 May 01, 2021

My initial impression of Mills students was how courtesy seem to be part of the culture and they practice it without thinking... it’s second nature to them. This was exhibited at school fall open houses when I took my 8th grader to visit various area high schools to choose for next year. Student only knows me as “a” parent, and nothing special. But when I approached a door and if the student got there just before me, the student held the door open for me. And it was not a one time, one student. Every student that was in that situation held the door open if I was near enough to them. It was a simple gesture of courtesy, but it spoke volumes about the general character of the school—kids there are respectful as a whole and such gestures are commonplace. When I visited other high schools in a similar manner, most students (even when they were actually runnning tours) were so self-absorbed with chatting amongst themselves or completely unaware of their surroundings and repeatedly allowed the door slam closed even if someone was right behind them, etc.Then I met one staff walking around the center court. She noticed me, broke into a smile, and greeted me. “Hello, I’m Pam Duszynski. Are you enjoying the open house? Is there anything I can help you with?” It was totally unexpected to have a principal so casually approach and talk to a parent, I was impressed. She was friendly, and came across as someone genuinely interested in the school community. I also attended the freshmen orientation night. she, along with the assistant principal, counselors, and the student body officers were there to present. Student President was charismatic, poised, mature, and speech content was informative and appropriate. At some other schools, some principals didn’t even show up (and no mention of, “Principal was unable to attend tonight and...” excuse so I believe that’s a norm there)My son attends Mills now (requested intradistrict transfer), and we were not disappointed. Principal is actively involved, I see her at every concert and school events, students have been inclusive. On one serious misbehavior incident reported to staff by a student, the offending student was immediately suspended upon verification of the facts, removed by police, and subsequently expelled after due process. They act quickly if there is cause. There is trust between students and staff that students don’t hesitate to go to them for help. I find this is a very positive environment to be in.
Submitted by other on October 28, 2018

I graduated from Mills a few years back and now attend UC Berkeley. Academically speaking, Mills did a great job at preparing me for the rigors of an institution like Berkeley. Many of my classmates went on to MIT, the Ivies and pretty much all the UC schools. The faculty cares about students and we have a lot of school spirit. Some parents are involved, some aren't, but overall Mills is a great community and I am so grateful for the education I received here.
Submitted by student on February 07, 2017

great academic school with solid teachers and facility
Submitted by student on January 24, 2017

This is a good school to be in
Submitted by other on November 05, 2016

If you have a child that doesn't understand something in class, other kids make fun of them.The office staff talks negatively about the teachers and is not friendly. The PE and Athlectic Staff that I have encountered mock the kids and play favorites, they don't support and encourage.The parents are not involved in the support of the school. The PTO has less than 50 members. It's a shame it does not feel like a community. I was very hopeful despite all the negative things I heard as an 8th grade parent. I will be looking to send my student to another local high school next year.
Submitted by student on November 02, 2016

Mills is not a school I would send your child because the teachers gives too much homework so the students don't have enough social time. Also, the material being taught is very hard to understand if you're not prepared for that class. Lastly, school starts way too early, your brain isn't fully awake until 10am so waking up at 6:00 or 6:30 just to get to school by 8 isn't good for our students health if they are staying up to finish homework until midnight or later.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2014

This school is just horrible, do NOT send your children here, send them to somewhere like CAP. Mills is just getting worse and worse, I would advise you to send your children to CAP.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

This school is fantastic. The students, teachers and administration are friendly, down to earth and committed. No snobs and no heavy partying. The balance of academics, the arts and sports is just right. The teachers and Principal are committed to making Mills an excellent place to learn and thrive. I've been involved with PTAs since my kids were in elementary school, and by far, the staff at Mills are the most approachable and receptive to parent/student input. The Principal takes the time to "know" the students and parents, and listens to complaints and most importantly, works with parents, students and staff to make Mills the best that it can be. If you are looking for a high school without all the drama, but with academic, artist and sports excellence and spirit. this is the place to go.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2014

My daughter is starting her Senior year at Mills. She has stuggled in school since Kindergarten. Dispite my best efforts she was never able to obtain an IEP from Millbrae elementary, but kudos to Mills for providing her with an IEP when she stuggled as a freshman. The faculty are very positive and flexible with alternate learners, and willing to work with the Special Education staff to ensure evaluations measure learning. The Principle is in touch with students and parents and comes across as very professional at school board meetings. Additional kudos to the Track and cross country coaching staffs for building strong individual and team work ethic and supporting growth in student athletes.
Submitted by other on June 25, 2014

Mills high school is a good school, great teachers, needs some updating on it's appearence, but other then than it's great, I would send my daughter here.
Submitted by other on January 09, 2014

This school is very academically centered. That can be a good and sometimes bad thing however I found that being motivated to be the best and have good grades to be a very positive thing. I noticed a comment about classes being too big, as a former student I never saw a class above 35. I don't know where they found 40... The teachers made sure to get to know everyone and always payed attention to everyone. I absolutely love this school and am glad to be a Mills Alumni. By the way, the theater is the best!
Submitted by student on October 30, 2013

There is definitely a race problem at mills. It is a lot harder for students that are not Asian social at this school. also they neglect their sports. the students are not encouraged to become well rounded and there is a lot of pressure on academics. In my opinion there is too much focus on academics and very little room left for the students to have fun. Although the principal is not bad and there are some really great teachers.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2013

I moved my daughter from this school after 9th grade. She did fine academically but the classes were not focused enough on learning. The class sizes were too large. There was not a class with less than 40 students. There was a non caring attitude from some of the teachers and a emphasis on teaching to the state testing.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2012

Principal has excellent rapport with students, faculty, staff, parents. Knows most students by name. A parent himself, he understands the pressures families and kids face. He is very frank about challenging the notions of success in our competitive culture. Most teachers are excellent, though like at any school there are a few duds. But many go the extra mile for their students, especially the extracurricular advisors. Mills has terrific extracurricular programs like Model UN, Mock Trial, Robotics, FHA-HERO, Quiz Kids. As an active volunteer, I have met some of the friendliest, nicest, well-mannered young people at Mills. Student and parent communities are VERY welcoming. My kids transferred in but quickly made friends. I was readily accepted by PTO (not at all clique-ish, like many parent groups). My kids and I have really enjoyed experiencing another facet of California's diversity. (Our middle school was about 50% Hispanic/Latino, Mills is majority Asian.) Many people say Mills is "too hard" or "too competitive." Not so. My kids came from a middle school that is in program improvement and excelled at Mills, which is a welcoming, challenging and nurturing environment.
Submitted by student on September 27, 2009

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Submitted by parent on September 24, 2009

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Submitted by student on March 21, 2008

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Submitted by student on January 17, 2008

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