John Muir School

4431 Mount Herbert Avenue

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for San Diego 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 April 14, 2023

My boys have been attending this school since kindergarten and are now in 2nd grade. When the started Kindergarten the pandemic has just started. Even through the pandemic, the school did great in providing to the best of their abilities education and the supplies needed to learn. The yea hers has all been incredibly great and the boys have never complained about their teacher. I think they have a good balance of learning and physical activities which I think other schools don’t. They enjoy playing soccer and doing art. Due to the pandemic they had a slower time with reading and writing but have quickly made improvements in both their English and Spanish. The school’s administration staff is also amazing, they are very caring, easy to reach and communicative. I am very please so far with all of the staff, the education, and the upgrades being made to the school. Can’t wait until the constructions over and they have an actual cafeteria, hopefully that will come with better school lunch!
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2022

Amazing teachers!! We absolutely love being apart of the John Muir community. My two kids 8yrs & 6yrs have excelled in learning Spanish. The Spanish immersion curriculum is excellent and is the same curriculum used at Longfellow! The school construction will be done next year. The new building is beautiful and the kids love learning in the new classrooms. The school is still in the process of phasing in the Spanish immersion program and continues to add a new grade each year. It’s a wonderful community of parents, students, staff and teachers. I would highly recommend applying to this Spanish Immersion program through the school choice application on the San Diego Unified website! It is free, all you have to do is apply!
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2022

This is a wonderful school with dedicated administrators and staff. My elementary school child has learned so much this past year and is doing great socially and academically. My child is learning to speak and read in Spanish and loves going to school every day. A brand new school building is set to open in August with state-of-the-art facilities. This really is a hidden gem in the San Diego Unified School district!! Note: This school changed formats a few years ago so some of the published stats and test scores do not do it justice.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2022

My child is finishing her Kindergarten year at JMLA. This is the school’s 4th year running the Spanish Immersion program. Her experience is in a small class with an experienced teacher. The teacher facilitated a loving and happy environment that allowed the kids to form great friendships. (A priority for us in her Kinder year). Their first weeks focused on creating community and then began the academic units. I was nervous that the introduction to Spanish would be so intensive that she would be turned off. The opposite was true. She loves learning Spanish and is so proud of her work. She is developing strong reading skills in Spanish. Her math program is the same as every Kinder math in the district- just in Spanish. Science is covered throughout the year. Ultimately, it has been a wonderful year for her. We have formed awesome relationships with the families amidst all of the continuing pandemic challenges. The school is undergoing a number of transitions between school site construction (the new facility looks great and is ready for next year) and the new language program moving up each year (currently in K-4) and the old magnet program (5-8) that is moving out. If you have concerns about reported ratings of the school, they are based on old test scores from the previous program and different administration. Unfortunately, the data does not accurately represent the learning that is happening at the school now. In the next few years we should see correct information. Mr. Anjan is the new principal since the winter of last year. During his time so far, he and the teachers have worked hard to create a new vision for the school. This team seems dedicated to making this a fabulous school. It was hard as a parent to be unable to connect with the school as much as we would have liked (limitations due to Covid). However, parent engagement has definitely increased over the Spring, which is great. There is a parent association (JMAP), that has been working through the year to engage families and support the school where possible. We are so excited for the community that is being created right in our own neighborhood. Most of all, I am so pleased that my children are going to be gaining language skills and cultural experiences that will be invaluable to their future (taught by a very caring staff). Like any program “in transition”, there are things that need to be addressed, but I believe JM is on the right track.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2021

My children love it here. It's always a struggle when it comes to middle school. My daughter began her at the beginning of the year and the small classes create a unique and nurturing experience for her. My son began kindergarten and the tiny school environment along with the close association that exists between the teachers students and parents have been beneficial in his acclimation to school. This is a fantastic school. Not enough people know about it.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2019

I like it. It's a small school with a lot of involved parents. The school is always fundraising so they can provide more learning activities for the students including field trips.
Submitted by other on April 12, 2019

This school achieves everything that a school with smaller classes and smaller overall population aims to achieve. The teachers really care about the students and the front office staff is awesome!!
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2019

All over wonderful school great staff and wonderful teachers. Love it
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2018

Awful. We are "choicing out" for next year.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2018

The school has potential if the leadership is changed. The principal needs to be more student focused that so concerened about running the school like a business. Her bio on the school website is very telling about what she values. It is a list of her "accomplishments" rather than of what she brings to the school and how she could cultivate a good learning environment for academic AND emotional growth. If you want a public school that does things old school and isn't exceptional or remarkable in any way, then this is school for you. We'll be moving schools at the end of the year.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2016

We've been at this school for 3 years and have had a marvelous experience. It's about the families. Good solid families who care about their kids education pick this school because of the small town feel. Everyone knows everyone and we all look after all the kids. Academics are great with lots of 'extras': music program, dance program, archery, robotics, art, theater, language, all with an international global slant. I highly recommend Muir to anyone looking for a personalized full academic curriculum with a community feel.
Submitted by other on November 22, 2015

What I love about John Muir School is the small size and the friendly and caring community. I know that in this school my son is growing academically and as a human being through the constant emphasis in understanding of how we are members of a local community connected to a wider world. I really appreciate the global focus of the school.
Submitted by teacher on November 19, 2015

Today is National Parent Involvement Day, and as a teacher at John Muir, I'd like to say "thank you" to the countless, dedicated parents who selflessly give their time every day! You are truly the heart of the success of our amazing school! Xoxo, Barb Waller :o)
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

John Muir School ! Amazing principal,teachers and staff !! JMAP parents are the best !
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

What an amazing school - a true hidden gem. This is a Paideia-certified school with an international focus. So there is project-centric learning, group discussion, an active, engaged, can-do kind of education with an enhanced global worldview. There is no teaching to the test, here. It's about doing, seeking, trying, engaging, teamwork, persistence, encouragement. There are LOADS of special enrichment programs - archery, robotics, art, dance, language, science and technology, gardening. A small school with a brilliant staff, it is also K-12 - LOVE IT - with a warm, open, friendly environment for both kids and parents. I feel like my kids are getting a private education at a public school price. And that's with us coming from a school ranked "higher" and in a fancier 'hood... But I can tell you: John Muir School is a brightly shining diamond we are so grateful to have found. My kids love it; simply put, there is no comparison.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2014

John Muir is a small school, we have one class per grade. Our students come from a diverse background with parents that have a wide variety of interests, talents, and origins. Because our magnet focus is on global citizenship, the school centers it's Paidea seminars on topics that will enrich our students cultural awareness. Parent involvement at Muir is at the heart of our school. We pride ourselves in being welcoming, active, and fostering a sense of community.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to a small school with 1 to 1 1/2 classes at each grade level. Yes, the teachers and parents will all know and support your children. But on the flip side, if there is a teacher whose style doesn't sit well with your child, there is no other option to move to. I love that my kids get Mad Science, dance, language, music at 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, Robotics, Peace Patrol, Paideia Seminars, and gardening. Even better, I love that our school has a top ranked archery team at Middle and High school levels. I love that new principal, Laura Bellofatto is an energizer bunny of positive momentum. I love that teachers and staff are approachable and that the principal has an Open Door policy. I love that parents are encouraged to bring ideas and activities in. Areas that we could improve: challenging top performing students to continue to excel, getting more parent involvement, and getting special services for children who need them.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

Love the family feel at the school. However if your child has an IEP do not go here. Some teachers are better than others but many seem unorganized and just plain tried; especially the fourth grade teacher.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

What drew me to John Muir was the Paideia philosophy which aims to build global citizens who love learning and enjoy a good life. My son often does projects with other grades and is learning to speak and socialize with a wide variety of people. The parents are friendly and there is a real sense of community on campus. It has been a great experience for our entire household.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2013

My school is...a continuation of my family. John Muir School has been a part of my life since 1995 when I enrolled my oldest child there. Since then I have had two other children and several nieces, nephews and neighbors find their places at John Muir. The cohesiveness of the Teachers and Administrative Staff, many of whom have been at John Muir since it's beginnings, make this schools focus the children. This attribute paired with the formation of the John Muir Association of Parents (JMAP) in 2009 has enabled our school to bring in fun and educational programs for the students. It's family atmosphere, "Global Citizenship" theme and Paideia trained teachers make this school is one of the hidden gems of our district.