Katherine Michiels School

1335 Guerrero Street

San Francisco, CA 94110

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 28, 2021

We had such high hopes for this school, but unfortunately our experience was incredibly horrible. Our son attended the elementary school for 2 years, and did not learn anything during this time. And by anything, I mean he did not advance a single grade level and actually regressed. In fact, on the last day when we brought home his school supplies, his notebooks were completely empty. This should have been a red flag for us, but we hung in there and tried again for a second year thinking it would get better. Since leaving the school, he has advanced significantly and is performing at or above his grade level. KMS is progressive (which is one reason why we fell in love with it in the first place) and allow the children to choose what they want to learn. This all sounds great, however in actuality the children are left for themselves to roam the school building doing whatever they please. If they don't want to do work, they don't have to do any work. The teachers do not have control over the classes and the children run the show (I have seen this first hand.) There is nothing good about KMS elementary school. The preschool and after school care works well because they basically are just babysitters for your children. If you want your children to actually learn something at school, this place is not for you.
Submitted by teacher on May 22, 2018

I worked there as a summer camp teacher. I didn't get much support from the Administration, they seem negative and worried about their own issues. I felt discouraged and unappreciated. The only great thing about it was the facility and the students.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

I moved with my family from the UK in the summer of 2016. My boys were extremely sad to be leaving their friends and family behind and my husband and I wanted to look for a school that would embrace them like a family and give them confidence. I was daunted by the larger schools, as my eldest son hadn't had a great experience in his previous school, whereas my youngest seemed happier happy wherever he was, albeit shy! Now we are here approaching the to summer of 2018 and wow.....what a SUPER lovely little school. We have been welcomed like part of a family. The pupils in the school get a lot of attention and assistance, which has really helped my eldest to grow more confident in his ability, whereas before, he would sometimes refer to himself as 'stupid' or would feel like the odd one out. I feel like KMS embraces each child and brings out the wonderful in them. It fosters a love of curiosity and learning that sometimes can sadly get lost in the bigger schools due to the sheer number of pupils. I have, as a result, two very happy children who are respectful of their peers, care about their school and their teachers deeply.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2017

This school is a gem! We originally came here as it was just 2 blocks from our house for pre-K thinking we would move on after that. But we are still there as our daughter is now in 4th grade. We toured many other schools over the years, but keep coming back to KMS as the best school. We love the play based learning they have inspired by Reggio Emilia. The mixed grade learning is a really great way for them to relate with kids different ages. My daughter loved her 1st grade teacher so much she called her her second mom. It really feels like a big extended family. So different from other schools where it seems they are just stuffing information into kids regardless about who they are. At KMS they really take the time to give the kids attention and tools they need, based on their individual strength and needs. I have been blown away by how well the kids collaborate together. The teachers are truly amazing, always available to talk, really caring about your child as a person. They believe that each kid is competent and really practice that. My child does not want to leave the school and I don't blame her!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

What our family loves the MOST about KMS is that its 100% a child focused school. I love that even though our boys are city kids they are having rich childhood experiences we can't give them on our block, from playing outside most of the day and picking them up completely dirty, to eating lunch outside in the beautiful Mission weather, to gardening and creating with their hands to even experiencing moments of independence and risk (safe risks of course). These things are important pieces to a rich and memorable childhood. Yes the school may not be filled with the latest technology or shiny lockers and squeaky gym floors but kids don't care about the latest trends in educational design or tracking their progress on an iPad - they care that their ideas are heard, recognized and elaborated upon. They care about being part of a deeply connected community that is filled with friends and teachers who "get them". I know that they need these tools and skills to grow up to be the socially responsible, caring adults they need to be.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2014

My son graduated from KMS' elementary program and just entered a great middle school in San Francisco, where his performance and capacity of adjustment show he got a great foundation for his academic and personal future. Felipe started at KMS when he still used diapers and grew to become a creative, happy, respectful, and confident middle schooler thanks to the child-centered approach of this school and to its great teachers. KMS follows the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, an innovative take on education that teaches responsibility and community through exploration, discovery, and play. One of my favorite memories of this project-based school (and I have many) was a couple of years ago, when the elementary program produced a delicious evening called KMS Cafe. The project included visiting a farm to learn about food production, planning the event's budget, creating artistic invitations and menus, shopping for items in Spanish in the Latin stores of the Mission, good cooking, and poetry reading, with the kids sharing their verses to entertain the proud guests. Ah, the kids decided to donate all profits to a philanthropic organization that supports a cause of their choice.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2014

We have 2 children at KMS; both have attended since kindergarten and our oldest will "graduate" next May. Absolutely wonderful experience and I cannot recommend the school highly enough! In particular, project-based (cross-discipline) learning has really resonated with our children and greatly benefited their conceptual thinking , self-confidence, and individual discipline skills. From a social aspect KMS is like no other school I know of in SF. The mantra "we're all friends" sets a really positive tone of respect and acceptance in addition to guiding self-directed arbitration and conflict skills amongst the students. I truly wish the KMS experience was available through middle school and beyond. I view it as some of the best practice for "real life" that you could offer your children.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2014

My daughter just completed her first year at KMS. Second grade. We were previously in a lovely, fancy private school for JK, then in a Spanish Immersion, public school for K and 1st. We have tried the spectrum. KMS has been extraordinary for us. I personally love the passion for science AND art, writing, performing arts. At last, I see true project-based learning; I see a school seriously and successfully help children grow in their social interactions, personal responsibility and genuine respect and kindness for others. The proof in the pudding isn't just current parents like me who are impressed today; the true proof is the graduates (I know half a dozen) who share a hard-to-define feeling that they are centered, comfortable in their skin, look you in the eye confidently and thoughtfully - hard to describe. It's what we all want to see in our children. Emilio Reggio based. Brilliant, giving, caring teachers and admins. Gorgeous space, science room, full commercial kitchen (yes for children's use), garden, dance studio, playground, and dirt mountain. This is NOT for social climbers; definitely don't come here to train your child to take tests. Come here to see them bloom.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2014

We are now 5 years at Katherine Michiels School. I have two sons there and we started in Kindergarten with my oldest son. They negatives of the school, when we started were communication issues with administration and a constant turnover of directors. Which resulted in inconsistencies and mismanagement. They have steadily been working on these issues and feel that it has vastly improved. They positives of the school, small project based school with great success in social education. They have personally supported my family when my youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. They stepped up to the plate to support him and manage his diabetes while he is at school. They had never had a case of Type 1 and I personally trained personnel, teachers and a director to understand and manage the diabetes. I am a registered nurse and utilized a diabetes educator for training. So if you are looking for this kind of support KMS is the place.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2014

We've been at KMS for over four years and our kids love the school. Our son went through the preschool and pre-K programs and is now at public kindergarten. He's doing great and the natural curiosity for learning he developed at KMS seems to have prepared him well for his kindergarten experience. Our daughter is in the preschool program and will be starting pre-K later this year. She's happy, inquisitive, playful and seems to have an all-around great time at school. She's also learning. She's started writing the letters of the alphabet, is doing basic math and brings home armloads of art projects every week. We think our kids have thrived in the self-directed learning environment the school works hard to create. If what you're looking for structure and rigor this probably isn't the place for you (it's a safe bet they'll come home covered in paint or dirt at least a couple times a week). If instead you're looking a place where your kid can be a kid and learn to learn in their own way then you'll probably be happy at KMS.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2014

We have two children here, one in Kindergarten and one in preschool. We are very happy with KMS. The children want to go everyday, and my wife and I love the community . I am particularly happy with the science class that is conducted in the after care program. My son actually asked to do science, and having seen one of the classes I know it is because they make science (and learning) fun.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2014

Our daughter went to KMS kindergarten last year. The bottom line of our experience at KMS was that it is good for some people, but definitely not for everyone. The building is beautiful, the place is very well organized and the kids are overall very nice. However, there are a number of issues people should be aware of. Administration at KMS, and especially everything that involves payments, is extremely unpleasant. Strict rules and fines give a very bad feeling, while there is in addition strong pressure to give more. It is also extremely difficult to interact with the teachers, both because they are always too busy, and because they seem not to think it is a part of their job to interact with parents. Parent meetings are not personal but are rather social events. Lastly, out daughter learnt very little at KMS. The kids mostly play freely with no guidance, and also experience with gardening and artwork, but are taught extremely little. Since our daughter is smart and likes to learn (basic reading, writing, numbers, history, etc.), we feel it was a bit of a waste of time for her.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

.The teachers are great and the only reason to go. The school administration's communication will drive you nuts. No PTA/PTO and the school discourages parents organizing by not supporting them in any way. The guy that runs the place is very brusque to the point of rudeness. My main concern has been safety since the facility is older and it seems like maintenance has been defrayed. For a smaller child this seems potentially dangerous.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2013

Our family loved this little school and remember it with love. That is the best you can say for a preschool. Good summer program too.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2011

Great school and a perfect environment -- our daughter loves being there. Thank you for having such a unique place. Great academics and a wonderful way to learn.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2010

The curriculum is great but the facilities are really old... this school is very expensive and for the price you would expect a nice classroom. However, kindergarten kids are in a basement with no natural light and old furniture. The teachers are great though. My child loves his class.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2010

KMS is an excellent school - really magical for kids to learn and grow. My daughter really enjoys going there and loves it. They have a great Art, Spanish, Dance and study program. The teachers are excellent and work very hard at creating team work and making them work together. I would highly recommend it. Also, the vegan lunch program is very healthy and reasonably priced. The school house is very beautiful and charming. We are going to miss being there.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2007

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