John Muir Elementary School

6560 Hanover Drive

School District

Cupertino Union
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Cupertino Union 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 December 12, 2023

This school offers an intensive environment for learning Chinese, which has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it enables children to dedicate considerable time to mastering Chinese. On the other hand, the environment can be tense, with strict teachers and pushy parents. It's somewhat strange, almost as if you're sending your child to study in China.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2023

Great teachers, great administration and very engaged parent community leads to one of the best schools in this area. Many school events held throughout the year really pulls in the school community and gives the school a great small town vibe where parents really get to know the parents and the kids. Many academic programs available for kids to grow.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2023

No diversity and no social emotional learning at this school.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic and full-grade-and-a-half of distance learning was a painful reminder of the changing world and the paradox of preparing our children for an uncertain future. I remind my child that right now we are fine, and I talk about our time at John Muir Elementary with gratitude knowing that the years have been filled with the communication, collaboration and problem-solving experiences to face uncertainty with resiliency and confidence.I am thankful that my child leaves Muir full of memories of being consulted and listened to by trusted, supportive and encouraging teachers (in-person and virtual). I hear comments repeated to me that came from those teachers, and I know the guidance is sinking in.I am thankful that Muir's whole school team exceeded my expectations for school-parent partnership, teamwork and communication... and that they were always there to guide our family through the usual and unusual learning experiences.I am thankful that Muir's principal Adrienne Van Gorden leads the team with grace and provides regular example to build bridges with students, parents, volunteers. I was made to feel more like a peer than a parent in my child's education, and that allowed us to do great work together.It takes a special group of people to come together and make a difference for others. John Muir's team has done that for our family, and we will always be appreciative!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2020

We moved from TX and my daughter went here for 2 years. The academics are great, however the parents are not welcoming and very clickish. The students are very segregated into their racial groups. There is no sense of community and we barely made any friends. I am very happy we moved out of this district.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2018

New principle Mrs. Van Gorden is way too strict, but less compassionate to students, especially to those who need more attentions and patience. We see more fliers back home for donations, but not consideration and cares to kids. Disappointed with the principal change!
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2017

The change in principals has been extremely rough. She lacks compassion and intervention skills. The small size of the school means you get to know other parents pretty well. It doesn't overwhelmingly swarm with students in the morning. It's hidden on a safe street, you get to know everyone.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2016

Since this is a smaller school, teachers pay higher attention on individual kids. My kids love the school and they enjoy going to it! Setting up a good personality & character is far more important than getting high marks in academic result at this young age!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2015

This a great school in CUSD - this is in fact the third elementary school my child is attending within CUSD and I love that it's a smaller school. Teachers are very caring and attentive to individual students, and the principal is great. It should be rated higher IMHO.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2014

I just moved here to portage 2months ago and my son started out Ok the teachers are Ok but they can work on the discrimination among the kids a lot better than its been because it make my kid not like coming to school and I don't like it because we are here to stay but once they work on that little situation I mention I would rate the school a B+ from my rating sincerely yours parent
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2013

Amazing teachers & staff over the past 3 years 2010-2013. They have a new principal Mrs. Steele who has great energy & leadership. Vanessa Mercado, the IEP instructor provides a nurturing environment for children with ADHD, kindness & patience are her best qualities!!! Mrs Salas (5th grade teacher) provides an educationally challenging but fun environment which distracts the pressure of a challenging academic environment to a fun class to learn in all year long! Mrs Chu (3rd grade) teacher has a lot of experience & provides a warm & caring environment that is conducive to students learning at their own pace. I highly recommend this wonderful school. Great technology, awesome PTA President Wendy Strand who organizes an amazing Harvest Festival, book exchange & more!!
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2012

We relocated back to the US this year and realized that there are probably 98% Asian in John Muir. The international school that my kid attended has a even higher student diversity than in this town. It was to my big surprise. Homework routine was introduced only after parents' meeting in October. The class is full of students of all different levels of competence. If you want your child to feel confident, he/she can easily earn it at this school. If you believe that peers are important and they can challenge each other so to bring out the best of a child, it's probably not the case in here. My kid also picks up a bad habit from an adult from this school.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2012

I don't think greatschool's stats do the diversity at this school justice. It really is the most diverse school in CUSD. Yes, there are more Asian and Indian students, but there are also many white and Hispanic students. I love that my daughter is around diversity like this. I was a little nervous when we moved in because John Muir was the "overflow" school, but I love the smaller size of the school and was happily surprised. The principle is amazing and seems to really care about and know each student. My daughter was behind in reading, but her teacher has been happy to help me work with her to get her caught up. All of the parents are involved in their child's education. What a wonderful place John Muir is. I couldn't be more at ease having my daughter spend the day there.