Murdock-Portal Elementary School

1188 Wunderlich Drive

School District

Cupertino Union
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
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 July 21, 2023

ur daughter has had an absolutely fantastic two years (K/1) at school. She has formed a deep affection for her teachers, Mrs. Ng and Mrs. Zankich, who are both exceptional, exuding boundless energy and fostering a truly creative learning environment.Mrs. Luvara is a wonderful principal, efficiently supported by Mrs. Pakki and Mrs. Rani. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or PSCO is very active and involved, contributing to a supportive community.All in all, we are thrilled with the overall experience at this school and appreciate the dedication of the teachers, the effective leadership, and the active involvement of parents, making it truly a great school for our daughter. Witnessing our child's daily growth and development brings immense joy as parents. We couldn't have asked for a better start to her school life.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2023

It was a great school, until things changed. New head, brought in new staff for the exiting grades. Would recommend the school for K/1,2/3. I'd pull my child out after 3rd grade. The old head, knew what she was doing. The new doesn't seem to understand the school's motto of treating every one equally. Preferential treatments and special acknowledgements are giving to specific kids. The standards built up all the way to 2/3 just falls short in 4/5. 4/5's Homework load is extremely uneven, and the staff complain that kids are over booked in classes. Consistency of workload, would give opportunity for kids to enjoy sports!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2023

Teachers are very dedicated. My daughter is loving the experience so far. She moved here from a CUSD neighborhood school. Teaching and learning is advanced compared to the other school.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2022

My kid has been going for two years (online one year and in person the next). The school has been very good in helping with the transition and I like the village concept. The kids get only five-ten minutes of homework a day (usually five minutes, elongated to ten minutes because my kid likes to color and pretty it a lot) in kindergarten and first grade. I wish they gave more homework in Maths some days but at kindergarten and first grade, this is enough. My kid learns a lot about emotions and dealing with not-happy scenarios. The kids learn how to talk out issues and walk away if needed. Very impressed that the kids learn it at such a small age.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2020

ParentOverall experienceMy daughter has been going to Murdock portal for last 2 years. I love the village system of the school, so kids get to interact with elder kids.. and learn from them... as well as in the next year they become mentors and learn leadership skills. There is a program for dealing with emotions for children. there is village gathering every week to discuss about expressing emotions.. that part helped my daughter a lott... to understand feeling like anger, sadness and overcome it. The principal, Mrs. Rowe is very dedicated and disciplined, and kids respect her a lott... lastly, my daughter's class teacher Mrs. Yee is an exceptionally great teacher.. we are blessed to have been associated with her. Apart from teaching, she was always in touch with us, parents looking out for the kids... My daughter loves being a part of Murdock portal. Also, worth adding, teachers are super enthusiastic, even during pandemic times, I saw teachers posting their videos on a common platform of music, cooking and motivating kids.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2020

I'm truly disappointed in MP. Any parent who thinks their kids, especially in the younger grades, who think they are not getting enough homework are raising little robots and not healthy, well-rounded children. I can't even put my child in sports because of the load. It's been an awful experience and we will transfer her to another school in the fall.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2019

I'd not recommend this school, it is a mediocre school at best. Don't be fooled by the high test score, many students attend Russian Math or after-school tutoring. This school will NOT enhance your student's learning or character development.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2019

Good but not great. I have benefited from some I care like character, independent kids but not able in some others which both of us (kid and parent)paid some where else.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2017

None . Terrible experience with teachers. Send my kid to lower grade without telling parents and tried to retain the kid end of school year . That's what teachers good than try to help kid
Submitted by other on May 29, 2016

It's a pretty good school, compared to many other schools in the area, but the current principal is sometimes a little harsh and impatient. Overall, the curriculum is pretty good, except their common core math is kind of slow and tedious, teaching simple things below grade level, and repeating it over and over. The teachers, and especially the office staff are comparably friendly.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2014

My son will be attending Portal for the 3rd year, and I couldn't be happier. I am always impressed with the projects they complete in class. I know that he is getting a great foundation for future learning.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2013

I was little worried about my daughter when she got admission to Portal School because of she being the youngest in the class. But with the support of teacher I could see the immense change in her in a year. Love the way they teach and motivate kids to learn and even motivate parents in participating in all the activities that occur. And one best thing I liked is the way they keep note of each and everything the child does. I always get a note for what my child did in each subject. For example; During sharing time what all my child spoke all points were noted down and handed over to us. The conclusion is that the best school with best teachers.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2013

Overall, I think this is good school. My daughter has been there for some years and the new principal feels like a good leader. I think she does not want it to be as academic oriented as it used to be and I welcome that because it seemed like it was getting too academic and the scores were most important and it was not about the school experience. Just my opinion. I wish there was a gifted program for kids because I feel my child can do more, but isn't always allowed to move further ahead. But I like the school and she has a great time.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2011

The multi-age, village based learning environments are just one of the few reasons Murdock Portal is such a great school. It has year round academic calendar aimed to ensure that students retain more as they grow... and some of the homework is project-based letting them use their own creativity and collaboration with parents. The Principal is deeply committed and is a constant presence in most of the activities. The teachers regularly communicate with the parents through emails and blogs and that keeps the parents well-informed all the time. The PTA (PSCO) manages quite a few activities throughout the year including Lunch Clubs, Enrichment Programs and Instructional Aids just to name a few. Overall, Murdock Portal Elementary is a great combination of an effective learning program, efficient teachers and steady leadership of the Principal.