Union Middle School

2130 Los Gatos Almaden Road

School District

Union Elementary
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for Union Elementary 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 February 26, 2025

We have a 6th grader and an 8th grader at Union and have been very grateful for this wonderful school community. Academically I think they start off pretty gently in 6th grade and ramp up by 8th grade to prep them for high school. We've had great experiences with most teachers here; many projects and hands on learning in science, math, history, ELA that make the subjects engaging and fun. The principal sets a positive and supportive culture for the school and parent community. He seems to be always available, super responsive, dedicated. Office staff are similarly so responsive, friendly and helpful. Extracurriculars and sports are strong. Our kiddos take part in drama, choir, cheer, band. Band director is amazingly dedicated and they have strong music programs, both in the various school bands as well as extra music clubs that are very well organized-- string, percussion...etc. Choir and drama have been fun experiences with a wonderful director and a dedicated group of parent producers. The cheer program is super competitive with coaches that go above and beyond, with travel for national competitions. Our kids have friends in basketball, volleyball, track, leadership, and all seem to have very positive experiences. There are fun school events throughout the year, and a robust parent Home & School Club along with various great booster clubs to fund the activities.
Submitted by other on January 11, 2025

I’m concerned about the quality of new teachers to the school over the last few years. There are rumblings in the community that Mary Martin protects poor performing teachers and doesn’t support others. Teachers attire and appearance doesn’t really seem to be much of a concern either anymore. So long to the days when teachers were role models. Also not a huge fan of the principal and look forward to him burying this review as he has to others. My kids enjoyed their friendships in middle school, and we enjoyed the events when attending UMS. I just am hearing the quality of instruction is declining and the people who pull string here seem to be give the impression that they can do what they please without being held accountable. Most students receive outside support to produce the state test scores. As the economy undergoes changes and that may not be an option anymore, my hope is that they will overhaul some of the players making this school decline before our property values do.
Submitted by student on August 12, 2023

Going into 8th here. Great school. I’ve met a lot of friends here and mostly everyone is kind. Most of the teachers are friendly and supportive, often making the content in their classroom fun and entertaining to consume. They also offer time after school (sometimes before, depending on the teacher) and after class (such as lunch or break) to often help with students questions. Councillors (some teachers as well) are also very supportive and willing to listen to a student’s concerns whether it be mental health, stress, etc. This school is very accepting of anyone, regardless of any factors that may make them different. For the most part, homework is relatively limited except for the nearly daily math homework and/or any unfinished work from the day. Electives are fun and provide fun experience for all grades, especially drama and project lead the way, and offer nearly no homework. I cannot speak on how people with disabilities are treated here, as I do not know myself. One thing I would like to mention is that some teachers aren’t that supportive. Some days they are willing to help and answer questions but mostly just subconsciously make you feel bad for asking something that they might’ve answered already. I’m a student that has trouble focusing my attention a bit of the time (not on purpose), and sometimes need to make sure something is right a few times before going ahead with stuff, so these types of teachers aren’t really helpful to me. Students who struggle shouldn’t have to feel bad for asking questions. I get that this can be a rightful punishment for kids who, purposefully, don’t listen and cause trouble, but it seems like the teachers who do this do it to all of their students, regardless of if they were intentionally not listening or not. Additionally, it seems like kids who are purposefully misbehaving don’t get punished for their actions like they should be. I’ve seen many times where students in my classes have been borderline-violent and inappropriate with others and yet they get no punishment other than a talking-to. Maybe there’s more I don’t see, but from what I’ve seen that seems to be the extent of it. Overall, this school is amazing and I loved being here for the over two years I’ve been here, soon to be three this year. Staff is mostly great, surprised how they manage how unhinged a lot of older students are- Would recommend. Go Tigers!
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2023

My daughter just finished three years at Union Middle School and I have been so impressed by and grateful for the wonderful middle school community that the principal, Mr. Feinberg ,has created. UMS has a wonderful staff which is a reflection of great leadership. I am an educator in a neighboring high performing District and did a lot of parental hand-wringing over whether to bring her to my District but have never regretted keeping her in our home District. UMS has provided our daughter with an exceptional and well-rounded education.
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2023

My son is in 8th grade and has had an amazing 3 years at UMS. He has been involved with sports and many academic program for programming. My daughter is in 6th grade and is enjoying all her classes and dabbing into sports. This school is amazing, from the teachers, crossing help, front office staff and principal, it’s beyond words. As a household with 2 working parents, I feel I am always in the loop via communications and have no worries about my kids. I thank the UMS team for caring for each child that is on campus and off.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2022

We love Union! We have our second child entering 6th grade in a few weeks and just graduated our 8th grader. I feel that Union brings out the best in every child. My older son loved going to school each day. He really looked forward to his math class. Like another parent said, there is extra work to do the year before but it was very easy for him since the teacher was available for help. My son really loved his gym classes each year. As a parent, I want to say thank you to the secretaries for being kind and responsive. We are very excited for another three years at Union.
Submitted by principal on August 03, 2022

Union Middle School is a one-of-a-kind place to be. You'll find dedicated educators, talented students, supportive adult community, and an involved, forward-thinking district office. I don't think there's another middle school out there like UMS! As the Union Middle School principal, my focus is on creating a kind campus, ensuring a safe learning environment for all, and supporting our students, no matter the situation. While we perform rather well on standardized tests, this is not what defines our Union Middle school community. We honor those students who promote with straight A's just as we celebrate the student who increased their reading level from 4th to 6th grade in a single year. Personally, I hope to provide a personalized experience for you and your student. From the minute you become part of the UMS family up to (and beyond) when your last student promotes from our school, I want to ensure your questions are answered and that you feel a part of the UMS community. Union Middle School is truly a unique place. I feel blessed to call it my home. Best, Mr. Feinberg, Principal
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2022

Throughout their 3 years at this school, my child has had to learn everything by themselves. The teachers did not do anything to help, and my child was just given a slideshow with some math problems to solve. Science is poorly taught. An 8th grader does not know where is Africa.I agree with the original post from 2015. Students do not improve with assistance from the teachers; they have to rely on themselves or outside help. Teachers don't teach, they supervise. My child had an experience with a teacher at this school, where every time she had a question, the teacher would just say "look in your notes, its there", or "ask your table before you ask me for help".The majority of teachers at this school do not try and help the students, or provide proficient feedback.My question to my 8th grader's teachers remains unanswered to date. Weaker kids or parents who are not involved in their kids' learning fall through. You just need that one inspiring teacher, to make a difference. We have yet to find ours.Great after school clubs and activities (1 star).High API due to changing demographics (most of the high achievers attend extra math and ELA classes and are bored in the classroom, and disrupt learning for others. The Advanced Math path does not prepare kids for any advanced mathematics. Many kids missed the opportunity to "advance". just because they did not complete necessary assignments on Khan Academy. Students who may still want to advance were not given any other path during the school year, even if they were more than capable of doing so.And to the admin who uses a quote as part of her e-signature for routine emails to parents (from World History 101, in case you/administration were not aware), though the person who you reference carried Britain to victory in WW2, he "has as much blood on his hands as the worst genocidal dictators of the 20th century". I would like that part of your signature removed.I wonder why most of the positive reviews are in May of this 2022?
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2022

My daughter has enjoyed three great years at Union and I'm excited for my son to start there next year. The teachers and admin staff that we have had experience with have all been wonderful and the academics are strong. The sports programs are excellent and I believe there is also a good range of other extra-curricular activities. The school even did a great job during the pandemic shutdown. We think it's an excellent school.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2022

When you enter the office at Union you are greeted in a prompt and friendly manner by 2 smiling faces (even if fully masked). Concerns are met with empathy and a mission to help you help your student solve their problem or issue. I have had the pleasure of sending 3 children through Union Middle with my last set to be promoted this year 2022. I have only seen Union grow stronger and better over the past 6 years. I will be honest my first child through Union had a "bad" teacher or 2 and the math and language arts programs both needed some work. Over the past 3 years they have 100% turned things around and I am so impressed with my middle and youngest set of teachers. They are very much prepared for High School and beyond thanks to their education at Union. It is a fantastic school through and through!!
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2022

My son complains about strictness of some teacher, but I believe this is what makes this school really great. I really like our Principal - such a cool person who cares about the school and our kids. Thanks to school, my son has many good friends and can socialize after school instead of playing video games. Thank you to all teachers and staff for support and dedication.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2022

Union Middle School is a really amazing school where students feel safe, cared about, and part of a community. Teachers and the admin take the time to get to know the students and check in with students to ensure no one gets left behind. I've been impressed many times by teachers who have gone above and beyond for both of my kids. Communication is wonderful by the teachers and the principal. Keep up the great work UMS teachers and staff!
Submitted by other on May 14, 2022

Asking parents to write "hopefully positive" reviews on this website in your recent Principal's newsletter is wrong, Mr. Feinberg. Just because you don't like one parent's opinion and low score on this site does not give you permission to hide it. Being a Principal and leader at a school means handling the good, the bad and the ugly. Micro-managing is not a quality of a true leader, and it is not a good look for Union School District. You have a wonderful staff, awesome students, and supportive school community--focus on the big picture and spend more time on things that truly matter.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2022

Union Middle School is anything but ordinary! We are so grateful that our child is a part of the friendly and supportive UMS community. Principal Feinberg is not only relatable but his strong communication and direct involvement in school safety brings great comfort. Almost daily, I hear of how much fun the research based activities in Ms. Starr’s class are. We have also watched our child grow in ability to play an instrument and enjoy learning the fundamentals of music taught by the band director, Mr. Kay. It has been so rewarding to see and hear all of the progress. In addition, the band concerts throughout the year are an outstanding musical treat to enjoy with friends and family! Had to take time to say thank you, coming back to in person learning was not an easy transition but everyone at USD has been there every step of the way!
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2022

Had 2 children attend UMS and have had almost nothing but positive experiences. Minor bumps due to the pandemic transition but not unexpected. Mr. Feinberg is a very competent and reliable principal. The staff is generally exceptional and motivated to mentor the students.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2022

I have now had two children be part of the Union Middle School community. Let me start by saying that their principle is AMA-ZING!! He is involved, actually involved with the kids and the parents. He responds to your emails/ issues/ really anything. He is is a great asset and knows how to handle pretty much everyone (even those very pain in the rear end parents and kids). He actually care about the kids.Now the staff, front desk is really top notch. Everyone, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Wu are helpful, caring, funny, kind, and welcoming (I really think they are full of patience given the amount of parents and kids going through the front office at all times/ asking a thousand questions to them.) The school has great programs, and great teachers. The campus is really nice!
Submitted by student on May 09, 2022

The office staff is really kind and very helpful to everyone. The teachers in Union Middle School understand the day-to-day student life like no others. Everyone in school is constantly focused as Union Middle School provides an engaging and fun learning experience to all.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2022

Union Middle School is amazing! The teachers are passionate about providing a quality education, the principal and administration are best in class, and the parent community is incredibly engaged as well. I was fortunate enough to chaperone the 8th grade Washington DC trip this year. Spending 5 full days with UMS students and the dedicated teacher and parent community was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Oh, and the UMS sports program is also top-notch! I feel so fortunate to have a student at UMS and look forward to my younger daughter attending UMS in just a few years.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2022

Amazing school, staff, location and admins. Can't wait for my younger one to be there.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2022

Both my daughter and son attend Union Middle school. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. It really starts at the top here. The principal, Mr. Feinberg, is engaged, proactive, caring, responsive, and hilarious! The counseling staff are caring and supportive. The office staff is incredibly helpful and goes above and beyond! The teachers give everything they have and I couldn't ask for more as a parent. If your child is interested in playing an instrument, Mr. Kay is incredible! The band program at Union is topnotch! You will not regret being a part of this community. And yes! This school is a community!