John Adams Middle School

2425 16th Street

School District

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Santa Monica-Malibu 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 student on January 22, 2025

As a student of John Adams I would say that this school has amazing teachers and they try to help out the students the best they can. The music program Is amazing and I would highly recommend this school. The only thing about John Adams is that sometimes when there is bullying the staff does not notice.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2024

The administration here is negligent and incompetent. My kids have suffered emotionally at this school. Lack of discipline, zero consequences for bullying and disrupting classes.
Submitted by student on April 01, 2022

Hello! Was and am horribly bullied here. Accommodations can be good but are often flimsy and awful in the experience of myself and my friends. Lots of teachers have obvious biases that they make little to no effort to overcome. Trans kids not allowed to go to correct bathroom, “gender-neutral” bathrooms (converted teachers’ bathrooms that are essentially just there for the sake of an “all gender restroom” sign) perpetually locked. My friend had things thrown at him by awful boys when he was just trying to use the bathroom (an attitude that is, may i add, more common than not among the student body) and he was the one who was punished for being in the boys’ bathroom. Queer and disabled people horrifically bullied, clearly struggling students essentially ignored. May I restate the obvious biases among some staff? I am autistic and am blatantly mistreated by teachers and students, almost every day. Certain staff members (will leave unnamed, I don’t want anyone getting in trouble over me saying this) mock me whenever I am in the hallway. I am moderately traumatized (not because of this school, although it sure made it worse), and it is par for the course to have people intentionally yell my name or pose threateningly just to see me flinch. My friend was sexually assaulted on campus. Sexual assault merits a suspension or expulsion according to the JAMS rulebook. The boy who did it was mildly punished, told to leave them alone, and then essentially otherwise let off scot-free. When we directly approached the vice principal about this, she treated us as if we were being ridiculous and ungrateful. Had a teacher that laughed along with my bullies once because I was apparently strange enough for it to be acceptable. This school can be lovely in many ways, I’m sure. For every icky teacher there is a good one , and for every student’s struggles ignored or improperly treated there is a student with a lovely IEP and complete assistance who thrives with the help of on-site counselors. But the two months until I leave for high school seem revoltingly, unbearably long.
Submitted by other on January 06, 2022

Extremely unethical. Blatant discrimination. No children should ever be treated this way.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2021

I was concerned after seeing JAMS’ score on this website but had such a great impression during school tours and talks with neighbors that we ended up sending our sons there. So glad we did - now we think it’s such a gem. It’s a diverse school reflecting LA’s demographics which is an important part of education. I was nervous because my shy sons had attended elementary school out of district and had to make new friends. They eventually found wonderful ones. The teachers and admins are professional, wise, and caring (I got a memorable call from a teacher about something that happened in the classroom, the principals are out in the yard greeting kids). But I really care about the academics! We were able to level my sons appropriately for their different levels of math. Incredible science program field trips including diving on Catalina Island, camping at Yosemite. And their incredible music program and teachers led my oldest from being an absolute beginner in 6th grade to making all-state band by 8th. I’m also surprised how seriously they take PE, hiring people to teach a wide variety of modules.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2020

Horrible and terrifying experience dealing with people in power who care about protecting the kids who cause problems while everyone else suffers
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2015

I have a son in six grade. He is loving and thriving at JAMS, special programs like music and science magnet make this school exceptional!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2015

We recently moved our son out of LAUSD and into JAMS. As an incoming 6th grader at a new district we had concerns that he would struggle both socially and academically. The administration, teachers and staff are all so professional and engaging that he has only thrived far beyond our expectations. He has developed confidence and a love of learning that is 100% attributed to his dedicated teachers. This is a wonderful school and a fantastic community! So happy we made the choice to make the move!
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2014

Very professional . Counselors, admin, teachers - wonderful curriculum. This is a great school especially here in LA county
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

Pretty good school. Teachers as a whole very good. Few bad apples. Chris Reagan is amazing assistant principal.
Submitted by other on September 23, 2013

JAMS has a terrific environment for students to learn and grow. The support from teachers and various programs gets them ready for high school.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

JAMS in Santa Monica... They have really stepped it up from the classes to even the renovations they are doing at the school. My daughter did wonderfully, and so is my son.