John Muir Elementary School

My two children are in the MONTESSORI PROGRAM at John Muir, and this reviews focuses specifically on that program. I have been amazed at the level of both social AND academic growth of my kids since they have entered this program. The nature of the program teaches them to be self-motivated, curious and excited about learning, and most importantly, kind and compassionate. My kids can progress at their own pace, learn an amazing amount about different cultures, and also learn a deep respect for their peers and the diversity in their community. I cannot recommend the Montessori program more highly. The program is moving to Ada Givens in the Fall of 2017.

Before my son transferred to John Muir he was cast as a problem child. When he started 4th grade at John Muir I went to talk to his teacher regarding his "behavioral problems" she could not believe that he had ever had a problem. Not only was he at the top of the class academically, she told us he was kind, helpful, respectful, and a perfect student. She was flabbergasted at how he could be seen as a problem. He continued his elementary education at John Muir and did wonderfully. My daughter now attends first grade their and we are still just as pleased. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and professional. The teachers are excellent and the homework that my kids bring home is above what is expected for the grade. I know that the state scores are low but I believe that this has to do with a lot of the students being ESL students still learning English. The district is in a low income area but the school does not reflect this at all. I am proud to be a parent of a John Muir student.

This school has wonderful and caring teachers, administrators and staff. The principal is first-rate and he gives his staff the tools to do their jobs effectively. It is one of the oldest schools in the Merced County School District but the school seems more contemporary because it is academically and technologically on the forefront such as offering Montessori classes in grades 1-3 and having iPads in some of the classrooms. The one area of improvement would be to have more field trips which is often a function of budgetary constraints. However, even trips to local museums and other sites (which is more economical) would enhance student learning and engender greater appreciation for the community.

My son went to this school for a month and a half, K teacher he first had was great and really understood our sons educational and behavioral needs. Then he was switched classes with out no parent or student notifacation, and created enough problems to tranfer him from schools.