Miraloma Elementary School

Extremely poor experience. Teachers do the bare minimum or less because leadership does not encourage them to do more. Bright kids are not challenged and ignored. Culture is click-ish and people who are too busy to devote themselves to school interaction can be made to feel left out and like their concerns are not heard. Outdated teaching and social structure. Had to work hard to get my children out and into a better school.

Miraloma is a fabulous school. SFUSD puts handcuffs in so many ways on teachers - they are not allowed to provide differentiated learning, they have virtually zero funds for the classroom, there are almost no funds for non-academic activities (ie/gym, music, art), and the approach to bullying must be "restorative justice" which is ineffective but the school's hands are tied. The teachers here are caring and do the best they can for the students within the constraints of SFUSD, and the PTA does a fantastic job of raising funds to support a full time gym teacher, classroom needs, organic fruits and vegetables for snack, art, music, and more. The PTA community also generates a ton of parent volunteer hours to support those efforts as well. Finally, the new principal is bringing a new method of leadership to the school, which is a sound methodology, not usually found in schools, and so is a little uncomfortable for some.

The school has a wonderful parent population, community and PTA. Unfortunately, there is no differentiated learning, no classroom support for the teachers, gifted children are bored and children with learning differences are struggling. This year’s parent, teacher and student poll rated bullying and safety, lack of special education support, and lack of teacher support as the biggest problems facing the school. Ineffective leadership has been ruining what was, just a few years ago, considered a great school to get your child into.

It was better in the past, but is on a downward path.