James Lick Middle School

I do not write a whole lot of reviews unless I have a passion about something. Good bad or indifferent. But this I had to write.
I just attended the 8^th grade graduation on Tuesday evening and I have to tell you, I was SHOCKED at who was being honored and recognized as being «a turn around success story».
I mean, from what I know of this gal that received this award, she is a bully, a manipulator and part of a gang. She lied through her entire speech. I took a good look around the auditorium at the attendee’s. It looked like a San Quentin inmate’s reunion. (if there is such a thing) I would NOT ADVISE enrolling your good child into this toxic school especially when the principal caves to the bully gangsters rather than honoring those who have really struggled through all of the bs and did REALLY well. The principal is a coward. Hmm. Which goes to show this school is not normal. But it all starts at the top, and the top aint that good. Shame on you principal.

The positives: (1) excellent theatre program that lasts 3 months — the director is professional and the play was outstanding. (2) dance class (one semester), and (3) school band with a very dedicated teacher.
The negatives: POOR academics. Most classes (except for dance, band, and social science) are out of control, with students regularly and openly playing music or watching videos on their phones or talking out loud on their phones. Though some teachers send them to a counselor or office, students usually return to class quickly, causing further disturbance. Other teachers try to pacify them by allowing them to either use their cell phones, or by putting on movies.

After years of driving kids cross town to their private schools I put my youngest in this nearby public school. First of all it is free – just kidding – but this is amazing after paying nearly $ 30 k for a year’s tuition. The real first of all is that he is getting a better education at this school. There is an amazing community of bright and caring teachers such as a science teacher, Ms. Serkes and a history teacher, Mr. D’Amico. The school has more arts facility then any private school could muster; fine arts, fun dance classes, music (my son is in his first band!) and 826 Valencia publishes with the kids.
I am very impressed by all of the bilingual kids. The community is worldly and dear, I like the smart and independent kids who I am meeting. And I see them all the time because the school is (to make up a word) neighborhoodly.

We enrolled our daughter in Fairmount Elementary in the Spanish Bilingual Immersion program and when time came for middle school we looked an many, including the powerhouse, Hoover, but selected James Lick and have never regretted it.
No school, public or private is perfect, but Lick does so well on so many levels that we were really happy with the experience our daughter had.
The immersion program is constantly evolving and becoming more robust. We felt that, with only a few exceptions, the teachers she had were really good. The class work prepared her for her high school as well as any of her friends who went to more prestigious public or private schools, and she’s doing very well now at Lowell.
The community is one of the real joys of this school. Families remain active, and the level of normal teasing is low. Actual bullying was far less than in elementary school which was a pleasant surprise as we were prepared for an increase, not a decrease.
Teachers of particular note at this school:
Mr O with immersion in 6^th grade
Mr Grimstad, the 8^th grade Algebra teacher
Mr Stookey who teaches art and drama for all grades
Ms Dalmau, language arts and social studies, 8^th grade
Ms Perez. math 6^th grade
The absence of a teacher from this little list means nothing; only that my daughter didn’t have them or they didn’t stick in my mind. But these are the ones that stuck in my mind as having something really special to offer.