Welcome to John Muir Elementary!
John Muir, one of the smallest elementary schools in Berkeley, has the strongest community of staff, students, and parents dedicated to providing a quality education for all students.
John Muir Elementary serves over 300 students, from TK through 5th grade.
The Tudor-style building sits on more than three acres of beautiful grounds, offering the ideal learning environment.
The school's mission is to achieve academic excellence, promote personal growth, and celebrate the beauty of nature, community diversity, and learning.
❋ Excellent Academics & Support
A focus on learning and high expectations of academic success for all students is a top priority at John Muir.
The school has two teachers per grade, from TK through 5th grade.
Our qualified staff uses district-adopted curriculum that is aligned to the California State Standards in all subject areas, from reading to science to math.
Throughout the year, the staff participates in targeted professional development on various topics such as literacy and response to intervention.
In 2024, John Muir was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.
All students have access to literacy and math coaches and support, if needed.
❋ Educational Enrichment
All students from TK through 5th grade participate in a dance movement class every week.TK through 3rd grade receives art instruction from our dedicated art teacher. 4th and 5th grade meet for art every other week.Students gather in our garden for gardening class, to learn from Farmer Marcel all about plants and growing food.Music instruction is given to third, fourth and fifth graders.Fourth and fifth grade students also participate in science enrichment classes.Classes visit Ms. L in the fully-stocked school library weekly to hear stories, check out books of interest, and do research.
❋ Campus Connected to Nature
The historic 1915 Tudor building sits nestled among redwood trees, a large grassy field, native plants, flourishing vegetable gardens, and a burbling creek.The classrooms, with their spacious size and natural light from countless windows, stimulate creative thinking and learning.The John Muir community is proud of and connected to their school’s namesake and to the natural beauty of their environment.John Muir has a “Green Club” and gives out “Green Paws” to celebrate kids who are helping the environment at school.
❋ Supportive Community
John Muir emphasizes community building among students, staff and parents/guardians. The John Muir staff lead regular assemblies to foster positive behavior, school pride and sense of community.Our social-emotional learning program, Toolbox, promotes the development of personal qualities, such as empathy, patience and courage, encouraging the children to become healthy members of society and life-long learners.John Muir teachers, parents, and friends are actively involved as PTA and committee members, classroom volunteers, grant and newsletter writers, gardeners, and field trip supporters.
John Muir Recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
2024 National Blue Ribbon Award Recipients
"The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation's students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child."
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school's entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation. The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
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