I have the highest praise for this school! My grandson (now a sophomore at Pioneer) attended…read moreCastillero, and now his sister is a sixth grader there. The academic program is strong, with elective classes of high interest. The Music department is outstanding! I'm so grateful that my grandson had the benefit of learning to play the cello; his sister is now doing the same. (As a retired teacher, I'm pretty savvy about what makes a quality school. I definitely put Castillero in that category.)

My friend goes there her name is Brooklyn she is probably one of the best on our girls a team…read more basketball team called cagers. Sports are very good at castillero. I highly recommend their sports.

Overall, I like BHM. There is great cultural diversity. My kids like school and I think BHM is the…read moregreat place to get my kids prepare for Leland High - one of the most competitive High Schools in San Jose as well as the most academically strong school in this Almaden area including Cambrian. One thing I like most about BHM is their location, which is isolated from any possible distractions. The environment near the school is really safe. I will definitely recommend BHM and Leland High for the parents who plan to move to Almaden. You should check Niche.com for school rate, then you will get my point.

I got a bad grade and I angry :( I don't like how we don't have any lockers and that kinda makes my…read moreback hurt and makes my hip hurt a lot!

My daughter attended Cambrian Academy for the past five years, starting when we moved from Dubai to…read moreCalifornia during a time when many public and private schools were closed due to COVID. Our experience offers a comprehensive look at the school.   Academic Excellence and Curriculum: Cambrian Academy is strongly geared towards college preparation. The counselors are diligent in ensuring students complete all necessary coursework on time and provide clear academic paths. The school is known for its college readiness support, including guidance on personal essays, application timelines, and staff assistance with recommendation letters. AP classes are available, though some are offered online, which might not suit every student's learning style. While not all specialized programs or electives are available directly, the school effectively assists students in navigating and enrolling in external college courses to supplement their curriculum.   School Culture and Environment: One of the standout aspects of Cambrian Academy is its safe and supportive environment. With a small student body of around 80 students, there is virtually no bullying, and staff members like Mrs. Delgado are highly aware of the goings-on around the school, contributing to a nurturing atmosphere. The school creates a positive culture that promotes inclusivity, respect, and a strong sense of community. The focus on student well-being, including social-emotional learning, is evident and appreciated.   Teachers and Staff: The teacher-student ratio is generally favorable, allowing for more personalized attention. However, our experience with the teaching staff has been mixed. While many teachers are dedicated and skilled, there have been instances, such as a chemistry teacher leaving, where courses were subsequently taught by individuals who were not subject matter experts in that specific field.   Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities: The school offers various opportunities for clubs and activities both within the school and externally. Students can explore diverse interests and develop leadership skills through these avenues. It's important to note, however, that Cambrian Academy does not have its own sports teams.   Practical Considerations: In terms of cost, Cambrian Academy's tuition is comparable to other private schools in the area. Its small size is a defining characteristic, providing a very personal and focused educational environment, which can be a significant advantage for families seeking that type of setting.   Parent-School Communication and Involvement: Communication with the school primarily consists of daily automated emails detailing student attendance and grades. While this provides basic updates, proactive parent-teacher meetings are limited and typically occur when parents initiate contact. Building a collaborative and communicative environment between teachers and parents largely depends on individual parental outreach.   I would recommend this school to folks who need individual attention. My daughter got into many universities in the STEM area, including an offer for Pharmaceutical Science at Purdue, few bio-engineering majors at few University of California Universities, and some direct medical school options internationally.

Hi there! I'm Larry the Cucumber! And, uh... I just wanted…read moreto express my thoughts about this place I thought it'd be full of sunshine, learning, and maybe a snack or two... but instead, it was like a math-flavored nightmare. First off -- the teachers were so mean! I tried to stay positive, but they seemed allergic to happiness. Every time I smiled, they frowned so hard I thought the lights got dimmer. And boy, were they bad at teaching. I'm still not sure what I learned, but it definitely wasn't algebra. Maybe "how not to teach"? Yeah, I got an A+ in that. Also... I don't want to be rude, but their breath could knock over a watermelon. I had to hold my breath just to stay conscious during "lesson time." They were super unorganized, too! Nobody knew what we were doing -- not even them! And worst of all -- no snacks. NONE. I'm a cucumber! I need my energy! You can't do math on an empty stomach! So, yeah... if you like kindness, organization, fresh breath, snacks, and most importantly.. learning, maybe don't go here. I'm giving this place one star -- and that's only because leaving was free. -- Larry the Cucumber

The recent issues in the middle school here are very sad. Inexperienced and power hungry…read moreadministrators are ruining an otherwise vibrant and exciting learning environment. We hope this can be corrected before the school goes further downhill.

I just have to write a recommendation for Almaden Country Day Schoo!. We have been there for 2…read moreyears and have had a GREAT experience. They came highly recommended and I was obviously looking for a school with academics as a priority. Math and Language Arts are THE integral part of the school day. I feel confident my child will be more than ready for the most prestigious high schools. One hundred percent of this year's graduating 8th graders applying to private high schools were accepted I just heard. Wow. The hands on Science program and "Maker's Space"(which teaches children coding, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, etc.) are both phenomenal and I cannot say enough about their Art, Music, P.E., Theater, Foreign Language and Library programs. The difference however, with ACDS is its focus on each child. The moment I enrolled I knew I was entering my child into knowledgeable hands under caring and dedicated teachers that would encourage his gifts as well as continuing with academic rigor. Whether it be their after school sports or enrichment programs as well as the over 40 electives in middle school, he would find "his" path. Since that day, my child has broadened both in his academic knowledge and most importantly, his self confidence. He is an 4th grader and loves his school! The tenured teachers, under an exceptional Head of School, encourage self exploration and provide the opportunity for each child individually to find their path while still adhering to curriculum. No school is perfect and I am totally aware...but they ask. In a yearly survey we are asked, How are things? How can we do better? Does your child feel challenged and accepted? Do you feel a part of your child's education and development? Do you and your child feel a part of the community? (Along with much more!) Its other accolade is their TLC program which is one of the only specialized programs of its kind in the Bay Area. It provides 4:1 ratio for children who need small group education (within perimeters) in Math, Language Arts and Social Studies while integrating for other studies into the larger classroom experience in preparation for high school. It is a supportive environment with specially trained teachers that allows children to feel confident in their learning. My child has benefitted tremendously from this program while still feeling accepted within the larger program. ACDS has intentionally planned for seamless transitions within children's daily routines. I encourage anyone interested to go to their website or an open house and see for yourself. I encourage you to talk to other parents! Several! Or even the kids (whom by the way give the open house tours.). Your school choice is a big decision I know. I was there. The more information the better so you can make the decision what is right for your child and your family. ACDS was the right choice for mine.

Pioneer High School is located near Orchard Supply (old Mervyns), and is run by the San Jose…read moreUnified School District and offers education to students 9-12 grade. They have a problem with the pickup, drop off area which shuts down at 7.10am or 8.10am which forces parents to stop and drop children on busy Blossom Hill Rd. I don't understand why they don't keep this open at all times (minus one star). The school offers advanced placement courses in various subjects, including computer science, calculus, physics, literature English language, world history, art and Spanish. They also have classes in engineering, AutoCAD, business, intermezzo orchestra, fine arts and life management skills. Most of the teachers are passionate, enthusiastic and want to teach, which makes it fulfilling for the students to get ahead. There sports focus is also very good (football, baseball, tennis, swimming, track and gym). The science classes offered by the school include chemistry, anatomy, biology and zoology. The school also offers various math classes, including algebra, trigonometry, statistic and calculus. This school will prepare you child for college/ university as long as you get 240 credits.

the principal here ms cahill genuinely makes no effort to connect with students, she is immediately…read morehostile any time students interact with her, and for some reason does not know anything about the school, or how to do anything and will just refer you to other staff while she stands around or sits in her air conditioned off. it's pretty astonishing this woman can be a principal she's useless, unkind, clearly doesn't enjoy her job and overall not fit for the job. no one working at a school should despise teenagers this much and be so lazy... not a great combo. ms cahill if you see this for the sake of everyone here learn how to take your anger out in postive ways instead of on students, it's not a great look for the incoming freshman to be met with hostility and a lack of help. stop relying on the teachers and staff to do your job and actually go out and build connections with students

Completed our first year at Dartmouth Middle school. My child really enjoys it here. There are…read morevarious extracurricular activities available and homework program after school. Teachers are available for tutoring and responsive quickly via email. The band program is great! The parents are supportive for school events.

I am the first person to review my middle school. Why do I feel weird doing that?…read more At any rate, I was lucky enough to spend my awkward prepubescent years at Dartmouth in 1997-2000. This was before the school underwent a huge remodeling which left it looking a bit like a prison from the outside, but that seems to be the new look. Although I can't attest to the DMS of today, I can say that the three years I spent at the school were great. The teachers I had were all great-- even my mean 8th grade English teacher deserves some credit for my BA in English. Sure there were clicks, and some horribly mean kids here and there, but it wasn't that bad. Middle school is supposed to be really hard because everyone is changing and awkward, but I don't remember it being so bad. The school is also a CA Distinguished School, so that counts for something. I hope the school is still great today.

I like this schools band a lot. The band director is gung ho in helping his students, although he's…read moreretiring his replacement is also awesome. Despite the sort of run down grounds and below average sanitation the community is alright. Caw caw eagles

Ok here the thing we have kids practicing football at your school in the lights are not on like…read morehello how do we suppose to see the practice without the lights do what's right in turn on the lights for the kids.

Attending Bernal Intermediate School sometimes feels less like going to school and more like…read moreparticipating in a daily test of endurance. From the moment you walk onto campus, the atmosphere can feel chaotic and exhausting. The hallways flood with crowds of students trying to get to class before the bell, turning something as simple as walking down the hall into what feels like navigating rush-hour traffic. The classrooms often feel outdated and uncomfortable, with harsh fluorescent lights and desks that seem designed to make every minute stretch on forever. The bell schedule marches forward with no mercy, and by the middle of the day it can feel like time itself has slowed down. Lunch is another adventure entirely. The cafeteria can be crowded and loud, and the food sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. Many students end up wondering whether it's better to eat quickly or just wait until they get home. On top of all that, the overall environment can feel stressful, with constant noise, drama, and pressure that makes the day feel longer than it should. By the time the final bell rings, many students leave campus feeling less like they've had a productive day of learning and more like they've survived a very long one. If school is supposed to be a place that inspires curiosity and excitement, this experience unfortunately feels more like the opposite. Hopefully improvements can be made in the future so students can actually enjoy their time here instead of simply counting down the minutes until the day ends.

Our staff is amazing! Bronco Baristas's deliver! At least…read morefour times a year they bring us coffee and donuts to let us know how much we're appreciated!