John Muir Elementary School
Gregory John, Principal
Carol Niehus, School Secretary
2955 Claremont Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 644-6410
Lisa Jackson & Sara Hampton, Coordinators
Berkeley LEARNS After School Program
Phone: (510) 883-6141
- John Muir PTA
- School Accountability Report Card
- School Accountability Report Card 2006-07
- API Report
- STAR Results
- Facilities
- Library
- Science Blog
- John Muir Garden and Nutrition Newsletter
School Information
"Have you heard about John Muir's team esteem? We've got a plan and it's picking up steam. Our students and staff are the very best. Building community is our quest. We know we can. We've got a plan—team esteem!" sings and signs Principal Greg John with staff and students. This theme song emphasizes the keys to their successful program, vision, an excellent staff, high expectations for students, and a strong sense of community.
John Muir offers the ideal learning environment. The historic Tudor building speaks to the dignity of education. The classrooms with their spacious size and countless windows stimulate thinking and exude charm. The location near the Claremont Hotel features a spectacular natural setting: Harwood Creek, native plant and vegetable gardens, a large grass playing field, and a redwood grove. Students and staff at John Muir feel proud of and connected to their school's namesake and to the natural beauty of their environment.
Effective teaching and high expectations are the keys to scholastic achievement at John Muir. Teachers and students take learning seriously. The John Muir staff pays careful attention to the California State Standards in all subject areas, from reading to science to math. For example, in mathematics, students learn in increments, they construct their understanding, skill by skill, always reviewing past learning while acquiring new concepts. In science, teachers encourage students to develop their own questions, perform investigations, and draw conclusions. Students also write regularly on school-wide topics so that the teachers can jointly assess progress toward the grade-level writing standards. In addition, the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland has trained most of the teachers in different art education techniques, enabling them to make art an integral part of classroom curriculum.
The academic program at John Muir, which focuses on environmental science and the arts, is continually enriched in a variety of ways. The section of Harwood Creek that runs through the school, the butterfly garden, and the raised vegetable beds form a living biology and ecology laboratory, supporting the school's science and arts programs. "Using our own creek to teach about plants, bugs, frogs, ecology - even language arts - makes learning so much more fun and meaningful to our students," explains kindergarten teacher Anne Donaker.
Off-site study trips also reinforce learning in math, science, the arts, and social studies. All students participate in high-quality programs in physical education, dance movement, and ceramics.
Classes regularly visit the fully-stocked school library to hear stories, check out books of interest, and do research - all in support of the school-wide literacy program to make every student an avid reader.
Computers are used as tools in every classroom as well as in the computer lab, creating a modern and stimulating learning atmosphere at the school. This technology allows students to reinforce their skills, do research on the Internet, "publish" the school's annual literary journal, and prepare for the future.
Fourth and fifth grade students participate in science enrichment classes and are offered instrumental music instruction.
In addition, two extended-day programs - Kids' Village and Kids in Motion - build on the efforts of school, providing more academic support and extracurricular activities after school each day.
John Muir emphasizes community building among students, staff and parents/guardians. Principal John leads regular assemblies to foster school pride and unity. Student council and PTA members keep school spirit alive by organizing fun school events, like the Back-to-School Barbecue, the Book Fair, the John Muir Walk-a-thon, the Reading Extravaganza, and the May Fair.
A conflict resolution program trains students to find win-win situations to resolve conflicts peacefully. The "lifeskills" program promotes the development of personal qualities, such as responsibility, caring, and perseverance, 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 provides individual attention in a community atmosphere. With a population of just 250 students, the school is able to include and accommodate many people, ideas, and learning styles.
John Muir School is the perfect place to learn and grow. Come see for yourself!