Update on Mira Vista Elementary School
Hi All,
My husband and I are carefully considering a home in El Cerrito zoned for Mira Vista. We have a 9 month baby boy. We currently live in Oakland in the Dimond district. The local elementary school in Oakland has a similar rating of 5 based on test scores as Mira Vista. We are just looking for an update about Mira Vista and whether parents feel their children are benefiting and excelling from attending Mira Vista.
Thanks so much!
Apr 15, 2017
Parent Replies
As you mentioned, the elementary scores are similar, other things to consider between Dimond and Mira Vista neighborhoods may be:
1. The middle and high schools in the zone. Mira Vista is a K-8, so after the 6th grade families can choose to go middle school or stay at Mira Vista. Is there also a K-8 option in Dimond? Does middle school start at 6th grade or 7th and how do you feel about either option?
2. Walkability/public transportation/safety? Will your child be able to get around without you (school, library, parks) by middle school in either neighborhood?
Good luck!
My kids are currently at Mira Vista (in the 1st and 2nd grades) and I honestly feel our school gets better every single year. We are on a serious upswing since getting our current principal, Mr. Chilcott, who has now been here eight years or so. He has a real vision for the school and is a true friend to the kids, the parents and the staff. We have a very active PTA (I'm on the board) that is also growing in strength and numbers, and we are creating a vibrant after-school program and adding arts and STEAM curricula with the help of devoted teachers (with a very low turnover rate). I know I sound like I am completely evangelizing about our school, but I can't help it. It's how I really feel. Come visit.
Mira Vista is a very, very diverse school serving every nationality, ethnicity and income level. Many research studies show that very diverse schools are better for all kids. Do not just look at test scores. Look at the school itself. Very dedicated principal and staff. Very active PTA and parent community. Tons of activities to participate in both for children and adults. This school is spearheading the 1:1 tablet initiative in the district. Listen in. What you'll see is a great leader, collaborative staff that love what they do and a vibrant and diverse school community.
http://www.miravistaschool.com/ Sign up for PTA email news on the site. Also, check out the Twitter feed, and follow all of those people on Twitter.
I want to add, about the test scores: We look at our test scores every year, in our State of the School evening, and Mr. Chilcott pulls apart the reason for various scores. For example, one reason a school might test low is that they have a large population of English-language learners. For us, that's more important than numbers on a paper; a "good" school is one that serves a diverse population. So please also keep that in mind when looking at schools. Testing isn't bad per se, but there are ways to read those numbers that serve the kids more effectively.