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Millbrae, CA 94030

We moved to Millbrae in part because the excellent reputation of its schools. Some of the teachers are truly wonderful (like Ms. Lam). However, there are some challenges. Millbrae has no enrichment programs and principal has said repeatedly that enrichment happens only outside of school. There are very limited resources. Library time happens for only 30 minutes once per week. PE is also very limited - once per week. My kids complain about not having any time to move around. There is zero flexibility with the curriculum, so it doesn't matter what level your child is at for reading or math - they will be forced to do the standard curriculum no matter what. I think this is a decent school if your kid fits well in his/her grade level, but if they are above grade level or need enrichment, this is not a good place. My kid also got tackled and held down by a bigger kid one day when they had an event for kids from all grades, and the principal refused to do anything about it, claiming there were no witnesses. That part was not true - another parent heard about the incident from her kid and asked me how my kid was doing because it looked so bad. But it is unfortunate that the school does not take my kid's word or give support when my child is complaining.

I am absolutely appalled by the incompetence displayed by the administration and teachers at Taylor. From what I’ve heard from my own kids and other parents, many “teachers” do NOT even teach. Most teachers have been said to either just yell at students all day instead of teaching due to their own issues with anger management, or they just teach with no effort, having not many students understand the subject. For example, I heard from my son about a student (who’s second language is English) getting in trouble in social studies because they were using google translate to translate words they didn’t understand. When he had a substitute in 7th grade, that sub was spewing propoganda to imply that global warming wasn’t real? And ridiculously enough, my daughter said a PE teacher scolded a student for simply asking her a question! This is just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to the decreasing competence in Taylor nowadays. Not to mention, both my children have been bullied by students who repeatedly gossiped about and insulted them, and they said they’d do something, but nothing was done. The bullies were dismissed with little to no consequence, with the bullying continuing. Although, I really do have to thank the counseler who did all she could in her power to help. It was a relief for everyone when they graduated this school, because this place is not what it used to be. Everything changed for the worse and either something needs to be done about it, or Taylor will stay being known as an unreliable, low quality place of “education”.

My initial impression of Mills students was how courtesy seem to be part of the culture and they practice it without thinking... it’s second nature to them. This was exhibited at school fall open houses when I took my 8th grader to visit various area high schools to choose for next year. Student only knows me as “a” parent, and nothing special. But when I approached a door and if the student got there just before me, the student held the door open for me. And it was not a one time, one student. Every student that was in that situation held the door open if I was near enough to them. It was a simple gesture of courtesy, but it spoke volumes about the general character of the school—kids there are respectful as a whole and such gestures are commonplace. When I visited other high schools in a similar manner, most students (even when they were actually runnning tours) were so self-absorbed with chatting amongst themselves or completely unaware of their surroundings and repeatedly allowed the door slam closed even if someone was right behind them, etc.Then I met one staff walking around the center court. She noticed me, broke into a smile, and greeted me. “Hello, I’m Pam Duszynski. Are you enjoying the open house? Is there anything I can help you with?” It was totally unexpected to have a principal so casually approach and talk to a parent, I was impressed. She was friendly, and came across as someone genuinely interested in the school community. I also attended the freshmen orientation night. she, along with the assistant principal, counselors, and the student body officers were there to present. Student President was charismatic, poised, mature, and speech content was informative and appropriate. At some other schools, some principals didn’t even show up (and no mention of, “Principal was unable to attend tonight and...” excuse so I believe that’s a norm there)My son attends Mills now (requested intradistrict transfer), and we were not disappointed. Principal is actively involved, I see her at every concert and school events, students have been inclusive. On one serious misbehavior incident reported to staff by a student, the offending student was immediately suspended upon verification of the facts, removed by police, and subsequently expelled after due process. They act quickly if there is cause. There is trust between students and staff that students don’t hesitate to go to them for help. I find this is a very positive environment to be in.