Old Mill Elementary School

We have had a combined seven years of experience at Old Mill now, and we could not be happier with our experience. Our children have challenging learning differences as well as advanced academic abilities, and they have been accommodated on both sides beautifully by the faculty at the school. The classroom studies are interesting and at-home work is backed by research (which means reading, some projects, and NO busy work - thank goodness). They get 1-on-1 help when needed, thanks in large part to Kiddo! funding. There are also district-wide efforts to implement on a monthly basis positive character traits in students and their families. My only complaint about curriculum is that Old Mill Park isn't used more extensively in classroom projects. It is such a beautiful resource that's right across the street! At least parents and students make good use of it during after-school gatherings. Speaking of parents: this group of parents is wonderful. I have found so much support in other parents at the school. The friendships go beyond the usual carpool activities (though there is plenty of carpooling!). I have made most of my very best friendships here, and I think that is a result of the size of the school, our ability to volunteer together in the classrooms, and how kind these parents and their kids are in general. We absolutely love Old Mill.

My child has attended Old Mill from kindergarten through fifth Grade and has had an amazing, enriching experience. She is beyond academically and socially prepared for middle school thanks to the extraordinary teachers and staff. Truly a nirvana school for children.

Old Mill is a spectacular elementary school in the midst of an inspiring Mill Valley School School District. With 6 grades and less than 350 students, the community is close knit with teacher, parents and Principal closely connected on kids' best interests. We have 3 kiddos at Old Mill - all of our experiences with each child and each teacher have been stellar. Our staff makes us all feel like family and our principal connects at and individual and global level across our community aspirations / needs. Our front yard is the Mill Valley Creek and Playground, our back yard Mt. Tam. The PTA and local foundation, Kiddo!, help make differential experiences and learning (all arts, PE, music, poetry as well as things like "Mindfulness", "Shakespeare", "Dance") come to the classroom.

Okay, I will admit we are a 'well to do' family - HOWEVER: this school is full of the MOST SNOTTY and EGOTISTICAL parents and kids I ever knew! We went to private school last year and the people (parents AND kids!) were so much more evolved spiritually, intellectually and emotionally then almost anyone we came into contact at OMS last year. The parents here encourage their kids (boys in particular) to be 'alpha' and to dominate and be competitive - give me a break! They are little kids. To see how terribly 7 year old boys can be to other 7 year old boys was sickening. I'm saving my pennies to send my son back to private school because of the way these parents are raising their sons. It really makes me feel sorry for the kids that their parents are such wankers.

Old Mill has some great teachers and some not-so-great ones. The good ones are clustered in the lower grades. It benefits from Kiddo's support tremendously with great music, art, PE, and Library teachers. Unfortunately, as the smallest school in the district, it has the largest class sizes (25 in K and 3, where they are capped at around 20 in the other schools). Also, it is going through a rough patch (2010-11) with a new principal who is not well liked by faculty, staff, or parents. This is a decent public school that serves the middle of the curve. If your child is either gifted or in need of extra help and services, this may be a bad fit.