Berkeley Parents Network: Piedmont Middle School

Berkeley Parents Network

Piedmont Middle School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Piedmont Public Schools > Piedmont Middle School

March 2009

We'd love to get some current input on Piedmont schools, especially middle and high school. We have the opportunity to move to the district and the concern we have is that it will be too academically intense for our child who's spent her elementary years in a small private school. The academic setting hasn't been so easy for her and we worry about it being geared towards the high-achievers. What about kids who need some help -- not special ed, but extra support? Do these kids suffer from self-esteem issues? Would a place like Berkeley be better because there's more diversity, both academically and socially? Thank you for your insights! Worried mom

I think Piedmont middle school is good. It is small and personal and the teachers are responsive to the students and parents. Not all the students are super high achievers. There is a wide variety of students and parents and there is a Middle School parent group that meets to discuss issues with middle schoolers. Amount of homework depends on the teacher. I went to Berkeley public schools, though it was many years ago, and it is easy to fall through the cracks and get behind. Piedmont Middle School mom

I would not worry about the curriculum being too difficult for your child if she is a middle of the class student academically. The curriculum is not geared toward high-achievers at all; in fact, quite the reverse. I have children in both the middle and high-schools and it has been a problem that they have not been challenged. There is, however, I believe a lot of pressure among the students (driven by some of the parents) to participate in too many activities. I don't think that this is specific to Piedmont however. The biggest issue for your daughter, especially in middle school and less so in high school, may be the social scene. Middle school seems that it can be tough socially for girls (I have boys- hopefully the mom of a girl will respond.) I do not know your socioeconomic status, but Piedmont skews high in that regard. Although we are not among the wealthiest by any means, we are certainly comfortable and constantly working to make sure our kids know how good we all have it. It can be an uphill battle when they have many friends who routinely travel extensively, have all the latest expensive electronic gadgets, etc. On the good side, there is a strong emphasis on community service and recognizing and respecting diversity. And in general the neighborhoods and schools are safe places. The high school is particularly strong in the performing and fine arts. And contrary to popular belief, Piedmont is strongly Democratic and we have become friends with many interesting folks. Piedmont Mom

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