Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School in Los Angeles

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	10/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: March 10, 2026

Not everything was perfect at Holmes Middle School, but it is never the expectation from a middle school. Teachers are available to sit with you and discuss your child's academic performance which is a big part of monitoring the child's progress.

Posted: March 10, 2026

Posted: May 10, 2023

My child attended from 2019 to 2021 when I moved her. Online teaching was an absolute disaster and no one at the school would work with my child who was having major mental health issues. The assignments were multiple and inappropriate for the time they were expected to do them. This school says they are "accelerated" but they just give a lot of work. That isn't for gifted...that's busy work.

My child was threatened 2 times with sexual assault and the school did absolutely NOTHING for my child except have the other kids apologize to my child. Ridiculous. My child had to go to therapy for this and the school did nothing to protect her.

Teachers didn't work with parents or students to improve grades. if a child fails, that's it. No help. No caring. No compassion. My child hated going to school. her depression was thick. The school did not care at all.

I moved her to a new MS the 2nd semester of her 8th grade year and she SOARED! She loved going to school and ended her MS career with straight As. She was getting Ds at Holmes without any help or intervention from teachers. They do not care.

Now my child is in HS and doing amazing. Thank god for getting out of HOLMES. it's awful.

Posted: May 10, 2023

Posted: May 5, 2023

I love this school with all of my heart, but over the years I have spent at Oliver Wendell Holmes middle school the kids can be a little mean. I love all the teachers especially Ms. Neilson the music teacher. My experience here is concluding very soon as I am an eighth grader getting prepared to culminate. I would always recommend this school to other students and hope that all the students that attend here will enjoy and also love it just like I did!

Posted: May 5, 2023

Posted: March 25, 2023

My son attended this school for 6th grade only due to the lack of safety at this school. This school continuously has fights every week. The leadership by the Principal does not support a healthy learning environment for students. The lack of discipline certainly didnt match what incident occurred. My child felt fear every time he entered campus and he did not get support from the staff that he should have. It is unfortunate that students here do not get the education they deserve.

Posted: March 25, 2023

Posted: June 13, 2022

My son just completed grades 6-7-8 at Holmes. Amazing, great experience. The staff is wonderful; the total experience was uplifting. Highly recommended!

Posted: June 13, 2022

Posted: January 1, 2022

My daughter attends this school and she loves it. She has joined 4 clubs and she says her teachers care and make learning fun. I am weekly informed ( by the principal) about events and my daughters teachers send me messages and seem to really care about my daughters success. She is in an accelerated math program and she enjoys her math class and the lessons. She is glad she attends Holmes. I am impressed with this school. My daughter is really excelling here. On top of learning a ton and earning great grades she is learning to play the guitar in her elective class. I am a happy parent.

Posted: January 1, 2022

Posted: June 11, 2021

My daughter who recently graduated started she will be missing her teachers. She enjoyed her time at this school. Of course like any other schools, there may be some hiccups, but it would be resolved amicably.
I loved their Robotics class as my daughter was very much into itamd continue wantung to learn more even after school.

Posted: June 11, 2021

Posted: May 24, 2021

While I cant speak about all of the teachers, I would just like to say that their magnet program has some of the best teachers Ive ever had. They are engaging and understand how to teach in a variety of ways that work for a number of students. If youre looking for a magnet to send your students to, dont hesitate to apply here. You will not regret it.

Posted: May 24, 2021

Posted: April 15, 2021

I Love this school So much I highly recommend going here with great teachers and great class's even when covid 19 was around.

Posted: April 15, 2021

Posted: December 7, 2020

This is the best school you would ever go to! I love it... the teachers are nice and they get you prepared for high school. The principal check on people and how they are doing she also gets to know them just like the counselors! Bullying isn't allowed at the school and everyone is told the consequences.. everyone is very nice there especially the teachers like Mr.waitly who is really funny.

Posted: December 7, 2020

Posted: July 23, 2020

The teachers are excellent, especially Ms. Karathanas and Mr. Waitley.

Posted: July 23, 2020

Ms. D'Aloisio is a fantastic principal. She gets to know the students and responds quickly to emails and phone calls. The same for the counselors.

Posted: July 23, 2020

My daughter was traumatized by bullying at her old school. We moved her here to Holmes and she LOVES it. They make learning fun.

Posted: April 12, 2020

I am very happy to have my daughter at Holmes MS although this year is her last year. My daughter has grown to be dedicated to her studies and loves music thanks to Ms. Nielson. She has inspired my daughter to continue music classes even in high school. Thank you Ms. Nielson for all your hard work and dedication. I hope that the music program continues to grow just as it has in such short time. I also thank all the other teachers and staff for all that you do every day.

Posted: April 12, 2020

Teachers do a great job of setting the ground in 6th grade and I feel it becomes easier in 7th and 8th grades, if your student is organized.

Posted: April 12, 2020

I really liked how teachers assigned assignments daily and prepared my daughter for high school. I really loved how the electives, such as music and drama brought to my daughter a love for the arts. Thank you Ms. Nielson for all the support and such terrific teaching. I loved the music program and their winter and spring concerts.

Posted: April 12, 2020

Students are always encouraged to use the school norms, to be respectful, to be kind, and show respect to everyone.

Posted: April 12, 2020

Students are encouraged to stand up for themselves and bullying is not allowed.

Posted: April 8, 2020

I am very happy to have my son at this school. The teachers are very involved. My son has been in the Mariachi program and the music instructor, Ms. Neilson, is amazing. She gives her all for the students and the music program. I am amazed at all that she does with them and how well they all progress.

Posted: April 8, 2020

Posted: April 7, 2020

Holmes is a great middle school. The teachers are awesome, all staff is helpful, and there are lots of great programs. A couple of teachers who stand out and go above and beyond are Ms. Neilson, who does a fantastic job with the music program at Holmes, and Ms. Albaeck who does so much for Robotics, the students in SIA and NJHS.

Posted: April 7, 2020

Posted: April 6, 2020

I would rate it 5 stars. The teachers are wonderful. The school has high academic standards.

Posted: April 6, 2020

Perfect! My two kids were/are students from here! I would recommend to anyone. Ms. Neilson & Mr. Delgado are the best.

Posted: December 15, 2019

Excellent experience! We moved from the east coast and coming to this school has been a very smooth transition for me and my daughter. The school system was quite different from what we were use to, but we did feel ostracized. Great teachers and spectacular principal, Ms. D'Aloisio!

Posted: December 15, 2019

Most of the teachers give daily homework, which to me keep students on track.

Posted: December 15, 2019

The teachers are loving and encouraging to the students, they help the students to progress and excel.

Posted: December 15, 2019

Always teaching students to do team work and respect other team members.

Posted: December 15, 2019

Students are thought to always be of good example and lead in positive ways.

Posted: December 15, 2019

Other students intervene before the situation gets ugly and this I believe is based on what they are thought in school. Encouraging each other that bullying is not acceptable.

Posted: December 14, 2019

Teachers are very good and have a very good relationship with the students.

Posted: December 14, 2019

Principal Dalosio leads the school by example, she is always willing to make necessary changes to school policy to help the students. In addition the teachers are also good leaders and encourage the students to participate in school and extracurricular activities.

Posted: December 14, 2019

I see that students respect each other and make good connection with one another. My son is very quiet and I was afraid of bullying in middle school, buy I was so surprised to see that this school allowed him to make so many friends and bullying was never an issue.

Posted: December 14, 2019

Excellent, this is one of the best schools in the valley. I researched schools around the area and to me this was the best choice based not just in the academic success, but also the student's experience. Students at Holmes feel appreciated and develop personal connections to other students and teachers. I think that all the extracurricular activities paired with the school focusing on children individually and encouragement of participation.

Posted: December 13, 2019

Posted: June 15, 2018

Most of the years spent here, were for the most part positive. It has not been until recently (last two years ) that I have become less confident in the structure of the school. First, I would like to point out the excellent math/science teachers in both schools, Mr. Sherman (retired), Mr Gonzalez (such a good human being in addition to supportive and knowledgable) Mrs Cao, Mr Park, Mrs. Thames and Mr. DiCristina, these people were not only teachers but had such a good bond with kids.
My main concern, though, has to do with the lack of confidence and the micromanaging of teachers. Kids hear and see the undermining that many teachers have felt with the new admin. Although, her intentions may be good, a good relationship and trust is important. This last open house was not like the others. It was sad and empty and I didn't feel the same "Holmesly"feeling as in the previous years. My child and friends have said that the teachers were not happy. Yes, you can say admin brought in Saturday school, which benefited many, but what about more than one Algebra 1 class so more than 40 kids could benefit. Most other middle schools do this and more. The Math program (not the teachers) needs improvement. Communication is important as the Student council elections had to be done twice and all the hard work in the initial one was for nothing. At culmination this year, it was also apparent of the decrease in qualified students, and when the principal makes the speech all about her rather than the class, it does show her lack of knowing them. The atmosphere of the school has changed. We were there literally only five minutes after and were were told by staff (I think a TA) that we had to leave because they were no longer students of the school.
I do believe that some of the new things brought in such as EAGLE night, ACE award night, an actual night school dance, and Saturday School are all great but it is in the manner that it is done. I no longer have kids at Holmes but I do have siblings that have gone there in the past and I know the potential . I just hope this admin takes into account the validity of her staff and makes more meaningful choices on the changes she wants to implement. I admire how far she has come but ego has to be aside a little bit to improve the choices in curriculum and motivate her staff.

Posted: June 15, 2018

Posted: May 27, 2018

loved the staff especially the Principal, Ms. Celest, Ms Cao and Mrs Duran.

Posted: May 27, 2018

Posted: April 13, 2018

Homework is focused on practice. Homework is practice you learned from school not somewhere else.

Posted: April 13, 2018

The teachers find new and entertaining ways for students to remember what is taught.

Posted: April 13, 2018

The principal is constantly communicating with teachers for making the best learning experience for the students

Posted: April 13, 2018

8 out 10. Students and teachers are all very supportive.

Posted: October 16, 2017

I have had two children at Holmes MS in the Humanities Magnet. It is easy to look at reviews and make quick judgments. It's always best to tour the school and make your own decisions, however, I did want to let you know about our experience at Holmes. Under the leadership of the new principal, Mrs. Hahn D'Aloisio, I have seen great changes occurring at Holmes. Since her arrival the test scores have risen and I know that they will continue to rise. She has implemented Saturday school for students who did not meet or nearly met the standards. She is in every single classroom at the school, observing the students and teachers. She uses what she learns to create new programs and make necessary changes. Change is not easy, but it is vital to making Holmes the very best school it can be! You can feel the renewed energy at the school and the kids are eager to learn. Of course, NO school can truly succeed without the help of the parents and Holmes could really use some support from the families. I encourage you to check out Holmes as it truly is evolving into an amazing school!

Posted: August 9, 2017

Terrible across the board, My son came there from a great school and should have excelled but it is a perfect example of bad teaching and lack of intention.Not to mention they do nothing about bullies. This school is a joke.

Posted: July 26, 2017

Teachers do not understand what kids with ADHD go through. They DO have trouble focusing and tend to fidget with things around them. So I suggest the teachers to leave them alone for God's sake and DON'T YELL AT THEM. I had a kid in my class with ADHD and he was always yelled at pretty much everyday and his schedule was changed entirely.

Posted: July 26, 2017

I was a student at this school. Some teachers are kind and can be your best friend (shoutout to Ms. Meza!) But others have no sympathy or empathy. In my science class in 7th grade, the substitute teacher yelled at a girl for CRYING IN CLASS. Shouldn't the teachers be more caring and compassionate? The PE teachers know what they're doing but a certain one made me feel like garbage. She was not supportive at all.
Also, I must say that teachers should ask the parents or the child if anything is wrong if they're not catching up on work INSTEAD OF YELLING AT THEM. It has happened to me. Trust me. Especially for people with depression and/or anxiety. It's hard on them if they're yelled at.
Teachers should be understanding and not some brick wall that gives mountains of projects and homework.
Am I not correct? They don't know a child's past. They're just a child so let them be one.

Posted: April 1, 2017

Very hard to work with staff to assist child. Not all staff is up to standards in technolofy, meaning you can only reach them by letter or by phone. Even though it is a 24 hour response time, you may not hear back within that time frame. Some teachers seem very overwhelmed and are not likely to be happy with a parents desire to assist them with their childs learning.

Posted: March 30, 2017

There are many great aspects to this school but one of the best is principal Hanh Kim D'Aloisio. She is phenomenal! She is intelligent, approachable, has great ideas and visions for this school, has excellent leadership skills and most importantly truly cares about the students at the school. She has raised the bar and expects great things from the students as well as the teachers and administration. She greets the students at the front of the school every morning, rain or shine. She observes the students and teachers in the classroom environment, reinforces positive behavior and tries to get to know the students during recess and lunch. Holmes middle school is very lucky to have her and I think the school has the potential to be one of the best under her leadership.

Posted: September 18, 2015

My child is in the Humanities Magnet and we are simply thrilled with her educational experience thus far. She is in the 7th grade now and the teachers are phenomenal! Mr. Park is a fantastic math teacher and he truly believes that a strong foundation in middle school will prepare the students for high school mathematics. The exploratory wheels are really interesting and the extras like Robotics and Battle of the Books are terrific! Choosing a middle school can be tough, but we are so happy with Holmes Humanities Magnet!

Posted: September 18, 2015

Posted: August 3, 2015

My daughter was accepted in the 6th grade Humanities Magnet program. She came from a one year public and all of the prior years private background. The best experience so far in her studying happened at Holmes Middle School. She loves her 6th grade Magnet teachers , proud and excited about her school. The middle of the school year she was moved to Honor Magnet. That move give her even more motivation to study hard. She is looking forward to start 7th grade at Holmes. Thank you for all the excellent teachers at 6th grade magnet. Highly recommended.

Posted: May 12, 2014

This is my sons first year(6th grade) at Holmes and he has really excelled at this school. He's in the magnet program and yes lots of homework and projects, but it's expected, after all it is middle school. He does have an I.E.P and the RSP teacher is the best. Answers my email and returns calls in a timely manner. Teachers address your concerns and answer email rather quickly. My son could've gone to Portola, but I chose this school because of the academics. He's very happy here. I'm hoping 7th grade will be just as good if not better.

Posted: December 28, 2013

The Humanities Magnet program seems very good. The grading system is very confusing and complicated. It is easy for teachers and students to make mistakes and the teachers are not the ones to back down on this. (They will blame the students over their own mistakes.) . Middle school is a rough time for students; the school does not have any problems with bullies and the kids are pretty nice. I feel that the teachers are over worked and need teacher aides and a better grading system. Also a better student / parent support.system. They offer band and have a good PE program.

Posted: June 30, 2013

My school is amazing ! Im a 7th grader about to be an 8th grader because its summer (YAY) at Holmes in the SAS Honors Program ! This school is awesome, I recommend for all kids of all races. This school is truly wonderful and so are the teachers, just watch out for teachers like Mrs. Hirsh, Mrs. Carr, and Mrs. Yuen. They're great teachers (especially Mrs. Yuen) but they're EXTREMELY strict and can be just a little bit mean but you will only get them if you get into SAS Honors! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE ! AND TO MY FELLOW 8TH GRADERS: I MISS YOU XD

Posted: June 4, 2013

This school amazing! The teachers are great and they teach step by step throughout the year. My child is now in 8th grade and loved her experience as a 6th grader and 7th . The staff is completely helpful to you and to your child. And for the dress code , there's only navy and white collar shirts you're allowed to wear. You obviously CAN wear jeans! My child wears jeans to school , of course . Overall , I think this a good school to send your child to!

Posted: June 11, 2012

Love this school! My second child is in 7th grade and we chose Holmes based on the positive experiences we had when our first child attended. Best kept secret in the valley! Great teachers and an amazing new Principal!

Posted: March 19, 2012

my children are in grade 6 in the SAS program. The school is perfect, but the problem is some of the teachers. I heard that some teachers yell at the kids. Teachers also do not explain assignments or homework to do. Each class must be supervised so they do not have these problems. Otherwise the school is perfect and the programs they have are excellent. There are teachers that are excellent and love their jobs.

Posted: January 25, 2012

My child is in 8th grade at Holmes, and it's been a great experience overall. Some bullying in 6th grade, but it's almost disappeared entirely by 8th grade. I don't know what the 1/23/12 poster is talking about. Jeans are a part of the written dress code; my child wears them every single day. Also, her classmates participate in after school sports and teams. They have lockers, but they don't use them for a reason. I'm sorry this child was bullied and left after one day, but in my child's experience Holmes has been good about disciplining bullies. I've found that, although they are urged to let teachers know about bullying, many kids don't, for fear of being labeled a "snitch."

Posted: January 22, 2012

Just might possibly be the worst school ever. Scratch that, it is DEFINITELY the worst school ever! I came from private school (big mistake) and only lasted a day until I was offered drugs, bullied, and yelled at by a teacher (profanities). I tried the next day, and it was even worse. I had a kid in my HONORS ENGLISH class who literally knew NO english whatsoever. So my teacher translated to spanish. There were no sports teams, after school activities, or lockers. Not even books for everyone. There are just about a million kids who are all mean. I have no trouble making friends but people were SO mean! The food was horrid, and you can't wear jeans! (?????) I ended up crying and going back to my school that I am so happy to have. PLEASE DO NOT send your kids here!

Posted: November 15, 2011

I am digusted with the treatment of my child! This is my third child to go through this school. Last year my daughter had the best English teacher and the best Algebra teacher. I was hoping that my youngest would have the same experience. Instead, his 7th grade year has been disappointing and traumatizing! Some crazy woman who is allowed to insult and belittle the students has taken over the honor English, and my sons math class has been changed three times! There are hardly any electives or activities. Although my other two children had great experiences at Holmes...this year leaves a lot to be desired.

Posted: October 13, 2011

My son came here in the 7th grade and is now an 8th grader. With the expception of 1 teacher last year, his teachers have been awesome! Especially this year. He is in 2 honors classes and the rest of his classes he has excelled in. He also is involved in the after school sports programs and loves them as well. His councilor is great and very on top of it.

Posted: July 19, 2011

Horrible school. Have taken my children out. Rude unresponsive admin staff and terrible teachers who think nothing of yelling or grabbing the children.

Posted: July 7, 2011

I was a 6th grader at this school for 2010-2011. This school is a very strict school. Most teachers violently scream at the students. The attendance office staff are rude and disrespectful to students and parents. Although some of the other staff and teachers treat kids nicely. This school thinks that they are doing the right thing but in reality they are disrespecting the students! also teachers will asume you did everything bad and you did the the bad things. i suggest DO NOT take your children to this school. And this is out of my own expirience.

Posted: June 14, 2011

I am a 6th grader at Holmes Middle School and i am here to tell you something from the inside. Students talk about inapprobriate things. They also use foul language. If you believed what they said you would not want your children to attend. As a 6th grader i hear a lot of things and to tell truth it was gross! The teacher do not support children and they yell at them. They are aggresively strict. if your child didn't even do anything the teachers would find a way to blame it on them. I am telling you for your own good. That's what I think of MY school. Also the P.E teachers are really strict too. I once took a long time changing and one of the teachers threatened to keep me after schoool to sweep. I am a girl. In conclusion send your kids to a different school 2011

Posted: April 16, 2011

My daughter attends this school, is in the 6th grade SAS portion of the student body. So far, so good. She has made new friends, and has kept in touch with her grade school ones as well. The teacher's that she currently has, have been very supportive, and she is very happy. I will not tolerate bullying or ineffective teachers. If you are involved, you will receive what you need. Do not be a complacent parent. Get involved with activities, and participate in all fundraisers.

Posted: February 11, 2011

I am a student at Holmes MS. I have been tormented by a few classmates, and other kids in the school who I have never met before. Some teachers use profanity in the classrooms. Though the SAS Program is excellent when it comes to academics, some teachers are inexperience, and the curriculum seems to difficult for them to handle themselves. The Magnet Program in good as well, but they offer the same curriculum as the Regular students. The teachers should be more aware to what's happening outside of the classrooms too, as well as the inside.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Northridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Northridge	CA	0.7 mi
2	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	24.3 mi
3	Foothill Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	31.3 mi
4	Camarillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	31.7 mi
5	Del Prado Town Homes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Camarillo	CA	32.9 mi
6	RiverPark	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	38.4 mi
7	Hollywood Beach	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oxnard	CA	41.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Central Camarillo	Camarillo	CA	31.7 mi
2	Oxnard	Oxnard	CA	38.6 mi
3	Ventura	Ventura	CA	41.5 mi

Base	Distance
Los Angeles AFB	23.4 mi.
Point Mugu NAS - Naval Base Ventura County	35.2 mi.
Los Alamitos JFTB	36.3 mi.
Port Hueneme - Naval Base Ventura County	40.2 mi.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station	41.4 mi.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School

Los Angeles, CA 91325

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Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School

Los Angeles, CA 91325

School Ratings

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