ALBERT A. MICHELSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Albert A. Michelson Elementary is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Vallecito Union school district, located in Murphys, CA with about 214 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 12 teachers, Albert A. Michelson Elementary has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Albert A. Michelson Elementary, located in the historic gold-rush town of Murphys, California, serves as the primary educational hub for the Bret Harte Union High School District’s elementary-aged students. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert A. Michelson—who spent part of his childhood in the area—the school embodies a commitment to academic excellence and community-centered learning. Nestled in the scenic foothills of Calaveras County, the campus provides a rural, supportive atmosphere that emphasizes both traditional curriculum and the personal development of its students.

The school is well-regarded for its tight-knit community feel, where faculty and staff strive to foster a safe and inclusive environment for children in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Beyond its core academic programs, the school typically leverages its unique location to offer local enrichment opportunities, maintaining strong partnerships with parents and the surrounding Murphys community. By balancing a rigorous educational approach with a focus on character and local heritage, Albert A. Michelson Elementary plays a foundational role in preparing its students for success in high school and beyond.

For more information, contact Albert A. Michelson Elementary at (209) 728-3441 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.