A California Distinguished School, the Joe Michell campus is a neighborhood school located at the center of a middle to lower middle class area in Livermore. It is one of 12 schools in the district to have an API score of 800 or higher.
The school's neighborhood is home to a very diverse population. The school includes a significant Hispanic subgroup and many children on campus qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Specialized programs on campus include Literacy Studio, Kid Connection, Instrumental Music, Running and Environmental Education. In addition, piano lessons are provided by the Oakland East Bay Symphony.
The campus also has a strong after school enrichment program with classes on chess, art, Lego and robotics, African drumming, dance and cheerleading.
The school, which uses an eagle as its mascot, was built in 1961. Its school colors are blue and white. Angela Ehrlich is the school principal.