Grades: Preschool through 5

The mission of Las Palmas Elementary School, in partnership with our parents and the community, is to empower students to achieve the highest academic, social and linguistic skills needed to give them an edge now and in the future. As a result, Las Palmas is proud to be recognized as a California Distinguished School.

Our instructional programs focus on academic achievement, bilingual proficiency and technological aptitude. Our teaching staff has high expectations for all students as they master the challenging Capistrano Objectives for Reaching Excellence (CORE) curriculum.

Las Palmas strives to maintain a learning environment in which our students achieve social sophistication through a focus on academics and multi-language communication expertise. Our teachers, parents and students all know and agree on instructional standards and a school wide discipline policy.

Computer and Multimedia Center

At Las Palmas, technology is a tool used by students to access information and communicate their knowledge.

The computer lab has 33 iMac computers, multimedia stations, laser discs, printers, scanners and video accessories, including digital cameras, camcorders and editing equipment. All classrooms are networked and have technology learning centers. The lab and classrooms have SuccessMaker software to offer Computer Assisted Instruction that provides math and reading problems at each students’ individual learning level. The SuccessMaker software catalogs student work, keeps data and monitors each students’ progress.

Members of the community, parents, staff and students have access to the Las Palmas technology lab before and after school and during scheduled evening classes.

Two-Way Language Immersion Program

Our award-winning Two-Way Language Immersion program was first offered at Las Palmas and is now also available at San Juan Elementary School. This program offers our students a unique and exciting opportunity to attain the priceless gift of fluency and literacy in two languages: English and Spanish. The program was started in September 1992 with a grant from the United States Department of Education.

Students begin in kindergarten and continue in the program through grade 5. A variety of teaching strategies, learning materials and activities enhance the students’ academic learning, language acquisition and social skills. Families can continue the Two-Way program for grades 6-8 at Bernice Ayer Middle School in San Clemente.

School district standards, aligned with state standards, and grade-level competencies are taught in all subject areas at all levels. Our program focuses on academic excellence and literature in both languages throughout the curriculum.

The Two-Way Immersion program is voluntary and families must apply to enter due to high demand.

Highlights:

• California Distinguished School
• 1998 CABE Academic Seal of Excellence Award
• Acclaimed Two-Way Language Immersion program
• State alternative school waiver for Two-Way program
• Character Counts Program
• Accelerated Academic Achievement (AAA) program for gifted students
• State-of-the-art technology lab and library.
• California Reads Recreational Reading Program
• Mandatory uniform dress code
• Highly trained and educated teachers: more than 85% hold Language Acquisition Credentials and/or Master’s degrees
• Full-time, credentialed technology and AAA resource teacher
• School-sponsored extracurricular programs.

Other Links:

• Visit our School Web site
• View the School Accountability Report Card