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Preschool through 5
Barcelona Hills Elementary School, located
in Mission Viejo, is a preschool-through-fifth-grade
campus with over 500 students.
Our unique student-centered learning environment
sets it apart from other schools around
the nation.
In 1997, Barcelona Hills was recognized
by the United States Department of Education
as a National Blue Ribbon School. This
prestigious award was bestowed on only
262 schools nationwide and was based on
Barcelona Hills’ ability to meet
rigorous standards in the following areas:
high academic standards and achievement,
teaching techniques, parent and community
support, leadership, learning environment
and organizational vitality. A group of
school representatives traveled to Washington
D.C. in the fall of 1998 to receive this
award, the highest honor which can be
given to a school. In 1993, the school
was named a California Distinguished School
as well. Only four percent of all elementary
schools in California are given this recognition.
Our principal and staff work together
to develop programs and classroom activities
that excite and motivate all learners.
The idea of shared leadership and a common
purpose create a highly effective organizational
structure. Meaningful relationships are
developed among administrators, teachers,
students, parents and the greater community.
Teachers are committed to providing our
students the academic and social skills
needed to live and work successfully in
today’s world. Students and staff
are continually recognized for their achievements.
At Barcelona Hills, innovative strategies
effectively address the use of time, space
and staffing. Teachers at each grade
level work and plan teaching techniques
together. Teachers in the grades four and five
“specialize” in a particular
content area and teach this subject to
the entire grade level. This strategy
capitalizes on the strengths and talents
of each teacher. On Wednesday ACE Days, teachers work in teams
to study student data that will lead to more effective instruction.
Technology is used in every area of the
curriculum at Barcelona Hills. Our school
is completely networked, allowing upper-grade
students to use the Internet as a tool
for learning. Computers are readily accessible
in all classrooms as well as a primary
computer lab. Children in grades K-3 are involved
in technology-based language arts and
mathematics programs. Upper-grade students
use computers 2-3 times weekly to enhance writing skills using
the Write Away! Program.
Barcelona Hills students, staff and parents
take an active role in our community.
Our school has great participation at
annual events such as the Mission Viejo
Red Ribbon Walk against Drugs. The school
has been awarded the city’s Walk
Against Drugs banner for several years
as a result of this excellent group attendance.
Students, parents and staff are strongly
connected to our school where there is
a true sense of “family.”
In fact, more than half of our teachers have been at the school
for more than fifteen years! A mutual commitment to the responsibility
of educating all children is evident throughout the community.
No children are better prepared to face the
challenges of the future than the students
of Barcelona Hills Elementary School.
- Fee-based
preschool
- Kindergarten
Plus Program
- Art
Masters
- B.E.A.R.
(Be Enthusiastic About Reading) Week
- Comprehensive
physical education program
- P.A.L. (Peer
Assistance Leadership)
- Environmental
field studies:
- 4th grade—Pilgrim Sail Into
the Past
- 5th grade —Outdoor Science
School
- Enrichment
Opportunities: AAA, after-school enrichment, student
council, reading and math intervention programs
- Character
education
- Active
parent involvement
- Block
Music
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