San Clemente
Bernice Ayer Middle School
Grades 6 - 8
Opened in 1998, Bernice Ayer Middle School is located in the Forster Ranch area of San Clemente. A caring, enthusiastic and experienced principal and teaching staff serve approximately 800 students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Our school is named in honor of San Clemente’s first school teacher, Bernice Ayer.
Our facility includes 19 spacious modular classrooms, three science labs, an art room, a technology processes lab, instructional and choral music rooms, a media center and computer lab, a multipurpose room with stage, athletic locker rooms and administrative offices. A joint-use park with a track, baseball diamond and playing fields is adjacent to our school and used for physical education classes. Our school is networked to provide the latest in technology access.
Our teachers work together in teams to plan instructional activities that are based on state standards and designed to integrate student learning and to make real-world connections. Basic skills are taught in a meaningful context, based upon the learning objectives of each subject area. Active learning strategies allow our students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to participate in collaborative inquiry, and to use the tools of technology. Instruction is child-centered and age appropriate. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are integrated into all content areas.
The electives offered at Bernice Ayer include foreign language, art, music, drama, computers, technology exploration, yearbook and journalism.
We work together as partners with parents to help students thrive during their middle school years. Making the transition from elementary school to high school is filled with changes and choices. Our staff is there to guide students through an exciting and challenging academic experience. Our school discipline plan is designed to create a positive learning environment and a safe school setting. We are extremely proud of our students’ behavior and the friendly campus atmosphere.
Homework Club and reading and math intervention programs assist those students who need extra help. Cocurricular activities enable students to be spirited participants in their school. Bernice Ayer has an active Associated Student Body (ASB) and a Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) group.
Parent and community involvement are critical to the success of Bernice Ayer. Every effort is made to keep our parents well informed of their child’s progress. Additionally, parents are encouraged to serve on site committees, as classroom volunteers and as chaperones for activities. Our staff welcomes parents as active partners in the education of their children.
Mission Statement:
It is the mission of Bernice Ayer Middle School to provide a wellrounded, challenging curriculum in a caring environment where instruction is student-centered and promotes academic growth for all students.
Program Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary team approach
- Active parent involvement
- Technology emphasis
- Positive reinforcement programs
- Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) program
- Accelerated Academic Achievement (AAA) program
- Special education
- English Language Development
- After-school tutoring, math and reading intervention program, homework club
- Academic competitions
- Visual and performing arts
- Active Associated Student Body
- Two-Way English/Spanish Immersion program
- Literacy classes
- Cross-age tutoring at Benedict Elementary School
- A.V.I.D.
- EBS (Effective Behavior Support)
- Teacher/student mentor program
- ESP (Educational Support Program)