San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Elementary School

Grades Preschool - 5

School Vision

San Juan Elementary School will be a challenging and innovative learning environment where students achieve high academic standards; exercise good character; celebrate diversity; and where families, staff, and community members are actively involved inspiring students for continued success.

School Description

San Juan Elementary School, located directly across from the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, reflects California’s diversity as well as its vibrant future. One of California’s 140 original restructuring schools, San Juan Elementary continues to develop a model instructional program for approximately 630 Kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our instruction highlights second language acquisition, literacy and technology skills with a state-of-art computer lab. In collaboration with the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, students are able to participate in hands-on science activities, marine experiments, and field trips.

Since the 2004-2005 school year, San Juan Elementary School has offered  the innovative Two Way Language Immersion Program. This is a unique educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in two languages: English and Spanish. Native Spanish- and native English-speaking students study together, beginning in kindergarten, in this intensive K-12 program, to be biliterate in both languages.

All members of the San Juan School community share in the decision-making processes which directly impacts the school. Members of the School Site Council and the English Language Advisory Committee provide leadership and help implement the vision for the school community. Our school offers a variety of involvement opportunities for both parents and members of the community. Visitors and volunteers are given guidance and support at the Center for Student Success where many projects are coordinated including an annual Read-A-Thon and School Volunteer Day. Parent participation and involvement are the key to student success and parents are encouraged to become decision-makers within the school’s governance structure.

Our staff recognizes the importance of working collaboratively and providing an atmosphere where high academic and behavioral standards are encouraged. Our on-site Center for Student Success, in collaboration with community resources, provides many services to our students and their families, including an on-campus parent information center for counseling, health, academic interventions and student enrichment opportunities. San Juan also hosts an on-campus, state-funded preschool program, as well as a YMCA day care and program center.

Students at San Juan Elementary School are held accountable for their own learning and are given support, as necessary, during before and after school language, reading, and math classes. The Character Counts! program is the basis for student behavior. Students are recognized for demonstrating good values and citizenship. Students who excel academically are recognized each trimester in schoolwide assemblies. At San Juan School our students are preparing to be the leaders of the future.

Highlights and Specialized Programs:

  • Focus on literacy and high academic achievement
  • Two-Way Language Immersion Program
  • School wide technology enrichment
  • Internet access from all classrooms
  • Mandatory school uniforms
  • State-of-the-art computer lab
  • Before and after school intervention programs
  • Character Counts! program

Especially for Students:

  • Before- and after-school enrichment and tutoring classes
  • Peer Assistance Leadership program LEGO Academy of Science and Engineering
  • Student Council
  • Junior Master Gardeners
  • Meet the Masters art program
  • English Language Learner intervention program
  • State-funded preschool program
  • YMCA child care on site
  • Ocean Institute field trip opportunities and collaborative program
  • Annual Read-A-Thon

Especially for Parents:

  • PTA leadership opportunities
  • School Site Council English Language Advisory Committee
  • Grade level family classes
  • Parent university classes on site
  • Parent volunteer center
  • Health/nutrition programs
  • Parent involvement workshops

Center for Student Success

  • 21st-Century Community Learning Center
  • Access to culturally sensitive, bilingual mental health counseling
  • Referrals to various community agencies
  • Yearly on-site dental clinic
  • Bilingual community liaison
  • Holistic support of children and families with case-managed approach and “One-Stop” service delivery system
Phone: 866.805.0555