Hillside University Demonstration School - San Bernardino, CA

The staff at Hillside-University Demonstration Elementary School in San Bernardino, California opens their doors and hearts to all students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Neighborhood students, together with Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion magnet students, students with moderate to severe disabilities, public school of choice students, and University magnet students all come together to make up the diverse student body. Every person on campus is dedicated to the well-being of each student, and takes the time to get to know students personally. The Hillside Enrichment Academy, staffed by a Teaching Coach, classroom teachers, substitute teachers, educational assistants, and library aides provides daily small group and individual instruction both to students who need to build skills and to those who need more challenging work. Teachers at each grade level work collaboratively to plan and implement standards-based math and language arts lessons for all students at the grade level based upon their needs. Student progress is monitored weekly and every six weeks teachers adjust instructional groups to best meet the needs of every student. The parent center is staffed by a Program Facilitator who provides parents with a variety of learning opportunities to support their children. Parents also contribute their expertise and time through multiple volunteer opportunities, English Learners Advisory Council, School Site Council, Leadership Team, and PTA. In a city with the dubious distinction of being "the poorest in the nation," Hillside provides our children with a safe space where they will achieve academic excellence.