A Rich Tradition
We have been providing quality K-8 education since 1924! Our alumni have become attorneys, dentists, doctors, landscape gardeners, homemakers and health professionals. We are honored to have been part of their journey and instill in them the desire to serve others in their communities.
The Multi-Grade Advantage
We have two classrooms at our school: K-3 and 4-8.
You may be wondering how we can effectively teach that many grades at one time! You don’t have to worry. In fact, our teachers love the multi-grade setting and there are some unique advantages your children will experience in these rooms. These include:
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Stability
Having the same teacher for several years develops trust and gives your child a sense of emotional security. Your child will also receive better instruction because the teacher knows how your child learns best and their areas of strength and weakness and can provide targeted instruction to them.
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Flexibility
Students can easily take part in higher or lower level skills in particular subject areas instead of being locked into their grades’ curriculum.
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Collaborative
Older students are taught valuable leadership skills as they help younger students learn and this relationship helps the cognitive and social development of both younger and older students.
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Re-Teaching & Pre-Teaching
Older students benefit from “re-teaching” where they hear previously learned lessons which reinforces and clarifies their learning. Younger students benefit from “pre-teaching” where they “eavesdrop” on lessons for older students which stimulates and prepares their thinking for future lessons.
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Independence
Students are taught how to work independently and not be so reliant on others for learning.
Our Teachers
Michelle McKinstry
4-8 Grade Teacher
“Bloom where you’re planted.”
Michele McKinstry was born in Hawaii but has lived most of her life in Southern California. She earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Loma Linda University and has been an educator for her entire career. Her greatest joy in teaching stems from recognizing the uniqueness of each student and creating a safe space for curious minds to learn, grow, and discover.
In the summer (when she actually has some free time), you can find her reading, trying to grow tomatoes, catching Padre games, and enjoying suppers on the deck with extended family & friends.
Wendy Hidalgo
K-3 Grade Teacher/Principal
“FAITH. It’s all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will.”
Wendy Hidalgo is a San Diego native. She holds two BAs in Child Development and Sociology from Point Loma Nazarene University and UCLA. Wendy is currently completing a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance from PLNU. She has a passion for education and teaching. As an educator she finds herself in awe of her student’s growth and learning. Wendy loves to be in the classroom! She feels blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of her students every day.
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In the summer (when she actually has some free time), she enjoys road trips, bingeing on her favorite shows, reading, listening to music, finding great little coffee shops, Disneyland trips with her family and friends, and shopping!
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