Escondido Elementary School

890 Escondido Rd.

Stanford, CA 94305

    Approximately 30% of Escondido students are residents of Stanford University's graduate student family housing in Escondido Village, 60% reside in two nearby Palo Alto neighborhoods: College Terrace and Evergreen Park, and about 10% come from other areas in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. The ethnic composition of the school is 36% minorities (Hispanic, Asian, African-American, Native American, and Pacific-Islander), and 64% Caucasian.

    Escondido children represent 30 countries and speak more than 20 different languages. Compared to other schools in the district, Escondido has the highest percentage of students who speak a language other than English. Due to the international population, Escondido emphasizes global awareness and multicultural education. Escondido teachers help children develop an awareness of and an appreciation for various cultures and holidays through assemblies, visitors, music, art, and other activities. The school encourages each child to reach their greatest personal potential through a nurturing child-centered environment.

Students' Needs:

     Some students have special needs. Escondido has many programs to satisfy these needs. These programs include:

Reading Recovery: One-on-one instruction to identified first graders. Paid partially with State funding through the Miller-Unruh program.

GATE: The district Gifted And Talented Education teacher assists teachers in designing and implementing independent and small group projects.

English Language Development: provides intensive English language instruction to students whose native language is other than English. Students learning English also receive some tutorial support in their native languages.

Escondido's Scores on California Standardized Tests

Scores range from 1-99. A score of 99 indicates that the school scored higher than 99 percent of the other public schools in California. All scores are from "McCormack's Guides '99."

School Safety:

    Escondido School rules are based on respect for ourselves and others, personal safety, and responsible behavior. Specific guidelines are provided to students and their parents during the first week of school. The playground is supervised by teachers at recess, and three noon supervisors at lunch. 

    Students contribute to the school; fifth graders serve on the Escondido Safety Patrol. They help younger children cross nearby streets safely while learning responsibility. Fourth and fifth grade students serve as "Globetrotters" who help other students solve playground conflicts by "talking it out." They also assist first and second grade classes as "Lunch Helpers." Third-grade children also participate in a bicycle safety program presented by the Palo Alto Fire Department.

    Emergency preparedness is a priority. Escondido has a disaster plan, stores equipment and supplies, holds regular earthquake and fire drills, and discusses with students what they should do in an emergency. They also update selected staff members with First Aid and CPR training.

    A school Traffic Safety Committee works closely with the district and city.

Escondido Elementary School Mission Statement:

"We believe it is our responsibility to help children become:

Logical thinkers and creative problem-solvers who are ethical and compassionate toward others

Lifelong learners with the self-confidence, motivation and skills to achieve personal goals as contributors to society

Keepers of our planet Earth with an appreciation for cultural diversity and an understanding of our limited resources"

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