Fairmeadow Elementary School

500 East Meadow Dr.

Palo Alto, CA 94306

    Fairmeadow School, one of twelve elementary schools in the Palo Alto Unified School District, embodies a diverse group of students with varied needs and backgrounds. About 400 Pre-K through 5th grade students receive their education at Fairmeadow, including students enrolled in the on-campus nationally recognized Jackson Hearing Center. Most hearing-impaired children attending the JHC program spend part of their instructional time mainstreamed into regular classes. The school serves families from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds; minority students comprise 37% of the student body.

    Around fifty students receive English as a Second Language instruction: 70% of these students are enrolled in the K-2 grades. Collectively, the students speak 10 different languages.

    The school motto, Learning is a Team Sport, exemplifies the educational philosophy that directs Fairmeadow's child-centered environment. Fairmeadow features a team approach to learning. Fairmeadow staff members value a balanced educational program that encourages children to grow as individuals, but enables them to assume responsibility for their role within a group. The children, the teachers, support staff, parents, and the community all contribute to the team effort of supporting learning.

Students' Needs:

    Some students have special needs. Fairmeadow Elementary does all they can to cater to each students individual need.

    K-3 students benefit from an Early Intervention for School Success (EISS) developmental program.

    Classroom Aides provide assistance to the teacher and students in every classroom.

    Teachers provide lunch time tutorial assistance in the library on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in the Booster Club.

    For students who need some extra assistance with work, Booster Tutors provide two one-half hour sessions per week for five weeks. The tutors are usually the classroom aides or retired senior volunteers.

    Club House group sessions focus on building self-esteem, group cohesion, and cooperation.

    GATE: The district Gifted and Talented Education teacher assists teachers, parents and children in designing independent and small-group projects.

    Adult and student volunteers from the community assist teachers and students in every classroom.

    Youth Community Service Volunteers from J. L. Stanford and Jordan Middle School work in classrooms on a regular basis assisting teachers and students.

English Language Development

    An ELD teacher provides individual and group assistance to students not fluent in English.

    Language tutors provide in class assistance to students in their native language as they work to learn English.

Student Study Team

    Classroom teachers and parents, assisted by the principal and support staff, work together to discuss teaching strategies and interventions for children referred for help.

Special Education

    A resource teacher provides individual, group, and classroom assistance.

    A speech language teacher contributes individual and small group assistance.

    A psychologist furnishes testing, consultation, and limited clinical assistance.

    The Jackson Hearing Program provides instruction and service for children who are hearing impaired.

Fairmeadow'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:

    Fairmeadow School rules are based on respect for ourselves and others, personal safety, and responsible behavior. Guidelines are provided to students and parents in the Parent Handbook. Teachers review rules the first week and throughout the year. At the first assembly of the school year the Principal reviews behavior and safety standards.

    Several activities contribute to school and playground safety. The fifth grade Fairmeadow Safety Patrol helps younger children moving from their classes to the bus stop, daycare program or crossing nearby streets. Fifth grade students assist first and second graders at lunchtime. Third-grade children participate in a bicycle safety program presented by the Palo Alto Fire Department. The playground structure, noon sports, and various multi-aged activities provide students with a variety of choices during lunch break.

    Earthquake preparedness is a priority. We have a well thought out disaster plan and store emergency equipment and supplies, hold regular earthquake and fire drills, and discuss with students what they should do. Nearly all of the teachers are trained in First Aid and CPR training.

Fairmeadow Elementary School's Mission Statement

"Fairmeadow School will develop and support an educational environment which respects diversity and creativity, challenging students to achieve their full potential."

Back to Palo Alto Schools