In a statement released by Schools Chief O’Connell, “These outstanding elementary schools represent many different kinds of communities, organizational structures, and student populations. Sixty-four of these schools come from small, rural communities, 11 are charter schools, and nearly half (156 schools) have significant populations of students living in poverty and are supported by federal Title I funding. Most heartening, many of the schools we are recognizing today as the ‘best of the best’ have overcome significant educational challenges, showing that it is possible to provide opportunities for success to all students.”

According to the schools distinguished school application, “It is the mission of Northlake Hills Elementary School to provide academic, social and emotional growth for the whole child. We strive to enhance achievement, to build personal strengths and to promote life-long learning and a positive self-concept by providing a safe and healthy environment in which the whole child can learn. The focus of our school plan is best expressed by our goals: (1) a state standards-driven instructional and assessment program, focusing on reading, writing, and mathematics; (2) examination of student work, focusing on creative thinking and problem solving, using assessment results to guide instruction; and (3) focusing on the needs of the whole child by teaching effective communication and character education.”

Teachers and staff at Northlake explain the success of the students and the school as follows; “Students at Northlake Hills are engaged in a vibrant, balanced, standards-based curriculum which meets or exceeds district and state standards. Northlake uses assessment data to focus instructional conversations, drive curriculum, develop instructional strategies, and identify gaps in student achievement. A profound sense of pride was experienced by all stakeholders when dramatic growth was reflected in recent API Scores with an overall improvement from 821 in 2006 to 842 in 2007.

Two of our struggling significant sub-groups: Hispanic/Latino and Socio-economically Disadvantaged grew significantly, increasing 41 points and 56 points respectively. Success is at least partially due to our newly implemented ExCEL Program in Reading and Language Arts, which insures that students are assessed regularly and leveled according to data, with instruction tailored to address specific skills and meet individual needs. Innovative curriculum in other content areas enhances the ExCEL Reading and Language Arts program.

Since instruction honors the needs of the whole child, teachers and administrators recognize the value of instruction by credentialed P.E. and Music Specialists and have prioritized funding for those services.  

Instruction for all students occurs in an inclusive environment whenever possible to provide educational equity, encourage respect for individual differences, and build self-esteem.”

When asked about achieving distinguished school status, Principal Bob Brauneisen shared; “Having Northlake Hills Elementary School recognized as a California Distinguished School in its fifth year of existence is a great honor for everyone who worked, and continues to work, so hard to make Northlake Hills a special place to learn and grow. I’m proud to be the principal of Castaic’s newest California Distinguished School.”

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