Monterey Heights STEAM Academy: A Proud Community School

At Monterey Heights STEAM Academy, we are proud to enter our fourth year (2026–2027) as a California Community School. Our commitment extends beyond academics—we believe every child deserves access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Through strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and local agencies, we are creating a school where every Eagle has the opportunity to succeed.

As we continue to strengthen our Community School model, we remain dedicated to the four pillars of the California Community Schools Framework while expanding innovative programs that enrich the educational experience for all students.

Integrated Student Supports

We recognize that students learn best when their basic needs are met. Through our Community School partnerships, Monterey Heights provides resources and services that support the whole child and the entire family. Some of our initiatives include:

• A Family Laundry Room, providing free access to laundry facilities for families in need.
• Schoolwide wellness and family support services.
• Community partnerships that connect families with valuable resources and assistance.
• Programs that promote students' social-emotional well-being and overall success.

Expanded Learning Opportunities

Monterey Heights is committed to providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Our expanded opportunities include:

• Our award-winning Gizmos & Gadgets STEAM Lab, where every student participates in weekly hands-on STEAM learning experiences.
• A growing Community Garden that provides authentic learning opportunities in science, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and healthy living.
• STEAM Family Fridays, bringing students and families together to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through engaging family activities.
• Makerspace experiences and project-based learning opportunities that inspire creativity, innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking.

High-Quality Instruction for Every Learner

Student achievement remains at the heart of everything we do. To ensure every Eagle receives high-quality instruction, Monterey Heights continues to invest in research-based curriculum and professional learning.

Highlights include:

• GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) training for all teachers to strengthen instructional practices for multilingual learners.
• Implementation of a comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) curriculum to support English learners in developing academic language proficiency.
• Research-based intervention curriculum that provides targeted academic support for students who need additional instruction in literacy and mathematics.
• A continued focus on STEAM integration, collaboration, and innovative instructional practices across all grade levels.

Family and Community Engagement

Families are essential partners in student success. We strive to create meaningful opportunities for families to engage in their children's education and become active members of our school community.

Throughout the year, families are invited to participate in:

• STEAM Family Fridays
• Coffee with the Principal
• School Site Council (SSC)
• Parent workshops and family education opportunities
• Schoolwide events and celebrations
• Volunteer opportunities that strengthen our school community

Collaborative Leadership

At Monterey Heights, we believe that the strongest schools are built through collaboration. Our students, staff, families, and community partners work together to make decisions that support continuous improvement and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

By valuing diverse voices and fostering meaningful partnerships, we continue to build a culture of innovation, shared leadership, and excellence.

We are incredibly proud of how far Monterey Heights STEAM Academy has come as a Community School. Each year, our partnerships grow stronger, our opportunities expand, and our commitment to serving the whole child deepens.

Together with our families and community partners, we look forward to another outstanding year of learning, innovation, and success.