Esther Lindstrom Elementary School is located in Lakewood. The facilities include 34 classrooms, one RSP class, two special education classes, integrated library/computer lab, and a multipurpose room, which also serves as the school cafeteria.

Esther Lindstrom serves 823 students. The attendance rate at the school was 96.77 percent during the prior school year. Student enrollment includes a variety of ethnic backgrounds: Asian 10 percent, Pacific Islander 2 percent, Filipino 9.5 percent, Hispanic 32 percent, African-American 9.5 percent, Caucasian 32 percent, and multiple 5 percent.

Research indicates that in order for students to be prepared for success, they must be problem solvers, critical thinkers, communicators, and technologically literate. Esther Lindstrom School is preparing students with a media center which includes 40 computers, two printers, and a computerized library system. We also have an Intervention Lab with 20 Waterford computers and 10 Success Maker computers. All kindergarten through second grade students visit the lab each day. Approximately 100 third through sixth grade students visit daily. Both programs focus on literacy skills at the students’ individual ability levels. Teachers are trained to implement strategies for moving children toward a thinking and meaning-centered curriculum. A greater emphasis is placed on oral communication skills, reading for meaning, and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students are being taught to respect the values of all cultures and belief systems.

The school has 35 regular education teachers, three special education teachers, and a principal. Other personnel serving the school include a psychologist, two health assistants, a guidance intern, and a speech and language therapist. All staff meet the credential requirements of the State of California. Ninety-two percent of our certificated staff have advanced degrees and 100 percent have pursued course work beyond their bachelor’s degree.

Staff development activities are essential for maintaining a quality education program for students; therefore, the district provided more than 300 hours of staff development activities for teachers and classified staff. Teachers were trained in strategies for working with English learners, intervention strategies and data analysis.

The mission of Esther Lindstrom School is staff, parents/guardians, students, and community collaborates to attain maximum academic excellence based on California content and performance standards. We apply best practices to develop academic, social, physical, and emotional growth for all students. We cultivate students who will develop positive self-esteem, as well as respect for others and their cultural differences. Our school community seeks to create a caring, safe environment where every child is provided the opportunity to develop into a life-long learner who is cooperative, compassionate, confident and productive.