Peninsula Heritage School

Founded in 1961, Peninsula Heritage School offers students in kindergarten through eighth grade a challenging education enhanced with co-curricular science lab, music, coding, Spanish, fine arts, physical education, performing arts and library time—taught in all grades by specialists in their fields.

What is unique about your school?

Our small class sizes provide each teacher and associate teacher (two teachers in each classroom) the opportunity to assess every child’s academic, social and emotional profile and continually create engaging programs that maximize each student’s learning. One size does not fit all; we recognize and appreciate learning differences and design strategies to maximize learning for each student. Students feel recognized and cared for, and parents appreciate our thoughtful, caring attitude.

How does this work in each student’s learning?

An excellent example is the critical importance of learning to read and enhancing reading skills. As seen in the photo above, first grade students work at building strong reading foundations through hands-on phonics practice. Children work in small groups on targeted skills, using interactive activities that reinforce learning by engaging multiple senses. This keeps students fully engaged while strengthening their decoding, spelling and fluency skills as they progress through the developmental reading stages throughout the lower grades.

What values do you teach students?

Character education has long been a hallmark of Peninsula Heritage School. Our six character qualities—Caring, Attitude, Respect, Gratitude, Perseverance and Self-Control—are discussed by teachers, presented by students through song and dance at monthly assemblies, and posted around campus as gentle reminders. Character qualities are often used by students in problem-solving and conflict resolution, and in our Care Families program. Composed of one student from each grade, with an eighth grader providing leadership, Care Families meet for special occasions, read-alouds and craft projects. Graduating eighth graders often express their appreciation for the character education program and its foundation for continued development in the years ahead.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro