Principal's Message

Orange Grove School is a community of dedicated staff, students, and parents who work in a team effort to increase student achievement.  Our school's motto is "Orange Grove School... Where the stars of tomorrow shine brightly."  Our vision is that every student will be proficient or advanced in Language Arts and Mathematics.  

Established in 1950, Orange Grove School is located in a residential setting within the Whittier City School District. Today, the school's enrollment is 430 students, with over 90% of the population being Hispanic or Latino. One fifth of the students are English Language Learners.

Orange Grove implements a variety of school programs that enhance our positive learning environment. The Peacebuilders Program helps build a nurturing, safe climate for students. Project Wisdom Readings during morning announcements promote positive character-building values. Monthly awards assemblies acknowledge students for good citizenship, academic success, 100% homework, knowledge of math facts, and reading accomplishments. Trimester awards recognize academic and behavioral achievements, as well as perfect attendance.

The after school language arts and math intervention classes are offered to students in grades second through fifth grades who need additional academic support. The Reach for the Stars program provides after school care and enriching activities for students, such as homework help, physical activity, and cultural education in arts, dance, and music. In addition to these programs is our after school arts program that is offered to students throughout the school year.

Unique to Orange Grove School is our schoolwide incentive program, Stay on Track, that focuses on the following four areas:  attendance, behavior, academic goals, and homework.  Just like a car needs four tires, students need to have these four areas "pumped up" so that they can achieve academic success.  There are monthly incentives, as well as the Orange Grove Grand Prix that is held every trimester, for students who have stayed on track.

Every Tuesday is a minimum day, which allows teachers time to meet for grade level team collaboration, staff development, or teacher preparation. This year, approximately two Tuesdays a month are used for professional development and grade level team meetings to discuss academic objectives, curriculum development, theme assessments, including writing, and analysis of student work samples.  

Every trimester, grade level teams meet to focus on the needs of each student at their grade level.  The teams analyze assessment data, determine student needs, and develop intervention and enrichment opportunities for our students.

In conclusion, Orange Grove is a committed school community with high academic standards and student expectations. Orange Grove serves as an effective and exciting place where all children can learn the academic and social skills needed to be productive and successful individuals throughout their lives.