Balboa City School

525 Hawthorn Street San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-298-2290
Website: www.balboaschool.com
Mrs. Michelle Parker, Director/Principal

The City School is a private school that serves LD and ADD students with average to above average intelligence in grades 1-8 who would benefit from their program. It is not affiliated with any religious organization. The school was established in 1986. Funding sources are through private tuition and public school funding. It is accredited by the State of California to serve students with special needs. The school is located in the Bankers Hill area of San Diego on Hawthorn Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. It has classrooms, a small library, therapy rooms, a computer lab, art room and a perceptual motor lab. Additionally, the school takes advantage of the grassy areas of Balboa Park for gross motor physical education and the museums for academic enrichment.

The curriculum is based on basic skills. This includes using "best practices"; specifically, direct instruction. This approach is proven effective for LD and ADD youngsters with some modification to meet special needs. The school's language therapists are experts in the area of language development, including those difficulties experienced by children with dyslexia. One-on-one language therapy is offered when appropriate. As a support reading program, "Project Read" is used. The teachers are also trained in the use of the "Framing Your Thoughts" language program. In addition, instruction is provide in computer keyboarding, word processing for composition, spell checks, and auditory trainers. Students are skill-grouped in all subject areas. Diagnostic and achievement tests are given yearly, referring for additional services as necessary. The diagnostic battery, administered by experienced professionals, includes academic, language and motor skills. Counseling is provided on campus by the school's counselor who has a Masters degree in Social Work and has worked with children and adolescents in a variety of school settings. Entry level skills are targeted for public school success.

The ratio of students to teachers is 2:1 to 10:1. The school has approximately 18 staff for 50 students. This staff includes 2 speech pathologists, 1 occupational therapist, 1 social worker, 2 special educators, 2 to 3 regular teachers and 8 to 10 instructional aides.

The City School addresses the three areas most critical to school and work success: Academics, work habits and social skills.Extensive data to evaluate student progress and program effectiveness is collected. The students and program are carefully monitored to assure a high level of relevant school production with consistent success. The students work hard and are challenged, but they are very successful and enjoy an improved self image based on actual performance and positive support.

A PTO organization has recently been created. Parents are welcome to join. The mission of the PTO is to increase family/school communication and offer financial support to school programs. The school also provides Parent Pro programs 3 or 4 times a year. These programs provide information and training on issues related to LD and ADD/ADHD.

San Diego Branch of the IDA  P.O. Box 87448 San Diego, CA 92138-7448  Phone: 619.685.4413  Fax: 760.723.7168  email us