Florence Elementary

Welcome to the Florence Family! We are committed to partnering with you to ensure your child's educational success. As a staff, we strongly believe that open communication between home and school are the keys to building a strong foundation for a successful school year.

For over a century, Florence Elementary School has educated multiple generations of students. Located in the heart of Hillcrest, our school was built and inspired by the great Italian center of the Renaissance, the eternal city of Florence. It is only fitting that our campus has virtually every wall and surface adorned with colorful and welcoming artwork created in part by the students themselves.

GATE Instruction

Gift and Talented Education (GATE) is a California Program which provides challenging curriculum and instruction to identified students. Students are identified by district psychologists who administer tests to all 2nd graders and students who are new to our school in grades 3, 4 and 5. The results determine placement in the GATE program for the following year and through grade 12.

GATE cluster classes contain groupings of gifted and high-achieving students in a classroom with a GATE certified teacher. GATE funds are used to design and deliver supplemental differentiated programs.

Introduction to Music

A district-sponsored program brings an instrumental music instructor to the school weekly give lessons to all 5th grade students.  Students learn how to play the violin, guitar, drums and recorder.  This program exposes students to different types of instruments.

Arts in Education Specials

Students receive instruction from Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teachers who specialize in Fine Art, Theater, and Dance on a monthly basis.  

Library

We are proud to have a school library containing a wonderful collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference materials. The library provides resources to teachers and parents, and teaches students library and research skills. We also have a relationship with the Mission Hills Library which invites our students to participate in personalized programs designed to meet the needs of our students.

Physical Education

Every classroom participates an outstanding physical education program. While actively participating in age appropriate physical activities, students are taught sportsmanship skills.

Special Education and Supportive Services

Parents may request that a district psychologist and resource specialist evaluate their child for learning disabilities. Requests are to be made to the principal. The IST (Instructional Study Team) meets with parent(s)/guardian(s) to determine the appropriateness of the request.

Education Specialist

The learning disabilities resource teacher serves as a member of the Instructional Study Team to assess the academic needs of students. If students qualify, a program is designed to meet their needs.

School Psychologist

The school psychologist serves as a member of the Instructional Study Team to assess the academic and emotional/behavioral needs of students recommended by their classroom teacher.

District Counselor

The district counselor assesses emotional and behavioral issues of children and how they impact their attainment of educational goals. He/she may see students in a small group setting or individually on a short-term basis.

Speech and Language Specialist

The speech and language specialist assesses children who require additional support in developing communication skills appropriate to their ability/age level. If the student qualifies, the speech and language pathologist creates an individualized program for the student and provides the needed support.