Schools in Madera CA - TK-8 Chawanakee Unified's Award Winning Education

Hillside Elementary at Tesoro Viejo.

Education is a key component at Tesoro Viejo. Chawanakee Unified’s Hillside Elementary School serves students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grades. It is a true neighborhood school, located right in the heart of Hillside Village making it easy for your children to walk or bike to school. The school is staffed with dedicated teachers and staff who are passionate about education. Hillside Elementary is committed to delivering an innovative educational program that prepares students for success in college and career.

Hillside Elementary will phase to a transitional kindergarten through sixth grades site when the future Rio Mesa Educational Complex (RMEC) opens with grades seventh, eighth and ninth in projected 2027-28 school year. The new middle school will be part of the RMEC adjacent to planned Rio Mesa High School.

Chawanakee Unified School District – Excellence in Education

Serving nearly 1,500 students in Eastern Madera County, Chawanakee Unified prides themselves on a rigorous educational program in a small learning environment. This award-winning school district has been recognized by the California School Board Association as a Golden Bell Award Winner for Excellence, and its schools have earned numerous academic and athletic distinctions.

In 2021-22, Chawanakee Unified School District and Minarets High School had the highest graduation rate in Madera County on the most recent California School Dashboard, outperforming the state average, and was number one in graduation rate among 71 similar schools. Chawanakee Unified outperformed all other schools in Madera County in College Readiness, outperformed the state average, and was number one in College Readiness among 71 similar schools. All district school sites offer an average student to adult ratio under 15:1.

Hillside TK-8 School Highlights:

Serving students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th Grade
Cross-curriculum, project-based learning
Before and after school programs (intervention and enrichment clubs - vary by interest)
Cub Club, a fee-based half-day daycare program
College & career exploration program gives students the chance to learn about careers in Agriculture and Arts, Media and Entertainment pathways articulated to high school programs
State-of-the-art facilities including a library/media center, music room, athletic areas with gymnasium, and media production
"Community outdoor classroom" concept for hands-on learning with natural resources of the community’s landscape
Television studio where students can create and produce media content
Extra-curricular activities including STEM, art, band, and ski club
Sports including flag football, volleyball, track, cross-country, soccer, and basketball
Year-round cheerleading team
Received two design awards, including national recognition by American School & University magazine, for its outstanding education design

Minarets High – Minarets Charter High School

Minarets High School is an award-winning, Apple Distinguished Campus, known for academic achievement, and a launching pad into top-tier colleges and universities.

Students have the unique chance to pursue college courses towards earning their Associates Arts Degree at the same time as their high school diploma. Most dual enrollment courses are in person classes, at Minarets High School, taught by Minarets teachers, under contract with the community colleges!

Course and extracurricular offerings at Minarets High allow students to explore college and career options while taking advantage of a full range of extracurricular opportunities. This is a unique combination for a small school setting. Dual enrollment, Career Tech Education pathways, including Media, Ag, and Art; Future Farmers of America (FFA), sports, and Band/Showband, give students a variety of opportunities to explore and engage in high school, while taking advantage of a small school setting and low class sizes.

Community Schools

Hillside Elementary at Tesoro Viejo.

Chawanakee Unified School District – Excellence in Education

Hillside TK-8 School Highlights:

Minarets High – Minarets Charter High School

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