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. And with dedicated teachers and staff who are passionate about education, Hillside Elementary is committed to delivering an innovative education program that prepares students for success in college and career.

Hillside Elementary will be followed by a future K-12 education center with an additional TK-8 elementary campus and the future Rio Mesa 9-12 High School.

Excellence in Education

Chawanakee Unified School District 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. In addition, 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.

Hillside TK-8 School Highlights:

Serving students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th Grade
Cross-curriculum, project-based learning
College & career exploration program gives students the chance to learn about careers in medicine and biotechnology
State-of-the-art facilities including a library/media center, music room, athletic areas with gymnasium, and media production
"Outdoor classroom" concept for hands-on learning with natural resources of the community’s landscape
Dual-platform technology program equipped with iPads, Chromebook and MacBook Air computers
A combination of tech-based and app-based instruction, direct instruction for new concepts and skills, and Project-Based Learning
Fully-articulated with 9-12 program, preparing students for high school and beyond
Students in 7th and 8th grades take high-school level courses
Recent recipient of a community partnership grant with Wilbur-Ellis for an integrated agriculture, science and Project-Based Learning program
Television studio where students produce a news program
Extensive extra-curricular activities including art, percussion, band, robotics, guitar and ski club
Sports including football, volleyball, track, cross-country, soccer and basketball
Received two design awards, including national recognition by American School & University magazine for its outstanding education design

Chawanakee Unified School District

Serving 1,200+ 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.

Minarets High School

High school students at Tesoro Viejo will have the opportunity to attend Minarets 9-12 High School – 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.

Hillside Elementary School

Hillside Elementary School has a strong Project-Based Learning model where students learn by doing. A focus on Science Technology and Mathematics (STEM) and innovative learning opportunities like the farm project with a garden where students produce food for their cafeteria and the television studio where they produce a news program. Students participate in extracurricular activities like art, band, and sports. Also, via a connection to Minarets High School, Hillside students can take high school-level courses in the 7^th and 8^th grades.

Community Schools