Santiago teaches all students fundamental skills for communication and problem solving. We expect students to build a strong foundation of knowledge. By understanding more about the world and its people, children will make better decisions in the years ahead. Equally important is our commitment to encourage habits of good conduct that lead students toward happiness and success. We hope that all children will develop their talents fully and become life-long, independent learners. We also encourage them to grow as responsible, compassionate citizens with a commitment for serving others. Our future as a society and as a culture will soon be in their hands.

- We teach to the Content Standards for California Public Schools in the areas of English-Language Arts, Mathematics, History-Social Science, and Science. These documents outline what students should know, understand, and be able to do. All students have access to these standards.

- Frameworks for California Public Schools provide the foundation for our instructional programs in the areas of English-Language Arts, Mathematics, History-Social Science, Science, Health, Physical Education, along with Visual and Performing Arts. These frameworks help to guide our planning along the lines of current research and best practices.

- Our school wide CLASS ACTS Character Encouragement Program emphasizes virtues such as cooperation, attentiveness, responsibility, safety, respect, honesty, kindness, and courtesy.

- The CLASS ACTS Character Encouragement Program is united with our Santiago School Discipline Plan to promote a safe, supportive learning environment for all children in the classroom and on the playground.

- We encourage children to solve problems by applying those skills that they have and learning new skills that they will need. This approach is used in all areas of study and social relations. Rather than giving them answers, we help them realize that they can find successful solutions on their own

- Input from all staff members, parents, and community partners is considered as we continually renew our vision for the students at Santiago.