The Hacienda Environmental Science Magnet, a California Distinguished School, is dedicated to teaching students to explore the natural world around them. We have a unique one-acre outdoor classroom site featuring California native plants and pond communities. All students study science with a resource teacher as well as with the classroom teachers. The staff emphasizes academic achievement in the classroom through specialized instruction in science, including scheduled indoor and outdoor laboratory lessons, and a computer -training center. An outstanding balanced music program accommodates the extended day. We are working to achieve our goal of having all students reading at grade level by the end of the third grade. Hacienda has a strong literacy program that encompasses the Accelerated Reading Program, 1st through 5th grades and a Cross-Age Tutoring program to help struggling readers in grades K-2. We also have in grades 3-5 an Academic Interventionist for students needing extra help in targeted areas. We incorporate Accelerated Math in grades three and five. A high level of parent and volunteer involvement is a critical and valued component to Hacienda students’ success.