At Phelan School we are very proud of our recognition as a California Distinguished School and a Title One Achieving School but we understand that we must continually live up to the high standards we have set for ourselves. Our school motto, “Whatever It Takes to Help All Students Succeed”, symbolizes our commitment to take responsibility for the learning of all students, regardless of their background and current skill level.

Our school is located in an urban residential area in an unincorporated part of Whittier. We service approximately 540 students grades K-5th and follow a traditional calendar. Our student population is predominantly Hispanic and 23% of our students are English Language Learners. Teachers at Phelan School are highly qualified and are committed to providing the highest quality of education for all students. Teachers are continually learning about best teaching practices.

There are various programs within the Phelan community that contribute to the successful learning dynamics among teachers and students. We work collaboratively to plan lessons based on on-going assessment data to ensure the highest quality of  instruction. In addition to ensuring that our students receive the necessary skills to become competent, successful readers, we promote a love of reading and learning through our Author’s Study program, our Community read alouds, our annual Read-a-thon, the Reading Counts Program,  and our Wonder of Reading Volunteer reading program. This year, Phelan  became a statewide pilot school chosen to implement the new science adoption. A leadership team is receiving concentrated science training and working with their grade level partners to ensure that we have school-wide implementation of science. Our school has also embraced the implementation of Peace Builders, which is a program that provides teachers and students with strategies for conflict resolution and supports positive behavioral management. We are also very proud of the Reach for The Stars After School Program, which provides students with homework support and enrichment activities on a daily basis.

          

At Phelan, we believe that having the support of our families and the community is critical in orchestrating a successful program and that parent involvement is essential to our students’ success. We are fortunate to have a dynamic PTA that demonstrates support and commitment to our school’s vision.  Our calendar of events includes many organized family and community events. Some include, Community Read Aloud, Family Literacy Day, Family Math and Science Nights, Phelan Night at the Library, Buck a Book, and our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration.

          

Overall, Daniel Phelan is a unique learning community that is not satisfied with the status quo.

In this spirit of educational excellence, Phelan is proud to have been chosen as a recipient of the Cotsen Foundation Art of Teaching Program for the 2009-2011 school years. This grant will provide funding for a full time mentor teacher and support for five other master teachers to work collaboratively to identify and refine best teaching practices across the curriculum.

Our belief is that continuous learning, both for students and faculty, is the key to continuous improvement and ensures achievement among all the students that we serve.