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The image shows a welcome sign for Santiago TK-8 Elementary School, with the school's mascot of turtles. In the background, there are students engaged in various activities, suggesting a vibrant and creative learning environment

Santiago kicks off its 10th anniversary show season with the advanced drama presentation of Grease: School Edition! The performance was full of energy and talent, marking a memorable start to this milestone anniversary year.

The Cast of Grease: New Edition
Cast of Grease

Get Ready to Rock! The Cast of Grease: School Edition Hits the Stage Nov 6–8 — Tickets on Sale Now!

UCLA College Tour

Our 7th graders joined @mendezmustangs for a UCLA college tour—an inspiring day to dream big and plan for the future!

Speedy Spirit Squad 2025

Introducing the Speedy Spirit Squad—middle schoolers on a mission to boost school spirit at Santiago!

Santiago band performing

Santiago Band performed at the College and Career Resource Fair at Santa Ana College. Thank you, Mr. Ortiz and students, for your participation.

Fall Parent Night
Parent night makeing masks

It was a wonderful evening celebrating our students’ and parents’ creativity!

Jog-a-thon funraiser

Big thanks to everyone who made our Jog-a-thon Fun Run amazing — volunteers, runners, walkers, cheerleaders, and donors!

10 yrs drama at Santiago

Santiago School Drama kicks off a show-stopping year with three amazing production for the 10th year anniversary. Mark your calendars!

Dare to Dream, A Disney Musical Revue
Dare to dream play

Dare to Dream brings 20 favorite Disney songs to life in a fun-filled show for the Santiago community!

Girls Volleyball 3X champs

Santiago Girls Volleyball Team are four-time District Champions in the Santa Ana Unified School District.

Santiago Pep & Cheer
Pep & Cheer

Santiago Pep & Cheer promotes school spirit through dance and cheer, supporting the Turtles’ athletics and events while building teamwork, confidence, and leadership.

   The Principal's Message

 

 

Mrs. Kimberly Ahvari, School Principal

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Santiago Elementary—Home of the Terrific Turtles! 🐢 I’m thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm greeting to those joining us for the first time. At Santiago, we believe in moving forward together—steadily, purposefully, and with heart.

This year, we are focused on key goals that support every student’s success:

    🛡️ Create a Safe and Welcoming Environment

     Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included. We are committed to building a positive school culture where students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

    Strengthen Math Instruction with an ELD Lens

    Our teachers are working hard to ensure math instruction is both rigorous and accessible—especially for our English Learners—so every student can develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

    📚 Ensure All Students Are Reading by 3rd Grade

    Reading is the foundation for all learning. We are using targeted strategies and high-quality materials to help every student become a confident reader by the end of third grade.

    🌟 Support English Learners to Reclassify by 5th Grade

    Language development is essential for academic success. We are providing focused instruction and support to help our English Learners reach fluency and reclassify by 5th grade.

    🎓 Prepare All Students to Be College and Career Ready

    From the earliest grades, we are building skills, habits, and mindsets that will prepare students for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.

With your partnership and our dedicated staff, I am confident we will make this a truly Terrific Turtle year. Let’s work together to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to do their best.

In gratitude,

Kimberly Ahvari

 

 

Santiago Daily Start & Dismissal Times

 

 

 Year At-A-Glance School Calendar 2025-2026

 

The Future Begins Here

About Us

At Santiago, we believe every child deserves the foundation and opportunities to thrive. Guided by our Three Rs—Ready, Responsible, and Respectful—we nurture strong academic and STEAM skills while encouraging creativity through athletics and the arts, including drama. By combining engaging learning experiences with real-world connections, we empower every Turtle to explore their passions, develop future-ready skills, and shine with pride.

College & Career Readiness

Opportunities to explore future pathways starting in middle school. 

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Sports & Physical Education

Encouraging teamwork, fitness, and healthy habits

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Thriving Drama Program

Opportunities for creativity, expression, and confidence-building

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Active PTA & Family Engagement

Active parent involvement through programs, events, and fundraisers like the annual Jog-a-thon.

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Strong Academics & STEAM Learning

Engaging instruction that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills

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Safe and Welcoming Environment

Students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically

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Slow and Steady, Building Bright Futures

Why Santiago?

At Santiago Elementary—Home of the Terrific Turtles —students grow steadily, purposefully, and with heart. With a safe and welcoming environment, strong academics, hands-on STEAM learning, and a thriving drama program, every child is supported to build confidence, creativity, and the skills needed for future success.

Stay in the Know

The Latest News

Stay connected to all that’s happening across Santiago. From important announcements and Board updates to inspiring stories from our schools and community, this is your hub for the latest news, events, and highlights. Visit often to learn how Santiago is preparing students for success today and into the future.

Upcoming Events

Happening Around Santiago

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