About La Madera

La Madera Elementary School is located in the city of Lake Forest, educating students from kindergarten through 6th grade. The school opened its doors in 1977. It's a beautiful school nestled in the eucalyptus groves. Whenever anyone visits La Madera, they always comment on the great energy on the campus, the friendly staff, and respectful students. In addition to being a place where people feel welcome, the school is also known for its academic excellence. La Madera is one of five GATE Magnet Schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. All students and teachers are encouraged to be innovators, and to take risks and grow together as a community of learners! It is truly a neighborhood school; many parents of current Koalas attended La Madera themselves. At La Madera our focus is Every Koala, Every Day!

Academic proficiency for every student is the heart of instruction at La Madera. To achieve this goal, they constantly focus on students’ individual learning needs. They use Professional Learning Community (PLC) teams focused on the Decision Making for Results/Data Team model. Through this model they use student work and performance to enhance the instructional process and improve student performance. In addition to the regular classroom curriculum, they also offer enrichment and after school programs to strengthen students’ academic skills.