Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School

Front of Santiago Elementary

Why Santiago STEAM Magnet?

 

Discover Why Families Choose Santiago STEAM Magnet School

In January 2018, Saddleback Valley Unified School District proudly approved Santiago Elementary to become a STEAM Magnet School. Since the 2018–2019 school year, we have embraced this honor by transforming learning experiences and creating outstanding outcomes for every student.

Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary—affectionately known as the “School Among the Trees”—is more than a school. It’s a close-knit community where students and families feel truly at home. With a focus on developing intelligent, creative, and compassionate young leaders, our dedicated staff collaborate daily to monitor student progress, implement research-based instructional strategies, and cultivate a welcoming, engaging environment.

Our STEAM Advantage

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education at Santiago is rooted in a creative, inquiry-driven approach that connects academic learning to real-world purpose. Through High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL), students engage in meaningful, hands-on projects designed by our talented educators—with room for student voice and choice. We even host an Ignite Night, a community event where students proudly present their work and practice real-world problem-solving and communication skills.

Supporting the Whole Child

We believe academic success must be paired with strong social-emotional development. Santiago integrates the Second Step Social-Emotional Learning Program, the district’s Digital Citizenship curriculum (Common Sense Media), and the SVRespects initiative in SVUSD. Our on-campus Wellness Center offers a dedicated space to support students’ mental and emotional well-being.

College & Career Readiness Starts Early

From our vibrant Career Day—where local professionals inspire students with stories of their journeys—to schoolwide field trips to high schools, colleges, and universities across Southern California, we are planting seeds for future success. Every student, every year, gets a taste of higher education and career possibilities.

Innovation in Action

Our Innovation Lab is a hub of creativity and exploration. Students engage with VEX Robotics, LittleBits, Raspberry Pi, Drone Coding, 3D Printing, and much more. We also offer unique opportunities like pottery, sewing, and black-and-white photography. Lower grade students use iPads while upper grades dive deep with Chromebooks, all supporting essential 21st-century skills: research, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Powered by Partnership

Our incredible PTA plays a vital role in bringing our school to life. From the Ice Cream Social to Red Ribbon Week, Fall Festival, Jog-a-Thon, and Family Fun Nights, the PTA helps create memorable experiences for students and families alike. They’re also actively developing our outdoor learning environments, working hand-in-hand with partners like Home Depot, garden clubs, and Cal Poly Pomona’s Landscape Architecture program.

Stay Connected with Parent Square

At Santiago, communication matters. That’s why we use Parent Square, a multilingual app that keeps families informed with school updates, classroom news, event calendars, and volunteer opportunities—all in real time and in the language of your choice.


At Santiago STEAM Magnet, we’re not just preparing students for the next grade—we’re preparing them for the future. Come join our family and experience the innovation, care, and community that make our school truly exceptional.

STEAM and HQPBL

High Quality Project Based Learning Units

Questions and Answers