5 Major Updates: What Makes Carlton Hills Elementary Santee A Top K-8 School In 2025
Carlton Hills Elementary School in Santee is not just a neighborhood school; it is a dynamic K-8 institution actively shaping the future of East County San Diego students. As of December 2025, the school is operating with a renewed focus, driven by significant grant funding and a comprehensive academic strategy for the 2024-2025 school year.
The latest updates from the Santee School District highlight Carlton Hills' commitment to excellence, particularly in student achievement and well-being, with key initiatives ranging from enhanced physical fitness programs to targeted social-emotional learning support. This in-depth look reveals the fresh, unique programs and leadership driving the school's high ratings and community engagement.
Carlton Hills Elementary Santee: Leadership and School Profile
Carlton Hills Elementary is a highly-rated public school that serves a wide range of students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade, offering a unique K-8 educational experience within the Santee School District. The school is a cornerstone of the Santee community, located at 9353 Pike Road. This structure ensures a consistent and supportive academic journey for students from their earliest years through middle school transition.
- School Name: Carlton Hills School
- Location: 9353 Pike Road, Santee, CA 92071
- District: Santee School District
- Grades Served: K-8
- Student Population: Approximately 576 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Principal (2025): Tim Dobbins
- Vice Principal (2025): Mandy Ramirez
- Key Focus: Academic performance, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and community partnership
The 5 Most Significant Initiatives and Updates for 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 academic year at Carlton Hills Elementary is marked by several high-impact programs and strategic focuses. These initiatives demonstrate the school’s dedication to holistic student development, moving beyond traditional academics to embrace wellness, mental health, and community collaboration.
1. Major DoDEA Grant Funding for Military-Connected Students
A significant development for Carlton Hills is its participation in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Grant Program. This funding is specifically designed to support the K-12 education of military-connected students, a key demographic in the Santee area. The DoDEA grant is substantial, with awards typically ranging between $500,000 and $2,000,000, allowing the Santee School District to implement robust, innovative programs.
At Carlton Hills, this grant is directly impacting the school's enrichment strategy, particularly in physical fitness. Teacher Chris Stanley is utilizing a portion of the DoDEA grant funding to purchase new equipment and resources, emphasizing the role of physical wellness in overall student success and academic achievement. This focus on physical fitness is a critical component of the school’s commitment to the well-being of its military families and all students.
2. The Core Focus of the 2024-2025 School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
The School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for 2024-2025 lays out the strategic roadmap for improving academic performance across all grade levels. The plan is highly targeted and focuses on three core pillars, which are regularly reviewed and updated by the school staff and leadership, including Principal Tim Dobbins and Vice Principal Mandy Ramirez:
- Targeted Academic and SEL Support: Providing individualized and small-group support to address specific student needs in both core subjects and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
- Teacher Collaboration and Professional Development: Ensuring regular collaboration time for teachers to analyze student assessment data, share effective instructional strategies, and align curriculum.
- Improving Student Attendance: Implementing strategies to monitor and improve student attendance, recognizing the critical link between consistent attendance and academic success.
3. Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health
In line with the SPSA, Carlton Hills has significantly amplified its focus on student mental health and Social-Emotional Learning. The school is a recipient of the Elementary and Secondary School-Based Mental Health Services Grant (SBMH), demonstrating a strong institutional commitment to student wellness.
The SEL strategy is integrated into the curriculum and school environment, aiming to equip students with essential life skills such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship management. Furthermore, the school is participating in the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) during the 2024-2025 school year for all 5th and 7th grade students, providing valuable data to tailor mental health and wellness programs to the specific needs of the student body.
4. Strong Community and Family Partnership
Carlton Hills Elementary places immense value on its partnership with the Santee community and student families. This is a central strategy outlined in the district's goals: to partner with families across three key areas—Academics, Behavior, and Social-Emotional Learning.
The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is highly active, organizing events and providing volunteer support that directly benefits the students. Recent Santee School District Board Meeting highlights from January 2025 specifically acknowledged the crucial support from community members, former Carlton Hills parents, and local partners, including Grossmont Center Walmart and the Santee Sheriff's Department, underscoring the collaborative environment that supports the school. The school’s "Get Involved" page continually encourages parents to volunteer, reinforcing the idea of a shared responsibility for student success.
5. Student and Staff Recognition in 2025
The school’s achievements are regularly highlighted by the Santee School District Board of Education. In May 2025, the Board acknowledged several students across the district, with Carlton Hills' own Lionella (Luli) Dahhoo being recognized for her accomplishments.
Additionally, the Board has publicly acknowledged the dedication of the Carlton Hills School staff, not just for their ongoing update on student assessment progress, but also for their commitment to implementing the new academic and wellness strategies. This culture of recognition helps to foster a positive and motivating environment for both the students and the educators.
The K-8 Advantage at Carlton Hills
The K-8 model at Carlton Hills Elementary provides a unique continuity often missing in traditional elementary-to-middle school transitions. Students benefit from:
- Familiar Environment: Students remain in a familiar, supportive campus environment from ages 5 to 14.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Older 7th and 8th Grade students often serve as mentors to younger Kindergarten and 1st Grade students, building a strong sense of campus community.
- Consistent Leadership: Principal Tim Dobbins and Vice Principal Mandy Ramirez oversee the entire K-8 spectrum, ensuring a unified educational philosophy and smooth progression between grade levels.
This structure, combined with the strategic initiatives like the DoDEA Grant and the focus on SEL, positions Carlton Hills Elementary as a leading educational institution in the Santee area, committed to nurturing well-rounded, academically successful, and mentally healthy students for the future.
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