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apple distinguished school

We are proud to be recognized as an
Apple Distinguished School

We create PATHS to the future.

Students utilize multiple devices and applications simultaneously giving them voice and freedom to be creative. In partnership with their teachers, students devise their own goals and learning PATHS to ensure they are future ready. Students continuously reflect their progress with the use of digital portfolios which include iMovie, Clips, Keynote, PicCollage and original songs created on GarageBand. Students learn from and challenge one another respectfully, embracing a productive struggle with a growth mindset. As you walk on campus, you will feel the curiosity and joy that accompanies all learning at John Garcia Jr. .

At John Garcia Jr. Elementary, we persevere, act, think, honor… we are scholars.

1:1

1:1 iPad Program

21st Century learning

Coding & Robotics

tech team

Tech Squad

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Innovation Lab

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Apple Certified Teachers

Apple logo

Apple Distinguished School

Boy studying on an iPad

What It Means to Be an Apple Distinguished School

Being named an Apple Distinguished School places our school among a select group of schools recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. This distinction highlights our commitment to:

  • Empowering student voice and choice
  • Designing creative, student-centered learning experiences
  • Using technology to deepen, not replace, learning
  • Preparing students with the skills they need for the future

Only a small number of schools in California have received this honor, making Garcia a model for what’s possible when creativity and technology work together. Learn more about the award.

Creativity Powered by Technology

At Garcia, technology amplifies learning. It empowers students to think deeply, create boldly, and share their voice with purpose. With iPads as a tool for learning across all content areas, students engage in meaningful experiences that go far beyond consumption.

We are committed to developing learners who are not only prepared for the future but ready to shape it:

teachers in a classroom

Empowering Teachers

Teachers embrace a growth mindset and seek professional learning opportunities, which enables them to develop enriching experiences and cultivate creative thinkers into productive
innovators.

students working on a creative project

Fostering Creativity

Across all curricular areas students have voice and choice to demonstrate their learning. Students inspire one another to think critically, work collaboratively and explore creatively.

students reading on the grass

Flexible Learning Experiences

Learning is limitless. Whether on campus or at home, students are thriving because they have creative freedom, flexibility within their thinking and opportunities to amplify their voice.

Tech Squad

Our Student Tech Squad is a team of resourceful student leaders who promote creativity, inspire, and teach staff and students strategies for using a variety of digital tools. In the spirit of innovation and helping others, our Tech Squad created a continuously expanding library of tutorial videos. Our Tech Squad along with Character Council students are always looking for ways to connect our families through technology. These resources are used to bring our community together and ensure our new Bulldog families feel welcomed.

Innovation Lab

John Garcia Jr.’s Innovation Lab is a place where creativity is powered by technology. The purpose of our Innovation Lab is to provide a space where students can create, explore, investigate, and build. This space is designed to spark curiosity and inspire our students to engage in learning opportunities built around STEAM. Regular lab visits help students further develop the 21st-century skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

Additionally, the Innovation Lab is available to be reserved by each teacher to explore the world of coding and robotics. At Imperial, even our youngest learners are introduced to the basics through the use of Indy Car coding, where they will create their own paths or use task cards to complete coding challenges. Our older students will use Ozobots and Wonder Robots to further their understanding of coding and robotics. We take great pride in making sure coding is integrated into our students’ education.

Our Commitment to Innovation

“We believe in providing robust opportunities for our students to think deeply and creatively, allowing them to have voice and choice while utilizing an iPad as a tool for learning across all content areas. We are committed to providing a learning environment where our students are engaged, challenged and are on a continuous path toward innovation.”

— Jennifer Robbins, Director of Elementary Education 

Ready to Get Started?

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Forging Responsible & Aware Digital Citizens

We cannot properly prep our students for the future without lessons in digital citizenship. It is vital in the world we live in today. At Downey Unified, we teach our students how their words online have real-world effects and the permanence of their digital footprint, along with key online safety skills.

Be a Good Citizen

  • Be safe on and offline
  • Help protect “safe spaces”
  • Posts must be directly related to course
  • Only participate in meetings/chat rooms related to your classes and set up by your teachers

Be Trustworthy

  • Be honest
  • Use school appropriate and scholarly language
  • Use the chat feature to post questions/respond

Be Responsible

  • Prioritize time appropriately
  • Own your words and actions
  • Treat your device/equipment with care

Be Fair

  • Be inclusive
  • Allow others to share their views

Be Respectful

  • Think before you post, speak or act
  • Act and speak as if you were talking to your teacher or peer face to face
  • Respect classmates and teachers

Be Caring

  • Be patient with each other
  • Help those in need
  • Ask for help when needed