Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
160 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
20 |
Most common nationality |
American |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
ELD staff support students new to English |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish |
Max. number of students per class |
24 |
Average number of students per class |
20 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
Integrated. Students have access to iPads and Chromebooks |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
External examinations or assessments available |
California State Testing in 3rd-5th Grade |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the grade level |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
We have a Resource Specialist and aides to support several students with special needs after going through the Special Education process. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
As an IB school, we differentiate to engage all students. |
Student access to education psychologist |
If needed. There is a Special Education process. |
Entry evaluation for students |
No. We are a public school. |
Waiting list |
Sometimes yes. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
It's recommended to apply by mid February. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School start time |
8:10am |
School finish time |
Different for each grade level. Information found on website. |
Supervised care before/after school |
After school through the local Rec Department. Before school, if there is enough interest. |
School bus service available |
No |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
There are vegetarian options. |
Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Green Team during lunch and other clubs that students might organize |
Sports activities included |
Students have PSPE (Personal, Social, and Physical Education) every week and Running Club. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No |
Facilities at the school |
Library, STEAM Lab, Multi Purpose Room for the annual school play, art room, music rooms |
Sports facilities at the school |
Field |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Authorized in 2007, Lexington Elementary School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP). Lexington was the ninth elementary school in the state of California and the first (non-private or charter school) in Northern California to be authorized as a Primary Years Program World School. Incorporating California Common Core State Standards with Los Gatos Union School District (LGUSD) adopted curriculum, teachers at Lexington School provide a challenging program of inquiry, which is transdisciplinary and concept-based to TK-5 students. Lexington serves students and their families who live in the foothills above Los Gatos, and those who transfer from other LGUSD schools. The school is part of a district that consists of four elementary schools and one middle school. Lexington launched the district’s Transitional Kindergarten program in fall 2022. Lexington Elementary is a leader in preparing globally aware students for the 21st century. During their years at Lexington, students develop a curiosity about, knowledge of and a sense of responsibility toward other people, cultures and ideas. Students learn to apply acquired skills and knowledge to real-world issues and problems. As a result of their inquiries, Lexington students are empowered to take thoughtful and appropriate action that extends their learning.
Lexington recognizes and celebrates students who pursue home languages and additional languages. We began our Pathways to Multilingualism program in 2021 which was supported by a School Board Resolution. Fifth graders have the opportunity to receive a Pathway to Multiliteracy Award at promotion, which we hope will inspire them to continue world language studies, including the Seal of Biliteracy offered in many high schools. Lexington offers various multilingual opportunities and experiences during the school year to increase awareness of the importance of understanding more than one language and to further develop global citizens. Lexington is leading the charge in the integration of Environmental Literacy. The mission of our LexEcology initiative and the student-driven LexEcology Green Team “is to inspire and empower the Lexington community to be lifelong environmental stewards and cultivate opportunities to educate while engaging students in the natural world.” The LexEcology Team has spearheaded many clean campus initiatives. They maintain the vegetable gardens, the worm compost bin, and run the trash sorting and trash-free lunch program. They were integral to eliminating plastic straws from Los Gatos Union School District cafeterias. State Senator Jim Beall visited Lexington on November 21, 2019 to honor our students for the action they took by writing letters to the California legislature urging them to vote yes on bills requiring manufacturers and retailers to greatly reduce their use of single use packaging and products. With the help of many parent volunteers, the Lexington Life Lab has become a reality. In addition to the outdoor classrooms in place, a pollinator garden, a native species garden, critter cameras, a weather station, a bat box, and an arbor have been added. During the 2020-21 school year, a greenhouse and a water catchment system were built. District-funded solar panels were installed on the school’s roof in fall 2022. A Life Lab curriculum, complete with lessons and activities, is integrated into PYP units of inquiry. Lexington, originally built in 1859, is the oldest school in the district and has an interesting and rich history. It was once the only school between Santa Cruz and San Jose. Since then the school has moved locations twice. Most recently, the school was completely rebuilt and opened its new doors in the fall of 2014. Lexington is truly a unique and wonderful world school. Please browse our website to get a better understanding of what makes our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program World School so special. |
Teaching approach of the school |
Lexington Elementary School aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Lexington encourages students to become ethical citizens of the world who are active, compassionate lifelong learners. Lexington School provides a challenging program of inquiry that includes transdisciplinary concept-based curriculum, rigorous assessment and ongoing self-reflection. Skills are acquired, developed and applied in the context of authentic learning experiences. The learner profile is incorporated throughout Lexington's program and is central to the development of the internationally minded student. As a result of the learning process, Lexington students are empowered to take thoughtful and appropriate action that extends their learning. |