Halstrom High School

Halstrom High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

As local public high schools face growing class sizes and slashed curriculums, Halstrom High School offers a unique program to parents seeking a more individualized approach to education. Personalized programs, flexible schedules and an emphasis on one-on-one instruction are the core philosophies that Halstrom provides each and every one of its students.

Halstrom’s campus features many elements of a traditional school: students and faculty coming and going, homework assignments, field trips, elective classes like art and journalism, but its academic approach sets it apart. Classes are taught one-on-one—that’s one teacher for one student. Programs are tailored to a student’s individual needs and each one moves through at their own pace.

Director Wendy Jones asserts that although Halstrom’s flexibility is ideal for traveling athletes, students in the entertainment industry and other working teens, the school’s singular approach to education is a viable option for any child. “We are inclusive here. We don’t have cliques, discipline issues or bullying. Our focus is on building the student’s self-esteem along with a high standard of learning. At Halstrom, failure is off the table. When self-esteem increases, academic achievement follows,” offers Jones.

The high academic standard to which Jones refers is built into Halstrom’s model. The Content Mastery Approach requires that each student achieves an 80% comprehension level in a subject before progressing. Lessons are retaught until this goal is attained. “Content Mastery challenges kids to do better and be accountable,” Jones says, “Our expectations are always the same—we want the student’s best effort.” Halstrom High sits among the top schools in Orange County in academic standing and prestigious universities like USC, UCLA, Penn, NYU and Berkley have all accepted Halstrom students into their ranks.

Online classes, iPad technology and scheduling flexibility fuel Halstrom’s “learn your way” philosophy and present many options for students and families. Both full-time and part-time programs are available and traveling students can even Skype with teachers for assistance. Halstrom is one of only two private schools in the 2011-2012 school year to introduce iPads into the classroom. It’s been instrumental in the daily lives of students. Having current technologies at their fingertips makes learning easier and prepares them for tomorrow’s world.

Administrators from Halstrom work closely with counselors from other private and public schools to provide one-to-one instruction, remedial or advanced coursework for their students should the need arise. Jones states that “children need nurturing in all areas and that’s what we do here. Our students receive immediate positive reaction from teachers and our teachers are invested in the success of each student.”

A close relationship with parents is also a fundamental component of Halstrom’s success. “We have an open door policy here—parents are encouraged to drop in or even attend class with their children. We let them know immediately if an assignment isn’t completed—so we avoid problems before they arise,” Jones says.

Halstrom High’s commitment to its students extends to the community as well. “We build well-rounded children,” Jones boasts, “and we emphasize socialization and extracurricular activity.” Drama, art, leadership electives and AP classes allow students to think beyond a math problem or science project. Partnerships with non-profit organizations like Mission Hospital Children’s Trauma Center and Second Harvest Food Bank challenge students to become active participants in the community and to see themselves as part of a larger society. Jones enthuses, “Our goal is to provide an exciting journey. An interesting journey. When you affect families the way we do, people talk about it.”

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