About Us

Mission Statement:

JAMES WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL provides a high quality instructional program that includes a comprehensive, standard/research-based curriculum, which challenges students, utilizes effective literacy strategies, and embraces cultural diversity. These best practices, coupled with the use of differentiated instruction, aim to increase the achievement level of all students, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELL), in order to promote continuous progress in an inclusive, least restrictive, and safe environment. We maintain our efforts to develop and address the social and emotional needs of our students through various school-wide initiatives and special opportunities for growth. We also strive to maintain a strong school-home-community relationship.

Vision Statement:

The JAMES WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL believes that all children are entitled to the best possible education. We are committed to ensuring an educationally enriched environment. As a Multicultural School, we respect and embrace diversity and cultural understanding through foreign language education. All children, including students with diverse learning needs, deserve to develop their unique interest, assume responsibility for their learning and work cooperatively to reach their fullest potential and their life goals. Ward School strives to prepare all students to actively and effectively participate in the dynamic global community of the 21st century.

Mr. Lupe Perez

Principal

Dear Ward Families, Students, and Community Members,

On behalf of our entire team, it is my absolute privilege to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning to the Ward family or joining our community for the very first time, we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

This year, our school community is united around a singular promise: One Ward, One Heart, Belonging From the Start!

As Principal, my goal is to ensure that James Ward remains a place where high academic expectations go hand-in-hand with deep support. When our school operates with one shared heart, every student is empowered to take academic risks, achieve personal excellence, and discover their full potential in a safe, joyful environment.

Our Commitment to You:

Academic & Personal Excellence: Delivering high-quality, engaging instruction that challenges and supports every learner.
A Connected Community: Maintaining transparent communication and strong, trusting relationships with our families.
A Culture of Growth: Celebrating student success while teaching them to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.

Please explore our website for essential resources, daily schedules, and upcoming event dates. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we open our doors for another incredible year.

Together, let's make SY27 our strongest year yet!

Warmest regards,

Lupe Pérez

Patricia Haas Ms. Patricia
Haas
Asst. Principal

Dear Ward School Community,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are so excited to welcome our students and families back to James Ward and begin another year of learning, growing, and celebrating all that makes our school community so special.

As we begin SY27, we are proud to introduce our theme for the year: One Ward, One Heart, Belonging From the Start!

At James Ward, we believe that belonging is the foundation for everything that follows. When students feel known, valued, supported, and connected to their school community, they are more willing to engage, take risks, build relationships, and grow as learners. This year, we are making that sense of belonging a priority from the very first day.

But One Ward, One Heart extends beyond our students. It represents all of us - our students, staff, families, and community partners - working together to make Ward a place where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and while we bring different cultures, languages, experiences, and perspectives to our school, we are united by our shared commitment to our children and our community.

Throughout SY27, families can expect our continued focus on strong instruction, joyful and engaging classrooms, a welcoming school environment, and meaningful opportunities for students to connect, contribute, and lead. Just as importantly, we want our families to feel connected to Ward. Your partnership, voices, traditions, and involvement are an important part of who we are.

Our staff has been working hard to prepare for the year ahead, and we are excited about the opportunities that await our Jaguars. We know that a successful school year is built not only on academic growth, but also on relationships, trust, connection, and the belief that every member of our community has a place here.

As we open our doors for another year, we hope every student and family feels the message behind our theme:

You are welcomed here.
You are valued here.
You belong here.

We cannot wait to welcome our Jaguars back home and make SY27 our best year yet!

One Ward. One Heart. Belonging From the Start!

In partnership,

Ms Haas