Created in 1970, the primary grade school program serves 100 children per year in Kindergarten through Third Grade. Our primary grade school program offers small classes, interactive learning and individual attention to support students’ current growth and prepare them for success in the fourth grade and beyond.

In 2007 our primary grade school program became a charter school. The mission of our charter school is to develop our children’s basic academic skills as well as the abilities and motivation to achieve life-long learning. A teacher-student ratio of 1:12 allows for greater attention to each child’s needs. The elementary curriculum is implemented by individualized programming, team-teaching, one-to-one tutoring with volunteers daily, computer software programs, a balanced literacy program, and integration of curriculum into daily activities. In addition to the “basics” our teachers build upon our “spirit of community” through arts activities, environmental programs, wellness programs and field trips

The typical Title I elementary school such as we are has a turn-over in its enrollment of 50% to 70% in a single year because families in poverty tend to move around a lot. These upheavals present tremendous obstacles to academic achievement as teachers struggle to meet the needs of new students and new students struggle to adjust to their ever-changing environments. To mitigate these difficulties, Guadalupe provides flexible door-to-door busing across the entire northwest side of Salt Lake City. When a family moves, even if only temporarily, they simply leave a message by 6:00 a.m. and the bus is re-routed to pick up the child. Thanks to the investment in busing students, average attendance is 94% and turnover in enrollment is less than 5%.

In all of Guadalupe’s programs, volunteers leverage the contributions of donors and staff. In the K-3 program, 50 volunteers provide over 3,000 hours of reading tutoring annually. Church, civic and business groups frequently provide one-day service projects to maintain the building and support special learning initiatives. Volunteer board members and advisors provide guidance and expertise. Craftsmen donate their skills. Parents and teachers-in-training assist in classrooms. In the last year alone, more than 625 volunteers gave over 11,500 hours of service. Their impact on students’ lives is beyond measure.