In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, parents seek more than academic achievement. They want schools that provide safe, nurturing environments where their children can thrive holistically. The Centralia Elementary School District (CESD), serving Anaheim, Buena Park, and La Palma, California, has consistently delivered on this promise.

Founded in 1875, CESD has a long history of adapting to changing times. Despite challenges faced by many school districts, CESD has maintained its reputation for excellence by prioritizing safety, creativity, and academic rigor. Under the leadership of Superintendent Ms. Norma E. Martinez, the district continues to innovate, offering programs that inspire diverse learners and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.

Building a Legacy of Excellence

CESD has spent nearly 150 years building strong educational foundations. The district has earned recognition at both national and state levels, including the National Blue Ribbon Award, U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary School, and multiple California honors such as the CA PBIS Platinum Level Award for all schools, CA Distinguished Schools, CA Gold Ribbon Award, CA Pivotal Practice Award for both the schools and the district, and the CA Green Ribbon School Silver Level Award. These accolades highlight CESD’s focus on helping students achieve success academically, socially, and emotionally.

Centralia’s emphasis on kindness and digital responsibility distinguishes it further. As both a Kindness Certified District and a Common Sense District, CESD integrates ethical technology use and character education into its programs. These initiatives prepare students to engage confidently and responsibly in their communities and the digital world.

Understanding and Exceeding Parental Expectations

Parents today expect elementary schools to provide more than academic instruction. They seek environments that ensure safety, encourage academic growth, and nurture creativity while preparing students with skills for future success. CESD addresses these priorities with a balanced focus on safety, innovation, and enrichment.

The district strengthens physical safety with secure, single-point entry systems and clear emergency communication protocols. To support emotional well-being, CESD assigns mental health professionals to every campus, ensuring students receive necessary care.

Academically, CESD’s award-winning programs push students to reach their potential while expanding opportunities for future-ready skills with STEM instruction and initiatives that build collaboration and adaptability, meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world through its learning in each school’s Innovation Labs, who utilize the Design Thinking Process.  Creativity is fostered through its spiraling Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs, where student creativity in arts, dance or music is fostered.

The CESD Admissions Advantage

CESD welcomes all families residing within its attendance boundaries and accepts transfers during the annual spring transfer process. Families often choose the district based on its reputation for high academic achievement, numerous awards, and a focus on safety and creativity. Many relocate specifically to enroll their children in CESD schools, drawn by the supportive environment and a culture that values parental involvement.

The district also provides robust support for families with diverse needs. It offers free after-school programs for children who qualify based on income, affordable childcare options, and after-school intervention programs designed to enhance learning. Additionally, CESD ensures students have access to free breakfast, lunch, and supper for those participating in after-school programs, reducing barriers to success and fostering a strong foundation for learning.

Innovative Programs That Inspire

CESD sets itself apart with a focus on innovation. Each school has Innovation Labs, where students from transitional kindergarten (TK) to sixth grade explore robotics, coding, and design thinking. These labs help students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for a technology-driven future. Students utilize Artificial Intelligence through tools such as Adobe Express, creating and designing in safe and developmentally appropriate ways. 

The district’s Science of Reading initiative strengthens literacy among TK through Grade 1 students using research-based methods. This program underscores CESD’s dedication to foundational skills that support lifelong learning. Each school hosts an additional teacher to provide support to this specialized group of early learners.

CESD extends its impact through initiatives like the Neighborhood Resource Center and Centralia Boutique. These programs provide families with essentials such as clothing and access to social services, creating a support system that ensures economic challenges do not hinder students’ success.

Embracing Diversity and Advancing Inclusivity

Diversity defines CESD’s identity, with students speaking more than 30 languages at home. The student population includes 54% Hispanic/Latino, 24% Asian American and Pacific Islander, and 14% White students. About 25% are English learners, many of whom participate in the Dual Language Immersion Program, which develops bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish.

CESD celebrates this diversity through cultural events, arts programs, and student leadership initiatives. Activities like Balie folklórico and filmmaking provide students opportunities to connect with their heritage while building valuable skills. This inclusive approach fosters a learning environment where every student feels represented and empowered.

A Commitment to Personalized Learning

CESD prioritizes small class sizes to ensure students receive personalized attention. Transitional Kindergarten classes have a 24:1 student-teacher ratio, supported by an additional assistant. Kindergarten classes maintain a 24:1 ratio, while grades 1-3 have a 26:1 ratio, and grades 4-6 have a 29:1 ratio.

CESD boasts a highly experienced teaching staff. The majority of teachers have over 15 years of experience and actively participate in professional development. This dedicated team fosters strong relationships with students and parents, creating a supportive learning environment.

To address diverse learning needs, each school employs an additional credentialed teacher to provide targeted intervention. This teacher utilizes a Learning Center model, supported by classified staff, to address academic gaps. Additionally, each school has a mental health professional, either a social worker or a school counselor, to support students’ emotional well-being.

Engaging and Empowering Students

CESD believes education extends beyond the classroom. Programs like the Outdoor Science Program, where sixth graders attend a multi-night camping trip in the local mountains, where they engage in outdoor learning and activities. This immersive experience leaves a lasting impression on students, creating memories they carry into adulthood.

Student leadership opportunities further enhance campus life. Through events such as the Student Leadership and Career Conference, CESD encourages students to explore their interests, hear from professionals, and envision future careers. These programs empower students to become confident, capable leaders both in school and beyond.

Specialized Programs for Diverse Learners

CESD offers a variety of specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, available at all schools, provides unique learning opportunities for qualified students, including an annual Saturday conference where they engage in creative and innovative activities.

The district also delivers comprehensive special education services for students with individualized plans. The Dual Language Immersion program promotes bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish, attracting families from across the district due to its success.Several schools in the district focus on distinct programs that enhance learning.

The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school prioritizes college and career preparation and serves as a model site for teams across the state seeking effective AVID implementation. A Leader in Me school emphasizes leadership skills using Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Another school operates an award-winning student garden program, recognized with a California Green Ribbon, Silver Medal award, focusing on environmental impact, health, and education.

CESD integrates a robust visual and performing arts (VAPA) program across all schools. Four schools specialize in visual and dance arts, while another four emphasize music. Students in Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 3 explore generalized arts such as music appreciation, choir, and foundational art techniques. Beginning in Grade 4, students select a focus area, further developing their skills. The district supports advanced musicians through its Honor Strings and Band programs, showcasing student talents through impressive performances.

Behind the Scenes: The Teams Driving Success at CESD

CESD prioritizes clean, safe, and welcoming campuses. Maintenance and Operations teams, including grounds staff, custodians, and skilled maintenance workers, ensure schools remain in top condition for students and the broader community.

The district also operates its own food services department, focusing on providing freshly prepared meals. Most lunch options are made in-house rather than delivered from processing sites. CESD extends this effort during the summer, using a lunch truck to serve free meals to children under 18 in key community locations.

Behind the scenes, several district teams work together to support schools. The Technology Department ensures seamless operations with modern systems. The Fiscal Team carefully manages budgets, while the Education Services Team—covering Special Education, Instruction and Innovation, Expanded Services, and Student Services—provides comprehensive support to students, staff, and families. Human Resources works all year round to staff up the various district programs. 

Meanwhile, the Superintendent’s Office oversees communication with the community and equips the Board of Education with the information needed for informed decision-making. Five elected officials govern the district, ensuring it meets the needs of students and the community.

Ms. Norma E. Martinez’s Impact on CESD

Ms. Norma E. Martinez has led CESD as Superintendent since 2015, building on her tenure with the district since 2010. With over 30 years in education, she focuses on fostering strong communities through high-performing schools that enhance opportunities for students and families.

Ms. Martinez emphasizes addressing opportunity gaps and preparing students as future-ready learners. She prioritizes the needs of historically underserved students and works to bridge the gap between schools and communities. Her initiatives, including the award-winning Centralia Collaborative, Neighborhood Resource Center, and Centralia Boutique, have strengthened community support and resources.

In addition to her role at CESD, Ms. Martinez serves as Chairperson for the Centralia Education Foundation and the SchoolsFirst Education Foundation. She also acts as Vice Chair for the Anaheim Community Foundation and participates on several nonprofit boards, reflecting her dedication to community service.

She often encourages students and parents to pursue ambitious goals, invoking the words of Henry David Thoreau: “Build castles in the air and lay foundations under them.” She believes success stems from effort and determination. Ms. Martinez takes pride in CESD’s accomplishments and remains committed to supporting its scholars and families.

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