Children seem secure, happy and peaceful in their classrooms, in the halls, and on the playground. The classroom environment is supportive of learning. Adults, both staff and parents, seem secure, happy, peaceful, and purposeful at the school. Adults believe in children and give them the responsibility for their own learning, including the freedom to take risks and to make mistakes without being belittled. The school has endorsed principles of positive discipline.
Teachers are committed to helping students make wise choices and to become self-disciplined.
The school recognizes its organic relationship with the larger community and expresses this through regular community service and participation in community events. The school is a celebrative place with inclusive shared rituals of its own. At the Sunshine School we are primarily concerned with the development of our students' heart and character. We felt the students were doing well academically. We did not know just how well until we administered standardized California Achievement Tests, Edition 5, in May 1993.