Quality of School Instruction and Leadership West Portal's positive learning environment promotes academic excellence for all students. High standards for student achievement and behavior are widely known. Encouragement, guidance, awards, recognition, and positive reinforcement foster enthusiasm for learning. There is a consistent homework and school discipline policy. The discipline policy states all children have the right and ability to learn.
Shared leadership sustains an atmosphere of high morale and professional growth.
All staff assists substitutes in order to support the school's program. Teachers are well prepared. Children are expected to demonstrate responsibility in the absence of their regular teacher. The review, selection, and purchase of textbooks and instructional materials are carried out in conjunction with the California eight-year curriculum improvement cycle. Each year, textbooks and instructional materials are reviewed and adopted in one or two specific subject areas.