Offering instruction in nine bilingual classrooms simultaneously accommodates the growing Hispanic bilingual population and advances literacy learning and respect for diversity among students. Barnes' media specialist and technology specialists contribute to the success of the dual schoolwide literacy and bilingual focus. The media specialist coordinates the All-School Reading Program, an annual contest that rewards students for the number of hours they spend reading. Each classroom is equipped with a Macintosh PowerBook and a desktop computer that has CD-ROM capability. The learning center has 10 laptop computers, three CD-ROM systems, and two PowerBooks.
Students have access to numerous extended learning opportunities.
After school, students participate in Voices, a tutoring program that brings in junior high, high school, and community college students to work with younger students, and primary-age ESL students receive additional language instruction from ESL staff. Barnes also hosts an annual summer school program for incoming fifth-graders. Barnes is staffed by a full range of specialists who serve students directly and assist teachers. A child development specialist manages support services for students at risk and promotes drug awareness. The TAT advises teachers when questions arise about supporting students' academic progress or addressing health or family life concerns.