{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Balboa Magnet Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":8.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1212329,"projectId":10517857,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of supplies and the organization cart for our Independent Work Time! Your generosity has made it possible to create a special space where students have access to the tools and materials they need to be successful learners. The cart keeps everything organized, accessible, and ready to use, which allows students to independently choose the materials that will help them practice skills we are working on in class. Having these supplies readily available makes our classroom more engaging and gives students the opportunity to practice important skills while working at their own pace.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your donation is helping our students learn much more than academics. During Independent Work Time, students are learning how to make choices, stay focused, solve problems, manage materials, and take responsibility for their own learning. They are building confidence as they discover that they can work independently and make thoughtful decisions about what they need to be successful. Your generosity is helping us create a classroom where students can grow into confident, responsible, and independent learners. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make these meaningful learning experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1789594239241,"projectUrl":"project/independent-work-think-work-grow/10517857/","projectTitle":"Independent Work: Think, Work, Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dana Bass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1212329_orig.png?crop=964,964,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777232773161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1212329"},{"teacherId":45041,"projectId":10369851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to our classroom project. My students were so excited to start working during IWT (Independent Work Time) since they saw the fun activities we received to review skills. They are now motivated to finish their Must Do work so they can work on the May Do activities that they have available. The beauty is that these May Do activities allow them to continue learning and growing as readers. \r\n\r\nEach time I brought out a new activity from this project, they were eager to try it. Many of the activity encourage them to work in partners or small groups so it was really satisfying to see that they were not only working on academic skills, but social skills as well. I also knew how excited they were because they would come up to me with so much enthusiasm to show me what they had done. These moments solidify my love for teaching.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of our class and helping to provide resources that keep students engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1787801786183,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-busy-and-organized/10369851/","projectTitle":"Keeping Busy and Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banuelos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp45041_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532144617892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/45041"},{"teacherId":45041,"projectId":10246131,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to our classroom project, \"Staying Sharp.\" My students were so excited to discover that community members were able to fund this project so that we could have sharp pencils at all times. In past years, it has been distracting to have sharpeners that break down and therefore students didn't always have a sharp pencil to use. Not this year. With the pencils and new pencil sharpeners you helped provide, we have many pencils ready to use.\r\nI have classroom jobs and the \"pencil sharpener\" has become a popular job now that we have new pencil sharpeners that work well. This has helped reinforce the importance of contributing to a more efficient classroom environment. I am thankful that we no longer have to worry about not having enough sharp pencils readily available. This may seem like a simple project but it has made a big impact.","fullyFundedDate":1787271192999,"projectUrl":"project/stay-sharp/10246131/","projectTitle":"Stay Sharp","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banuelos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp45041_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532144617892","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/45041"},{"teacherId":5737656,"projectId":10039875,"letterContent":"It is through your generous donation that I have been able to support my students' mental health. I've now created a Calm Down Box to help my students who may need a breather, break, or just a moment away. Our school district emphasizes the importance of a Social Emotional Learning and I like to make sure that my students feel safe in our classroom. \r\n\r\nThe Calm Down Box allows my students to recognize their emotion by using the tools you've donated! They can choose a coping skill and try to get back to that calm ready-to-learn level. Your donation is helping to blend the mental health skills with academic skills. Students these days have more sensory needs and this Calm Down Box has allowed them to have more sensory tools. A calmer class is one that is ready to succeed. Children who advocate and ask for a break, are more likely to come back ready to learn. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students and future students to come.","fullyFundedDate":1779034641214,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-success/10039875/","projectTitle":"Sensory Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hallett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737656_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y1056&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758428345750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737656"},{"teacherId":10238195,"projectId":10153313,"letterContent":"Since receiving our class set of Charlotte's Web books, my students have been able to enjoy this classic tale together in several ways. \r\n\r\n First, we took an in depth look at each of the central characters' traits and the various themes they embody throughout the book. As students reread specific chapters, they summarized how each character embodies the themes of friendship, loyalty, and responsibility, and created an accordion book with matching artwork. \r\n Next, students worked within small book clubs to discuss each chapter and and answer comprehension questions, discuss what they liked and disliked about the story plot. \r\n Lastly, once we finished the novel, each student selected 2 ways of representing the book from a menu of options and presented their written opinion essay and art display to the rest of their classmates. Their presentation was a culmination of their ideas and artistic viewpoint. \r\n Thank you for making this all possible with your generosity and support! I can't wait to this with each of my third grade classes in the years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1774993291775,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study/10153313/","projectTitle":"Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Eldridge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10238195"},{"teacherId":1212329,"projectId":10229056,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for donating to my classroom project! I love having all of the supplies to give to my students on the first day of school. They get so excited to have these supplies and it gives them a sense of belonging for them and adds excitement to the new year.\r\n\r\nI also value the skill of students learning how to responsible for their supplies and teaching them the impotance of being prepared and organized. We can start that from day one.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping our class get ready for the new year! I really appreciate your generosity and your interest in our education!","fullyFundedDate":1778526036145,"projectUrl":"project/small-supplies-big-dreams/10229056/","projectTitle":"Small Supplies, Big Dreams!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dana Bass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1212329_orig.png?crop=964,964,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777232773161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1212329"},{"teacherId":10309167,"projectId":10063538,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to the rolling book cart that I have been wanting for years so that I can proudly display and make diverse books more easily accessible. My classroom is relatively small and so space is always an issue. There is not enough bookshelf space for me to have a section dedicated to a rotating display of picture books and chapter books that invite students to pick one up and read.\r\n\r\nI saw an immediate difference in how the same books that were shelved away in my classroom library were picked up and explored because they were presented in a way that piqued interest and were grouped according to a theme. I had it up in time for May, during which I could present the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage books I have collected. \r\n\r\nI look forward to using it the whole year next year to rotate through all the heritage month collections of books I have accumulated through the years so that more students see themselves and learn more about other cultures.","fullyFundedDate":1778089834891,"projectUrl":"project/more-multi-cultural-and-diverse-books-on/10063538/","projectTitle":"More Multi-cultural and Diverse Books on Display","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Silva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10309167_orig.png?crop=287,287,x99,y72&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760282100993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10309167"},{"teacherId":3470898,"projectId":10124871,"letterContent":"As a result of your generosity, our students now have picture frames to proudly display their artwork and classroom projects. These frames have transformed our classroom into a gallery where students can celebrate their creativity, hard work, and accomplishments.\r\n\r\nWhen the frames arrived, students were excited to see their artwork displayed in such a special way. Many students smiled with pride and eagerly chose pieces they wanted to showcase. One student shared that having their work framed made them feel like a \"real artist.\" It was a wonderful moment to see students gain confidence and appreciation for their own efforts.\r\n\r\nWe are using the frames to highlight student artwork, writing projects, and special classroom assignments. Displaying their work encourages students to put forth their best effort and take pride in what they create. The frames also help create a welcoming classroom environment where every student's achievements are valued.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue rotating student work throughout the year so that all students have opportunities to showcase their talents and growth. We look forward to using the frames for upcoming art projects, writing celebrations, and end-of-year displays.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students feel seen, valued, and proud of their accomplishments. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom!Thank you for supporting our students!","fullyFundedDate":1772547504512,"projectUrl":"project/framing-our-future-artists/10124871/","projectTitle":"Framing our Future Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sherry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3470898_orig.jpg?crop=1707,1707,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789618296176","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3470898"},{"teacherId":10309167,"projectId":10265069,"letterContent":"When we finished putting up the frames in the classroom just in time for Open House, the students all gasped in awe at their framed bee artwork! They felt it looked especially beautiful in the black frames behind the glass. It just made them pop! As families browsed all the work up at Open House, the framed art truly stood out.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful that you contributed so that I can display my students' work this way year after year. It's such a wonderful feeling that I can help my students for years to come feel value and pride in their art. Thank you again so much.","fullyFundedDate":1778253856461,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-share-their-artwork-and/10265069/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Share Their Artwork and Feel Like Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Silva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10309167_orig.png?crop=287,287,x99,y72&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760282100993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10309167"},{"teacherId":10289179,"projectId":9765249,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of a rug to my classroom. From the moment it arrived and was placed in our learning space, the rug became the heart of our classroom community. The excitement on my students' faces was immediate and infectious—they could hardly wait to gather on it and begin their work. What struck me most was how naturally they embraced this new addition, instantly recognizing it as a special place where learning, collaboration, and connection happen. Your gift has created a warm, inviting gathering space that has become essential to how we learn together every single day.\r\n\r\nThe rug serves as so much more than a decorative element; it is a vital hub for our classroom life. Students use it independently to focus on their individual work, finding comfort and concentration in its cozy embrace. It becomes a collaborative space where peers work together on group projects, sharing ideas and supporting one another's learning. Most importantly, it is where we gather as a whole community—to read together, discuss important ideas, celebrate successes, and build relationships. Their favorite time to be on the rug is when I read our current read aloud book to them. Students cannot wait to find a spot, get cozy, and absorb the stories being read. The rug has transformed our classroom into a space that feels intentional, welcoming, and purposeful. It provides the physical and emotional foundation that allows students to feel safe, valued, and ready to engage in meaningful learning.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom and our students. Your generosity has created a space where every child feels they belong and where learning feels like a joyful, communal experience. I hope this rug will remain in our classroom for many years to come, continuing to support countless hours of learning, laughter, and growth. Thank you for caring about our students and for believing that a thoughtful, inviting classroom environment matters. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1769289969236,"projectUrl":"project/a-comfy-rug-for-learning-and-growing/9765249/","projectTitle":"A Comfy Rug for Learning and Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lazzaretto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10289179_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758935287092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10289179"},{"teacherId":10289179,"projectId":9767162,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of flexible seating options to my classroom. Your contribution—including the bean bag chair, wobble stool, clipboards, clipboard holder, and sensory and pillow seat cushions—has transformed our learning environment in ways I could not have imagined. When these items arrived, the excitement was palpable; students lined up eagerly, hoping to be among the first to experience them. What began as enthusiasm has blossomed into an integral part of how we learn and grow together every single day.\r\n\r\nThese flexible seating options have proven to be far more than just comfortable additions to our classroom. Students now move freely throughout the room, collaborating in groups and engaging with material in ways that work best for their individual needs. For students who require sensory regulation, these items have been transformative—they provide the movement and proprioceptive input necessary for them to feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. I've watched shy students gain confidence, fidgety learners find their focus, and struggling readers suddenly feel comfortable enough to engage with challenging texts. Your investment directly supports the emotional and academic well-being of every child in this room.\r\n\r\nAs I look toward the future, I am excited about the possibilities your generosity has opened. These foundational pieces have shown me the profound impact that thoughtful classroom design can have on student success. I am committed to continuing to build upon this collection, knowing that each addition will create more opportunities for our students to thrive. Your support has demonstrated to my students that adults in their community believe in their success and are willing to invest in their growth. Thank you for believing in our classroom and our students. Your kindness will continue to make a difference for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1769177666029,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-options-to-inspire-coll/9767162/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Options to Inspire Collaboration and Student Choice!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lazzaretto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10289179_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758935287092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10289179"},{"teacherId":8472865,"projectId":9792424,"letterContent":"When students first received the trackers, they were full of excitement and curiosity. Many of them had never used this technology before, so simply learning how to read their heart rate felt empowering. It created a sense of ownership over their health and learning that is hard to replicate with traditional tools.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been powerful. Students are not only more engaged in physical activity, but they are also strengthening their math skills by analyzing data they collected themselves. They are practicing graphing, comparing numbers, calculating averages, and discussing trends in a way that feels authentic and relevant.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include expanding this into a longer-term project where students track their fitness data over several weeks. They will set personal fitness goals, monitor changes in heart rate and endurance, and use math to evaluate their growth. We also plan to incorporate writing by having students reflect on their progress and explain the connection between physical activity and overall health.\r\n\r\nThanks to this generous donation, students are building lifelong skills in both health and data literacy—while having fun and staying active.","fullyFundedDate":1768444597439,"projectUrl":"project/every-step-counts-supporting-student-we/9792424/","projectTitle":"Every Step Counts: Supporting Student Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8472865_orig.jpg?crop=1977,1977,x0,y243&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680369503591","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8472865"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_6957","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":641,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"1 - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":91.8,"schoolId":6957,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Balboa Magnet Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Balboa Magnet Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/balboa-magnet-elementary-school/6957"}
Join the 1,054 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Balboa Magnet Elementary School is
a public school
in Northridge, California that is part of Los Angeles Unified School District.
It serves 641 students
in grades 1 - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 24.7:1.
Its teachers have had 180 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades 1 - 5
641 Students
26 Teachers
17020 Labrador StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
76%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Balboa Magnet Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Balboa Magnet Elementary School
$81,307
raised using DonorsChoose
180
projects
funded
47
teachers
funded
1,054
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
technology
16
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Balboa Magnet Elementary School has received support from
968 individuals from California and
86 individuals out-of-state.