{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy","outOfStateSupporters":21.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10235532,"projectId":9670510,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to fund the \" Learning Targets on the Carpet.\" The students were screaming and were so excited when the carpet was delivered to our classroom by the office staff. They were laying down on the carpet when it was first set on the floor. Words were not enough to describe how happy they were with a clean and nice carpet for their classroom activities like reading with their buddies, playing legos, and doing Science or Math tasks. The size of the carpet was perfect and the students have their own personal space. They enjoy listening to their teachers or classmates on the carpet. The color of the carpet also matched the Dr. Seuss theme in the classroom. What a great way to start the school year!","fullyFundedDate":1757465736858,"projectUrl":"project/learning-targets-on-the-carpet/9670510/","projectTitle":"Learning Targets on the Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Idos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10235532"},{"teacherId":9503329,"projectId":9807336,"letterContent":"I'm thrilled to share a wonderful update on \"Our Safe Place,\" a project that's truly transforming student support. Your invaluable commitment has brought this vital initiative to life, creating a dedicated haven where our young learners can develop crucial emotional well-being and self-regulation skills.\r\n\r\nThis sanctuary offers students a safe space to process emotions and find calm, leading to remarkable improvements in focus and a reduction in disruptive behaviors. What began as a concept has blossomed into a meticulously designed environment focused entirely on holistic development.\r\n\r\nKey elements include a tranquil soft-seating area for quiet reflection, and a dynamic Crayola Travel Glow Art Studio, providing a creative outlet for emotional expression. We've also incorporated therapeutic resources like Autism Sensory Toys and Marble Maze Mat Fidget Toys to aid sensory regulation. A particular highlight is \"Luna The Calming Kitty\" from hand2mind, an interactive guide for breathing exercises and anxiety relief.\r\n\r\n\"Our Safe Place\" is more than just a room; it's a foundation for building resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping our students with essential coping mechanisms for life. Your unwavering belief didn't just provide funding; it was a profound investment in their long-term success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1761016044201,"projectUrl":"project/our-safe-place/9807336/","projectTitle":"Our Safe Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gavino Quichocho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9503329_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784679629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9503329"},{"teacherId":9503329,"projectId":9723397,"letterContent":"We want this express our sincerest gratitude for your wonderful donation to our DonorsChoose project! Your generosity is directly empowering our TK learners in Room 727! \r\n\r\nThe resources you've provided are vital in cultivating the foundational fine motor skills of a child's early development. This directly translates into greater independence in daily life, crucial readiness for academic tasks, and a significant boost in their overall confidence and cognitive abilities.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the bright futures and comprehensive development of our TK students at Zamorano Fine Arts Academy!","fullyFundedDate":1759363039179,"projectUrl":"project/gassing-up-on-finger-fuel/9723397/","projectTitle":"Gassing up on Finger Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gavino Quichocho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9503329_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784679629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9503329"},{"teacherId":10096087,"projectId":9504750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom! The materials you provided — glue sticks, dry erase markers, laminating sheets, sheet protectors, sensory rice, headphones, math and CVC games, UV flashlights, and fruit snacks — have already made (and will continue to make) such a big difference in our daily learning. My students were so excited when the boxes arrived; their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything, and they eagerly asked what we would get to use first.\r\n\r\nThe fruit snacks were the first to disappear and were loved by everyone! They've been a perfect addition to snack time, especially for students who don't always have healthy snacks available at home. Our glue sticks have been put to great use during sound sort activities, where students cut and paste pictures to match beginning sounds — an important early literacy skill. Dry erase markers have become a classroom staple for name writing, ABC and number tracing, and reusable binder activities, supported by the laminated sheets and sheet protectors that make daily practice sustainable and fun.\r\n\r\nStudents especially love our hands-on morning centers, using sensory rice to practice letter and number formation. During our beginning-of-the-year writing unit, we used laminated pattern block templates to build people and structures, helping students connect shapes to drawings — a creative and exciting way to build writing confidence. And as a special treat, my class is already buzzing with anticipation for our 100th day of school celebration, where we'll use the UV flashlights you donated to solve a mystery through learning games and hidden clues!\r\n\r\nYour donations have brought so much engagement, creativity, and joy into our classroom. Thank you for giving my students the tools to learn, imagine, and thrive every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1754677837353,"projectUrl":"project/beginning-of-the-year-basics/9504750/","projectTitle":"Beginning of the Year Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10096087"},{"teacherId":9503329,"projectId":9692853,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation. It has directly powered the expansion of our interactive math activities, transforming how our students engage with mathematics.\r\n\r\nGone are abstract lessons; in their place, children are actively exploring concepts through hands-on activities like building geometric shapes, conducting measurements, and solving real-world puzzles. This active, playful approach isn't just impactful; it allows them to discover and internalize mathematical ideas personally.\r\n\r\nThe results are already visible: students are developing a deeper understanding, boosting their confidence, and honing crucial problem-solving skills. Your support is truly building a strong foundation for their academic success and fostering a lifelong love of learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for your vital investment in our students' bright futures. Your partnership makes an undeniable difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757776177336,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-fun-for-everyone/9692853/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Math Fun for Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gavino Quichocho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9503329_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784679629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9503329"},{"teacherId":9172644,"projectId":9203250,"letterContent":"The donated sensory materials have had a tremendous impact on my kindergarten classroom, especially in our Title 1 school where resources are often limited. These tools have created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment by helping students with varying sensory needs regulate their emotions, focus their attention, and engage more fully in classroom activities. The items have given my students the opportunity to explore and learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate and tailored to their individual needs.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, these sensory materials have become an essential part of their daily routine. They help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and support smoother transitions between activities. I've seen students who previously struggled to stay engaged now participate more confidently and independently. These tools not only enhance academic learning but also promote emotional well-being, which is foundational at this early stage of development. I am deeply grateful for the support, as it has truly made a difference in the lives of all my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746553764048,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs-for-students-with-exceptio/9203250/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs for Students with Exceptionalities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valdivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9172644_orig.jpg?crop=429,429,x86,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691632024092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-flv"},{"teacherId":9503329,"projectId":9569388,"letterContent":"I'm writing to update you on the incredible success of our recent project, thanks to your generous support! The children's reaction to the delivery of the STEM kits was truly heartwarming. The sight of the colorful straws, connectors, LEGOs, and magnetic tiles elicited immediate cheers and enthusiastic clapping – a testament to their inherent curiosity and eagerness to learn.\r\n\r\nThe integration of these STEM kits into our center rotations has yielded remarkably positive results. We've observed a significant increase in children's engagement, focus, and attentiveness. Their creativity has flourished as they experiment with different designs and problem-solving strategies, developing critical thinking skills. The hands-on nature of the activities fosters a deeper understanding of concepts, building their confidence as they master new challenges and proudly showcase their creations. Each day, the children approach the centers with renewed excitement, embracing new tasks and demonstrating their determination and confidence with a different challenge each day. \r\n\r\nFurthermore, these activities have fostered invaluable collaborative skills. The children are actively learning to work together, share ideas, and celebrate each other's achievements, building a strong sense of community within the classroom. The benefits of early childhood STEM education are abundantly clear, and we are thrilled with the progress we're seeing.\r\n\r\nWe've shared numerous photos on ClassDojo, allowing parents and family members to witness firsthand the children's joyful engagement with the STEM activities. We've also provided parents with readily accessible STEM activity suggestions to extend the learning experience beyond the classroom. By making learning fun and engaging, both teachers and parents can cultivate a lifelong love of exploration, problem-solving, and discovery in young learners.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're diligently working on a new project to further enrich our math centers with even more hands-on activities. We believe this will provide further opportunities for our students to thrive. Thank you again for your invaluable contribution to their educational journey. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1755303094123,"projectUrl":"project/lets-explore-build-and-create-with-ste/9569388/","projectTitle":"Let’s Explore, Build and Create With STEM!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gavino Quichocho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9503329_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784679629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9503329"},{"teacherId":9172644,"projectId":9327672,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations to our kindergarten classroom. Your support has truly made a difference in the lives of my students, and I'm so grateful for your kindness and belief in the power of early education.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contributions, our classroom has been filled with new and engaging literacy resources—literacy centers, that have transformed the way my students learn. These tools have not only sparked their curiosity but also built a strong foundation in reading and writing.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see the impact your generosity has made. Students who were once hesitant to pick up a book are now excited to explore new stories. They are learning letter sounds, recognizing sight words, and beginning to write their own sentences—all milestones that will shape their future learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been watching my students develop confidence as readers and storytellers. These early successes are made possible because of the resources you helped provide.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the educational journey of these bright and eager young learners. Your support is helping to create lifelong readers, and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746786038589,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-matters/9327672/","projectTitle":"Literacy Matters!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valdivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9172644_orig.jpg?crop=429,429,x86,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691632024092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-flv"},{"teacherId":9503329,"projectId":9548779,"letterContent":"I'm writing to you not only to thank you for your generosity and support but importantly the impact the flexible seating has already had in my classroom. My vision extends beyond mere aesthetic improvement; I believe rugs offer a multifaceted approach to fostering a more engaging and inclusive learning space for all students.\r\n\r\nCurrently, our classroom setup presents challenges for students who require movement to maintain focus. The proposed addition of soft, of a comfortable rug will create a designated zone for various learning styles. This \"learning zone\" would allow students the freedom to comfortably move and choose a position best suited for their concentration. This flexibility caters especially well to kinesthetic learners, enabling them to engage actively without disrupting their peers.\r\n\r\nBeyond accommodating diverse learning styles, the rug would contribute to a quieter, more conducive atmosphere. Their sound-absorbing qualities can significantly reduce ambient noise levels, improving auditory clarity during lessons and facilitating improved concentration for all students. Furthermore, the rug will create inviting spaces for collaborative group work and independent reading, fostering a sense of calm and focused engagement. \r\n\r\nThe benefits extend to students with sensory processing sensitivities. The tactile comfort of the rugs can provide a calming and regulating effect, creating a more secure and predictable learning environment. This can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall classroom behavior, contributing to a more positive learning experience for everyone.\r\n\r\nThe rug was indeed a worthy cause and investment in creating a more effective and inclusive learning environment that promotes student well-being and academic success. I am confident that this simple yet impactful change will create a noticeable positive difference in our classroom dynamics.","fullyFundedDate":1754763317276,"projectUrl":"project/our-gathering-place/9548779/","projectTitle":"Our Gathering Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gavino Quichocho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9503329_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754784679629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9503329"},{"teacherId":182440,"projectId":9246106,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for all the help you gave me to get all my items into my classroom. I have used the leveled guided reading books with my students and will do again this upcoming year. This really helps me teach reading to my students and they are able to improve all their reading skills and strategies. The Dogman books and the Who would win books, my students were able to take home and practice reading over the summer. They were so excited to receive these books at the end of the year. I know this helped them keep up their reading over summer.\r\n With the read aloud books Kindness is my Superpower, Magic of Yet and The girl who never made mistakes, I will be able to teach them empathy, kindness and perseverance. I am so excited that every year these books will be used in my classroom to teach these themes to new students.\r\nFinally all the extra items such as bubbles ( given to my students at the end of the year to send them into summer), glow sticks ( for a glow party at the end of the year), items to restock my treasure box ( for positive reinforcements) and dry erase pens, were used with love and gratitude from my students.\r\nThank you again for all your support for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746466395120,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-our-superpower/9246106/","projectTitle":"Reading is our Superpower","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp182440_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540183241654","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-brownk-2"},{"teacherId":9023314,"projectId":7336353,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your donations to my classroom. The students absolutely love sitting in the flexible seating during lessons, free time, and independent learning time. These seats and desks are usually the number one choice for my students. It is definitely nice for them to have different seating options because everyone is comfortable in different ways.\r\nI also want to thank everyone for the donations for some of the academic materials. The students really enjoyed using them and has made improvements with these supports. Thank you very much!","fullyFundedDate":1693843479862,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-and-math-practice/7336353/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating and Math Practice!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9023314"},{"teacherId":9800895,"projectId":8871929,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the tools and supplies you have provided for my class. As a new teacher it is difficult to get all of the things you need for class as well as tools that can help students be successful. This year I began in high school and was prepared for students at that age, I was moved early in the year to TK/K and was unprepared for that age group. The carpet cushions are amazing and the kids love them for reading time. The sand boxes, and white boards have been extremely helpful with kids who are learning to write and learn the different numbers and letters of the alphabet. The alphabet robots have been a hot for free time as well as different games such as \"find the letter B\" the kids enjoy walking to the board and finding the correct letter and showing off the robot. I am so extremely thankful for everything that you have provided and I know the kids are as well. It had given me so many fun ways to help the kids learn and stay engaged in class.","fullyFundedDate":1730397180547,"projectUrl":"project/mr-aros-tk-k-class/8871929/","projectTitle":"Mr. Aros TK-K Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800895"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53282","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":843,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":28,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":42,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.4,"schoolId":53282,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/zamorano-elementary-school/53282"}
Join the 292 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy is
an urban public school
in San Diego, California that is part of San Diego Unified School District.
It serves 843 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.2:1.
Its teachers have had 100 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy Demographics
71%
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
80%
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.
Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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.
Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy
$44,845
raised using DonorsChoose
100
projects
funded
44
teachers
funded
292
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
9
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
Zamorano Elementary School Fine Arts Academy has received support from
229 individuals from California and
63 individuals out-of-state.