McNear offers a rich slate of programs across the arts, sciences, and environmental learning — and the PTA is proud to help fund many of them. From the school garden to the MAKER lab, these are the experiences that make a McNear education distinctive.
Several signature programs — the garden, MASC, the MAKER Program, Intro to Spanish, environmental literacy, and the outdoor library — reach every student because PTA giving makes them possible.
Explore

Environmental Literacy
Dedicated environmental literacy lessons that connect students to the Thomson Creek watershed bordering campus. A cornerstone of McNear's identity as California's only elementary Green Ribbon School. PTA-funded.
TK-6

Intro to Spanish
An introduction to the Spanish language for McNear students — vocabulary, conversation, and culture. Offered school-wide thanks to PTA funding.
TK-6

Library
Weekly library visits where students develop a love of reading and check out books with help from the library coordinator.
TK-6

MAKER Program
A creative making and engineering program — robotics, building challenges, and design thinking. Students recently raced cars they designed and built themselves. PTA-funded.
1-6

MASC
MASC enrichment, offered to every McNear student and made possible by PTA funding. Part of the slate of special programs the PTA supports each year.
TK-6

Music
Weekly music instruction by a credentialed teacher. Younger grades explore singing and Orff instruments; fifth and sixth graders learn band instruments.
TK-6

Outdoor Library
A first-of-its-kind outdoor library, created with PTA support and used by students every day. The project continues to grow and evolve.
TK-6

Performing Arts
An afterschool theater program that stages full musical productions each year, building confidence and public-speaking skills. Recent shows included Matilda and Moana.
TK-6

School Garden
Hands-on environmental learning in McNear's school garden. Students grow food, study the seasons, and practice stewardship of the land. PTA-funded.
TK-6

Visual Art
Art instruction by a credentialed teacher and parent art docents, exploring creative techniques across a range of mediums.
TK-6
PTA membership and giving are what keep our signature programs available to every student.