Balboa Elementary promotes a positive learning environent for students through a variety of programs and practices. Exemplary behavior is recognized with positive comments, awards, stickers, public recognition, or reward time at the counseling center. Students are honored at recognition assemblies, which are attended by students and families. Counselors provide opportunities for students to learn good work habits, develop problem-solving skills, resolve conflicts, and enhance self-esteem. In addition to the district's Facts for Parents handbook, Balboa Elementary has a parent-student handbook that is sent to parents every September. Sixth-grade and kindergarten students are paired as Book Buddies, and one day a week, sixth-grade students assist their kindergarten buddies in reading.

Class Size

To ensure each student receives an appropriate level of individual attention and support, class sizes at Balboa Elementary are kept as small as possible. In grades K-3, each class has a maximum of 20 students. This is possible in part through funding provided by California's K–3 Class Size Reduction program which began in 1996.

Diversity

The mixture of cultures and languages of Balboa Elementary's students results in diverse classrooms and additional opportunities for learning, teamwork and appreciation of one another.