All students will achieve their highest potential in academics and social growth through various and meaningful experiences and instruction, in partnership with teachers, administrators, parents, and community.

Clear Lake City Elementary opened its doors in September 1964 to 101 boys and girls who were part of the rapidly growing Clear Lake area. The first students at Clear Lake Elementary met at the Clear Lake City Recreation Center while the new school building was being completed. By the end of the 1964-65 school year, enrollment had increased to approximately 200 students.

That enrollment doubled by the next school year. Mr. Kenneth Royal was appointed Clear Lake City Elementary School's first principal. He remained principal of Clear Lake City Elementary until June 1993, a span of 29 years. The Thunderbird was adopted as the school mascot in 1978. The Clear Lake City Elementary PTA began a membership drive entitled, "Help Us Spread Our Wings and Thunder Forward". The PTA presented the school a Thunderbird flag to be flown from the flagpole.

As part of the silver anniversary celebration in 1989, the Thunderbird totem pole became a permanent addition to the school. David Young, a local amateur sculptor, fashioned this creation of native wood.