From Fairmont SJC

To OC’s Most Sought-After High Schools

For families whose children are pursuing ad-mission to some of Southern California’s most selective high schools, success begins years before applications are ever submitted. Success is forged in a learning environment that challenges students academically while shaping the mindset and strength of character that distinguish exceptional learners. The strongest schools not only teach rigorous academics; they cultivate intellectual curiosity, initiative, resilience, and the independence that top high schools look for in their applicants.

Those qualities, in turn, open doors to a wider range of possibilities. Multiple offers of admission often follow, allowing families to choose the high school that best reflects their child’s strengths, goals, and aspirations.

That was the experience of families in Fairmont San Juan Capistrano’s Class of 2026. The school’s eighth-grade graduates earned admission to many of Southern California’s top-ranked public, private, and specialty high schools. Among them were Mater Dei High School, Orange County School of the Arts, Sage Hill School, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, and Troy High School—all of which have earned an A+ overall rating on Niche.

For Fairmont San Juan Capistrano families, the greatest challenge wasn’t gaining admission; it was deciding among multiple outstanding opportunities.

“Our students are the type of scholars top high schools want because they’ve learned to think independently, embrace challenges, and take ownership of their education,” said Rebecca Lugo, Head of School at Fairmont San Juan Capistrano. “At Fairmont SJC, students become architects of their own learning journey. They discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and develop the confidence, character, and academic foundation to thrive wherever they choose to go next.”

The success of Fairmont’s eighth-grade graduates reflects more than impressive high school placements. It speaks to a learning environment where academic rigor, personalized instruction, and meaningful relationships work together to help students grow into capable learners prepared for a complex and ever-changing world. “When students are challenged, supported, and known as individuals, this is the kind of success that becomes possible across an entire class,” said Lugo.

That approach to teaching and learning translated into exceptional admissions outcomes. For example, 90% of applicants received offers from JSerra Catholic High School, 93% from Santa Margarita Catholic High School, and every student who applied to Fairmont Preparatory Academy received an offer of admission.

Now settling into their freshman year, SJC graduates are attending the high school that best matches their academic, athletic, artistic, and personal aspirations after choosing from among multiple offers.

For Omar Kariuki’s family, those opportunities led to a clear choice. His son, who was part of Fairmont’s flagship Athletic Academy, ultimately chose Crean Lutheran High School, where he will continue pursuing his academic and athletic goals while playing basketball.

“Fairmont is uniquely positioned as a school that offers both a rigorous academic experience and an elite athletic experience while nurturing and supporting each child in a caring, tailored environment,” Kariuki said. “For our son, this was the perfect combination as a scholar-athlete.”

Gerardo Inzunza credits the school’s individualized approach with helping his son flourish. After receiving offers from several highly regarded high schools, his son chose JSerra Catholic High School.

“After joining Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, we experienced a significant positive shift in our son’s education and overall well-being,” Inzunza said. “The smaller classrooms allowed for more personalized attention, fostering an environment where he was able to thrive academically.”

As Fairmont’s eighth-grade graduates continue their high school journey, the success of the Class of 2026 is measured not only by where they enrolled but by how well they were prepared to thrive once they arrived. They left Fairmont SJC with the knowledge, self-assurance, and character to succeed in demanding academic environments and contribute meaningfully to their new school communities.

Looking for a school where your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential? Discover how Fairmont SJC’s personalized Preschool through BOOK A TOUR! Grade 8 program builds the academic foundation, confidence, and character that prepare students for success at every stage of their educational journey. To schedule a campus visit, contact Betty Petersen at bpetersen@fairmontschools.com or 714-234-2784.

Fairmont Schools SJC
26333 Oso Road,
San Juan Capistrano
714.234.2784
fairmontschools.com/san-juan-capistrano