Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
by Cathy Villafana

Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante, located in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano, captures the essence of Italian cuisine by importing key ingredients. This homage to the homeland and its inviting ambiance, creates an ideal place for a casual, weekday lunch, dinner with friends or a quick drink before catching a flick around the corner.

Vito’s offers a broad range of appetizers to suit a variety of tastes. Enjoy Italian classics like theCalamari or Bruschetta, or try the Burrata Mozzarella and Tomato starter with heirloom tomatoes and fig marmalade that fuses old world tradition with a modern twist.

Specializing in Chicago-style thin crust pizzas, Vito’s goes the distance by importing its dough all the way from Italy. For those preferring a more substantial bite, simply order a double crust and Vito’s will accommodate your request. There are a wide variety of pizzas to choose from, or you can build your masterpiece from what seems an endless array of toppings. Rumor has it that the Buffalo Chicken and Margherita pizzas are in a close tie for most popular ‘za.

Italian food lovers will delight in the many pasta and chef specialties found on the menu. Options include seafood, chicken, veal and vegetarian dishes. The Penne Caprese, the Chicken Penne Arrabiate, and the Tortellini Sunrise – combining marinara and alfredo sauces – are some of the current menu faves.

Happy Hour is 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Mondays, Happy Hour is extended from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy half-priced bottles of wine with your entrées or pizza on Tuesdays and wind down on Wednesday with $1 glasses of wine (limit 2) and half-price signature drinks. On Thursdays, martinis are a mere $6. Vito’s is also a family-friendly destination where kids eat for only $1.99 on Sundays.

If you’re in need of a venue to celebrate that special occasion or to host a holiday gathering, Vito’s has a private dining area that’s available for parties. Delivery, catering, and a gluten-free menu makes Vito’s an easy and convenient choice!

Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
31781 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
949.481.8300 • VitosPizza.com

Keeping San Juan Capistrano Beautiful
By Shelley T. Hudson

Located across from the Mission in the historic downtown area, Brush Salon’s sleek, yet inviting vibe puts clients in a relaxed and comfortable state-of-mind. Maureen remodeled the space which now projects a spa-like atmosphere – complete with fresh floral arrangements, an abundance of burning candles and soothing décor. Immediately, guests sense that this is a salon where they’ll be pampered and treated to cutting-edge style.

Maureen sets her establishment apart from others by providing highly personalized customer care from a staff of experienced professionals. As a Tony & Guy-trained stylist, she knows a thing or two about a winning formula. “You have to be established to work here. We offer a very involved consultation. We consider bone structure, hair characteristics and lifestyle. Listening to clients is extremely important in this business and we take that responsibility seriously,” she asserts. Maureen partnered with her sister, Annmarie, to coordinate Brush’s daily operations and ensure that guests receive the ultimate salon experience. Continuing education is also a top priority and Maureen hired Artistic Director Mucio Vidales, a platform stylist for L’Oreal with Tony & Guy training, to oversee that department. Mucio keeps Brush’s team current on industry trends and makes certain they’re knowledgeable about the latest products and techniques.

As Brush Salon’s client base grew, so did its menu of services, offering style and convenience under one roof. Make-up artist Deanna Rene was brought on board to provide everything from tips for updating your daily cosmetic routine to creating knock-’em-dead special event looks. Medical esthetician AnnRae Novak brings an extensive medical training in diagnosing and treating problem skin. The salon’s hair extension specialists offer five methods of application, giving clients options that range from subtle volume to glamorous locks.

The Brush Salon team has developed a gathering place where clients feel welcomed and appreciated. Maureen’s effusive personality, the talented and accommodating staff and the careful selection of exclusive product lines like Kerastase, Unite, L’Oreal Professional and Jane Iredale organic cosmetics have fused seamlessly to produce this distinctive salon. “We’re fresh; we’re different,” says Maureen. “I want to establish relationships with the mothers and daughters in this community and give them something they need. I’m a San Juan girl,” she adds. These relationships are a key component of the salon’s success as well. Brush has partnered with the National Charity League to raise funds for local projects and schools and recently brought eight stylists to a fashion show at the St. Regis benefitting St. Anne School. The team provided make-up lessons for the girls and it was so much fun that Maureen plans to offer similar workshops at the salon as part of a community outreach program.

For a personal consultation or to learn more about Brush Salon’s services, call 949.496.8800 or visit BrushSalon.com.

The 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

Don’t feel guilty about indulging in a second piece of pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. Grab the flock, get your morning work-out in and feast on the festivities at the 35th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot.

Registration for the Dana Point Turkey Trot is now open. Runners everywhere are invited to celebrate and participate in “one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs,” according to Fitness Magazine. Known for its scenic routes, beautiful Southern California weather, and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County tradition. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, it’s the sixth largest Thanksgiving Day race in the nation, attracting more than 16,000 participants to its 5K, 10K, Mission Hospital Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and two-day health and wellness expo.

“This year’s Turkey Trot will be a whale of a time,” says Heather Johnston, executive director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, alluding to this year’s new theme for the Thanksgiving Day run. “For 35 years, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has been an Orange County tradition for thousands. Whether working toward your fitness goals, encouraging your kids to get active, visiting with friends old and new, or exploring the new health and wellness brands at the expo, we’ll have activities for the whole family. Expect some surprises this year along the course, including special photo opportunities, presented by our sponsors.”

Enhancements and surprises for this year’s Turkey Trot include detours of fun along the race route, family photo opportunities, live music, larger-than-life inflatable turkeys, and tech shirts and medals for all participants. Also new this year is an exclusive military discount program through a partnership with GovX.com. The collaboration with GovX.com, the largest online shopping destination for military, first responders and government personnel, offers all active, retired and former U.S. Armed Forces servicemen and women a 50% discount off registration fees through an effortless online verification process.

Fundraising proceeds from the 2012 Turkey Trot will benefit The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group whose mission is to offer support and outreach to the 5th Marines and Sailors while deployed and to take care of their families left behind at Camp Pendleton. Consider sponsoring a Marine, their spouse or their child to run in the Turkey Trot or to provide dinner for a Marine’s family. To make a tax-deductible donation to this non-profit organization, go to DanaPoint5thMarines.com.

For more information, to register for the event or to become a volunteer, visit TurkeyTrot.com.

Surfing Santa Competition Benefits Children with Autism

Every year, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel celebrates the holidays in grand style. With surfing Santas, the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration, and the festive Howl-iday Yappy Hour, the resort is the perfect place to ring in the season.

Santa Shreds
Get wet for a great cause at the 3rd annual Surfing Santa Competition on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 a.m. Sport your best jelly belly and beard while riding the surf at Salt Creek Beach to benefit children with Autism.

This jolly competition raises funds for the non-profit organization – Surfers Healing. Founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz, parents of an autistic son diagnosed at age three, Surfers Healing is dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to surfing.

The Competition features a $1,000 prize for first place in the Big Air “Flying Rudolph” category. Additional prizes will be awarded in each of the other categories: Santa’s Helpers (15 and under), Santa’s Elves (16 to 20-year-olds), Toymakers (ages 20+), and Yule Loggers (open long board). The entry fee is $40 per person in advance or $50 after November 15th. Surfers can register online at SurfingSantaContest.org.

Get on Board
In conjunction with the Surfing Santa Competition, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel hosts the Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction with proceeds supporting Surfers Healing. The auction features a selection of boards from surf legends, talented artists, celebrities and renowned musicians. This year’s auction includes signed boards from Laird Hamilton, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mark Healy, Taylor Knox, Greg Long, and Josh Kerr, as well as art boards by Roy Gonzalez, Paul Bond, Eric Diamond and Damien Fulton. Celebrity boards include one autographed by the cast of Hawaii Five-O, a board signed by the cast of Sons of Anarchy, and boards from Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. All auction surfboards will be on display at the resort from November 17th through December 31st. To place a bid, go to BiddingForGood.com/SurfersHealing.

See the Light
The Ritz-Carlton welcomes the community to the 28th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 18th at 4 p.m. The celebration includes flipping the switch to illuminate the 50-foot tree, holiday music performed by The Jeeps and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself. Children can have their photo taken with good ol’ Saint Nick while giving him the rundown on their wish lists. Guests are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food items, toys, books and stuffed animals that will be donated to local Orange County charities.

You’re in for a Treat
Guests will also enjoy a gingerbread display created by the resort’s pastry team. More than 400 hours will go in to making this year’s “FantaSea-Land” themed display. The amazing work is crafted from gingerbread, sugar cubes, waffles, pretzels, cream puffs, rolls, cookies, crackers, cereal, macaroons, dried fruit, chocolate shavings, candy, candy and more candy.

Happy Howl-idays!
Four-legged friends will also have a chance to celebrate at theHowl-iday Yappy Hour on Saturday, December 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This gathering of canines and their companions offers Fido the opportunity to snag a photo-op with the “Big Dog” himself–Mr. Claus. Photos with Santa are $10 per canine and guests are asked to bring unopened, canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to the Shelter. These items will provide support and comfort to canines at the Shelter that have not yet found forever families.

Sharing is Caring
Throughout the season, the resort collects donations of canned goods, non-perishable food items, toys, books and stuffed animals that will be provided to local Orange County charities, including Miracles for Kids, Orange County Rescue Mission and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. In return for your donation, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will present you with the gift of an Anniversary Card, offering a 15 percent value in its restaurants, spa and retail shop, as well as complimentary day valet parking.

Hunter Steakhouse in Laguna Niguel
By Cathy Villafana

With 40 years’ experience under its belt, Hunter Steakhouse has earned a reputation for serving the “Best Prime Rib in Town.” With locations in Mill Valley and Oceanside, owner Mike Schneider continues the tradition here in South County with his newest restaurant on Town Center Drive in Laguna Niguel. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, Hunter Steakhouse’s notoriety will entice you to give it a try, but the food and hospitality will have you coming back for more.

If you’re seeking the true “Hunter” experience, try the award-winning Prime Rib, which is cut in-house, herb-crusted, slow-roasted and served with a unique creamed horseradish and au jus. If you’re in the mood for steak, Hunter’s got you covered—from New York Strip to Porterhouse—and everything in between.

The dinner menu has an impressive selection of entrées, including seafood, chicken, ribs and lamb. Served with soup or salad, vegetables and your choice of side, a delicious meal at a great value awaits.

For lunch, Hunter Steakhouse offers plenty of starters, from the traditional Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Calamari Fritti, to unique selections like Chipotle Mac & Cheese and Gouda Croquets. Guests also have a number of salads and sandwiches to choose from, as well as full entrées, including Prime Rib, Whiskey Peppercorn Top Sirloin and more.

Hunter Steakhouse is open 7 days a week. The elegant and comfortable decor, combined with private banquet rooms, is perfect for parties and meetings. Join them for Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy bottomless champagne and menu items ranging from $9 to $17. If you’re looking for someone else to prepare your holiday dinner, the restaurant is also open on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Check out Hunter Steakhouse’s daily Happy Hour from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. featuring $1 off wells, beer, and house wine and $2 off appetizers. Enjoy a 4-course meal on Mondays and Tuesdays for a mere $23. Wednesday is half-price wine night and any bottle on the list is half off with the purchase of
two entrées.

On The Record with Jim Cover
By Shelley T. Hudson

CoverLaw PC, a boutique law firm founded by San Clemente resident Jim Cover, is poised to serve the legal needs of residents and businesses of South Orange County.

Jim’s perspective is more “businessman with a law degree” than “attorney who knows business.” According to Cover, his firm has increased the net worth of multiple businesses and clients by over $250 million through business development and transactions, mergers and acquisitions, personal injury awards and business litigation, debtor/creditor negotiations, dispute resolution, and restructuring and operating improvements. His reputation as an innovative corporate strategist attracts clients going through a paradigm shift or whose companies have lost viability in the marketplace or are seeking to restructure or take advantage of partnerships in unconventional ways. Cover’s brand of “creative innovation,” as he calls it, assists clients by integrating unique legal solutions into business plans, transactions and contracts that best position clients and client organizations for a three-to five-year time frame. “This longer term outlook will serve the client’s goals and purposes,” Jim says, “Clarity is key—I consider how everyone will benefit and provide mechanisms for flexibility and early win-win dispute resolution.” The philosophy translates equally well for large corporations, small start-ups, and businesses that have reached a growth phase and need management.

Jim developed his approach to helping businesses flourish through an unlikely route—by representing clients in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. While discovering the circumstances under which businesses fail, Jim developed a sense for what creates a successful organization and what keeps it thriving. CoverLaw offers a range of tools for entrepreneurs including starting an enterprise, raising capital, managing growth, reorganizing, establishing strategic alliances, merging with or acquiring another business, and selling/exiting from a business; all targeted to increasing the client’s bottom line. In addition to its broad business and corporate practice, CoverLaw helps clients with personal injury, wrongful death, tax, debtor/creditor and bankruptcy (Chapters 7, 11 and 13) matters.

CoverLaw has extended its scope of business and corporate solutions by recently including immigration services. Silvina Tondini, an international attorney licensed in the United States and Argentina, has joined the firm to lead the expansion. “Jim has given me a great opportunity to work on corporate, business, and immigration law matters, and now we can offer legal representation to individual and corporate clients who wish to work, invest, do business and/or bring family members to the United States. We also offer full legal services to Spanish-speaking clients,” Tondini asserts. Her focus at CoverLaw will be business, employment, investor visas and family petitions, and she plans to provide seminars in these areas as a community service. Cover is enthusiastic about how the new additions will enhance his business practice and clients. “This area has a lot of synergy,” he says, “My clients will be able to take advantage of more human resources to invest into their projects.”

Cover relocated his practice and his family to San Clemente in 2009 and has since become personally and professionally involved within the community. One of Cover’s sons showed interest in studying Japanese at San Clemente High School, the other wanted to play baseball for Dana Point Pony, and while investigating these possibilities, it quickly became obvious that the area would become home. “I fell in love with San Clemente. It’s somewhat isolated, but wholesome. I like the Mid-West values. It just fits,” he enthuses. Cover praises the people, the climate, and pride that come along with living in San Clemente. “When you’re in this area, you feel the sense of involvement and caring,” he continues, “I love that the kids seem academic and civic-minded—my boys have great friends here. This is exactly where I want to live and work,” he says, “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.”

Halloween 2012 South Orange County
By Shelley T. Hudson

DANA POINT
On Friday, October 26th from 5 to 8:30 p.m., bring the whole family to Dana Point’s Lantern Bay Park for the Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie, which features cupcake decorating, a costume parade and pumpkin contests (ages 3 – 10). A 6:15 p.m. screening of Monster House includes free popcorn and other refreshments for purchase. Bundle up your goblins and ghouls, bring plenty of warm blankets and your already-carved or decorated pumpkins.

The Ocean Institute’s annual Tidepool of Terrors is a terrific family day out. This elaborate event combines Halloween traditions with science and hands-on activities. On Sunday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids can trick-or-treat through the Institute, show off costumes, hear scary stories from a ghost pirate, make crafts and participate in a variety of spooky science labs. Exhibits including Vampires of the Deep and Ghastly Goo will expose kids to the wonders of our oceans. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, most eco-friendly and best ocean-themed costume. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids, and FREE for members and kids in costume.

On Saturday, October 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., a portion of Doheny State Beach will be transformed into a Haunted Campground. A variety of educational booths, crafts, spooky stuff, and fun zones will get kids into the Halloween spirit. Please bring a non-perishable food donation to this free event.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Laguna Niguel is where the entire family can carve out some fun this Halloween. On Friday, October 5th from 7 to 9 p.m., sixth through eighth-graders can imagine themselves investigating X-files at Ghost Hunters Night. Teams explore the park and search for signs of “paranormal activity,” meet up to share their findings and enjoy pizza and a build-your-own-sundae bar. This unique evening is held at Crown Valley Community Park and is $5 per student.

Don’t be too scared to have a good time while you learn at the Ritz-Carlton’s Creatures of the Night experience. The Ritz has partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment for an exploration of the five senses through activities including the Shadow Game, a Ghoulish Smell, Bump in the Night, Monster Madness, Let Me Pick Your Brain and Candy Bar Taste Test. This event is part of a series of eco-tours by Cousteau’s organization with the mission of exposing the community to our delicate local ecosystems. Wear your costumes and prepare to be amazed! The party is held nightly, October 25th through 27th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $65 per person.

From October 25th through 27th, the ghoulish fun continues at the 11th Annual Haunted Trails event at Crown Valley Community Park. This year’s theme is “Hol-i-daze” and frights of all sorts are planned for the “victims.” From 6:30 to 10 p.m., small groups wander through tents and mazes encountering mad leprechauns, rabid rabbits and other monsters. Wear comfy shoes and street clothes and leave kids younger than eight with a sitter. Admission is $10 and tickets will be sold only at the event.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Zoomars gets into costume with its annual Pumpkinpalooza for the tiny tots. Zoomars leaves out the scary stuff and hosts a hay maze and crafts tables every day in October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick the perfect pumpkin from a patch of more than 5,000 and stop by the petting zoo for a pony or train ride.

The SJC Historical Society’s Ghost Walk Tours will surely send a shiver down your spine. On a stroll down historical Los Rios Street, your guide will share eerie tales of headless monks, big scary dogs and more. Meet at the O’Neill Museum for the 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30 start on Saturday, October 27th. Reservations are a must and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children younger than twelve.

Marking the spot atop Blue Lantern Plaza on PCH in Dana Point, The Point Restaurant and Bar is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Open for only three months at the former site of Caliente Coastal Cantina, The Point is on target to give South OC a little something for everyone.

Offering classic American cuisine at affordable prices is what co-owners Peter Andriet and Brett Cassel set their sights on when opening in July. Fresh, locally grown ingredients contribute to an unpretentious menu that spans from classic burgers, pastas, soups and salads to seafood and pizzas from the wood-fired brick oven.

I recommend starting with the Seared Ahi appetizer, served with ginger soy sauce and a cucumber and avocado salad. The BBQ Chicken Salad is another delicious option, featuring grilled chicken and crisp vegetables, tossed in a tangy BBQ ranch dressing. For heartier fare, give the Chicken Fried Chicken entrée a shot. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in country gravy. For a lighter, but just as fulfilling meal, the perfectly glazed Miso Salmon fits the bill.

The Point delivers on both tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere. Both inside and outside dining are available with plenty of vantage points for watching the big game. Want to magically transform your family dinner into date night? Then steer the youngsters toward The Point’s ingenious Kids’ Cave complete with chalk wall and community seating for 12.

Catch live entertainment at Tuesday’s “Open Mic” night or check out the Mike Dena Band performing Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Visit ThePointRestaurantandBar.com for a list of events.

The Point opens Monday afternoons starting at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until late night, with Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Enjoy 20% off food all day long on “Local” Wednesdays and bring the kids in for a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée every Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Point is a great place to watch sports and is a known hotspot for Monday Night Football!

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
By Shelley T. Hudson

From the previews to the closing credits, Cinépolis delivers a first-class movie-watching experience that will spoil you for all other theaters. Visit this full-service, ultra-luxe venue just once and you’ll look for any opportunity to catch a flick with a friend, a date, your spouse or the kids.

Cinépolis had me at hello. Take one step into the lobby and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a sleek hotel lounge rather than a conventional movie theater. Leather banquettes and low-slung tables invite you to have a drink while waiting for your movie companion to arrive and to linger after your film ends to discuss plot twists. The full bar with cocktail tables is also an ideal setting in which to unwind after a work day with a chilled, well-measured drink.

Once inside the theater, you’ll understand the allure of Cinépolis’ multi-sensory
cinematic experience. Each theater is equipped with an extra large viewing screen and state-of-the-art audio system, yet the setting is surprisingly intimate with a maximum capacity of 100 guests. The best part…all of this can be enjoyed from a reserved, fully-reclining, plush, leather seat that resembles something you’d find in the finest media room instead of your local theater. Every über spacious seat in the house has enough room for you to cross your legs, eat a meal and recline to an almost horizontal position. The seats are paired, so you can snuggle with a date and still have your own pivoting table, lamp and attendant call button.

Dinner and a movie? Absolutely. Order it directly from your seat and delight in tasty menu items ranging from sushi to sliders. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine or any number of specialty cocktails and drinks from the full bar. Even the popcorn has been elevated to new heights with selections like Spicy Chili, Zebra (dark and white chocolate) and
Caramel – all right at your fingertips. Dessert is also just a call button away and features Cheesecake Factory favorites and ice cream shakes made from scratch. Specialty coffees and teas including Mexican Mocha and Chai Latte are offered as well—so no need to go elsewhere for an after-dinner drink.

Cinépolis gets five stars for their attention to detail and excellent customer service. On a recent visit, I glanced down the aisle to see guests being delivered individually wrapped blankets at their seats. Special touches like these seem to be around every corner.

The serendipitous twist on the Cinépolis story is the value. The entertainment bang-for-the-buck is simply incomparable. No regular movie ticket is priced higher than $19.50 (3-D movies have a $3 surcharge), and that’s for prime time. Matinee showings are as little as $15.50 and even lower for seniors, making Cinépolis a true bargain.

As many of the screenings sell out at Cinépolis, reservations are strongly recommended. The great news – online, advanced ticket purchasing is a breeze at www.cinépolisusa.com. Just cruise to the ticket taker when you arrive with your email confirmation and there’s no waiting in line.If you’re not computer savvy, you may also stop in during business hours and pick up tickets for future shows.

Cinépolis caters to larger crowds as well as families and date-nighters. The lounge and theaters can be reserved for your private event and you can even bring your own movie! Bulk tickets and custom packages are available as well, so a corporate event or child’s birthday party can be easily accommodated.

Thankfully, locals don’t have to travel further than Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch Village to receive Cinépolis’ V.I.P. treatment. The other two U.S. locations are in Carlsbad and San Diego with more theaters expected to open soon across Southern California.

Cinépolis Ocean Ranch
32401 Golden Lantern • Laguna Niguel • 949.487.1900

Cinépolis Del Mar
12905 El Camino Real • San Diego • 858.794.4045

Cinépolis La Costa
6941 El Camino Real • Carlsbad • 760.603.8638

Halstrom High School
By Shelley T. Hudson

As local public high schools face growing class sizes and slashed curriculums, Halstrom High School offers a unique program to parents seeking a more individualized approach to education. Personalized programs, flexible schedules and an emphasis on one-on-one instruction are the core philosophies that Halstrom provides each and every one of its students.

Halstrom’s campus features many elements of a traditional school: students and faculty coming and going, homework assignments, field trips, elective classes like art and journalism, but its academic approach sets it apart. Classes are taught one-on-one—that’s one teacher for one student. Programs are tailored to a student’s individual needs and each one moves through at their own pace.

Director Wendy Jones asserts that although Halstrom’s flexibility is ideal for traveling athletes, students in the entertainment industry and other working teens, the school’s singular approach to education is a viable option for any child. “We are inclusive here. We don’t have cliques, discipline issues or bullying. Our focus is on building the student’s self-esteem along with a high standard of learning. At Halstrom, failure is off the table. When self-esteem increases, academic achievement follows,” offers Jones.

The high academic standard to which Jones refers is built into Halstrom’s model. The Content Mastery Approach requires that each student achieves an 80% comprehension level in a subject before progressing. Lessons are retaught until this goal is attained. “Content Mastery challenges kids to do better and be accountable,” Jones says, “Our expectations are always the same—we want the student’s best effort.” Halstrom High sits among the top schools in Orange County in academic standing and prestigious universities like USC, UCLA, Penn, NYU and Berkley have all accepted Halstrom students into their ranks.

Online classes, iPad technology and scheduling flexibility fuel Halstrom’s “learn your way” philosophy and present many options for students and families. Both full-time and part-time programs are available and traveling students can even Skype with teachers for assistance. Halstrom is one of only two private schools in the 2011-2012 school year to introduce iPads into the classroom. It’s been instrumental in the daily lives of students. Having current technologies at their fingertips makes learning easier and prepares them for tomorrow’s world.

Administrators from Halstrom work closely with counselors from other private and public schools to provide one-to-one instruction, remedial or advanced coursework for their students should the need arise. Jones states that “children need nurturing in all areas and that’s what we do here. Our students receive immediate positive reaction from teachers and our teachers are invested in the success of each student.”

A close relationship with parents is also a fundamental component of Halstrom’s success. “We have an open door policy here—parents are encouraged to drop in or even attend class with their children. We let them know immediately if an assignment isn’t completed—so we avoid problems before they arise,” Jones says.

Halstrom High’s commitment to its students extends to the community as well. “We build well-rounded children,” Jones boasts, “and we emphasize socialization and extracurricular activity.” Drama, art, leadership electives and AP classes allow students to think beyond a math problem or science project. Partnerships with non-profit organizations like Mission Hospital Children’s Trauma Center and Second Harvest Food Bank challenge students to become active participants in the community and to see themselves as part of a larger society. Jones enthuses, “Our goal is to provide an exciting journey. An interesting journey. When you affect families the way we do, people talk about it.”

Click to check out some inspiring student videos!