With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, character-building athletics and an award-winning arts program – all in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment – Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.

Be You
At Santa Margarita, the uniqueness of each individual is celebrated. Athlete? Great. Dancer? Super. Game designer? Perfect. Writer? Awesome. Straight-A student and Harvard’s your fallback? Understood. At SMCHS, students can stay true to themselves and discover their God-given talents.

Believe In Yourself
In addition to the academic foundation, critical thinking skills and character developed at SMCHS, the school provides a nurturing environment where self-confidence grows. All through college, in the big meeting on the job, and in millions of moments to come, there is no expiration date on the confidence gained at Santa Margarita.

Achieve More
Achievement matters at SMCHS, whether a “C” student striving for a “B” or a student-athlete pursuing a national high jump record while managing multiple AP courses, Santa Margarita students are supported by their classmates, teachers and coaches who expect them to succeed. This school-wide culture of positive peer pressure instills an enduring desire to excel – to do more and be more.

Love as Christ Loved
Inside and outside of the classroom, Santa Margarita students are encouraged to love as Christ loved. Empowered and inspired, SMCHS students become more thoughtful sons and daughters, act with greater compassion to friends and strangers alike, and harness the courage to consistently do what’s right, no matter the consequences.

Make a Difference
At every grade level, SMCHS opens students’ minds to social issues by providing opportunities to apply problem-solving abilities to real world troubles. By demonstrating a commitment to the global community, the school equips students to be far more than just bystanders when faced with exclusion and inequality.

Change the World
In prominent colleges and universities throughout the United States, and diverse organizations and companies around the globe, Santa Margarita graduates are making this world a better place – learning, leading and thriving.

Find It Here
While some students already know what makes their hearts beat faster, it’s a journey of discovery for most. Whether it’s the daily rigor of the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, mastering the choreography of a school musical production, assembling a robot, or simply enjoying new friendships at a club meeting, there is something for everyone at SMCHS.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.766.6080 • www.smhs.org

Always learning, The Parish School graduates are confident and compassionate young men and women who will make a difference.

Faithful to Catholic values, The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church sustains an evolving schoolwide learning environment that inspires each learner to achieve his or her God-given potential inside and outside the classroom.

Benefit: She Is Always Learning.
She digs out a rock during her class’s nature walk, her dirtied fingers deciphering textures to determine its geological origins. She collaborates with a classmate to code a game in Scratch, their story coming to life in scripts and pixels. She raises her hand as the priest asks about the Gospel reading. Her heart beats faster – she knows the answer. No matter where or what or when, she is always learning at The Parish School.

Benefit: He Discovers His Faith.
Though his shoes don’t quite touch the floor when he sits in the pew, he thinks deeply about God. Does God know his name? Is God watching him at this very moment? He finds himself doing things and not doing things because of God. More and more, something or Someone seems to be guiding his decisions. It is transformative. He is discovering his faith.

Benefit: She Speaks Her Mind.
At first she is scared to talk in class. But her teacher gently coaxes her. By lower school, her voice doesn’t tremble anymore. Her upper school teachers encourage her to ask big questions. Classmates sometimes challenge her ideas, and she defends them. She listens to other learners too, adopting bits of their new thinking even as she adapts her own. Confident yet open-minded, candid yet thoughtful, she is speaking her mind.

Benefit: He Is Resilient.
His engineering experiment doesn’t work. For a moment, he is embarrassed. His fists clench, but he catches himself. He sits and thinks. He soon gets back to work, disassembling and reassembling pieces of his machine. When he’s ready again, he releases the ball bearing. Eureka! He is so giddy he could dance. Led by expert educators who embrace classroom mistakes as real learning, he is becoming a resilient young man.

Benefit: She Gets Involved.
She has the worst balance on the Surf Team but is first to the beach for practice. She struggles with the F chord but plays her dad’s old Fender until her strumming hand aches. She runs for Student Government. She wins. While she is not the tallest or the most talented or that learner who others naturally follow, she refuses to be a bystander in school or life. She is going to be involved.

The Parish School St. Edward the Confessor Catholic church
33866 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.496.1241
www.stedschool.org

CALL TODAY
to Schedule a Tour:
(949) 234-1385

Mission Basilica School honors Saint Serra’s mission of preparing every student for a life of leadership rooted in Catholic values. The beautiful campus, uniquely located in the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano campus, has a student body of 260 in grades Pre-K to 8th. Mission Basilica School is a WCEA/ WASC ac-credited, National Blue Ribbon School, staffed with highly skilled and credentialed teachers. Mission Basilica School continues to foster Faith Formation and Academic Excellence through its highly acclaimed programs.

Faith

• Strong Catholic Identity
• Christ-centered learning environment
• Weekly Mass in Mission Basilica
• Ongoing Christian Service
• Spiritual Retreats

Academics

• Pre-K and TK Programs
• Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association
• National Blue Ribbon School
• Rigorous Academic Curriculum aligned to State Standards
• High Test Scores on High School Placement Exams
• Student-centered classrooms with small group instruction
• 1-to-1 iPad Program
• STEM Program
• Fitness, Sports and Health Education
• Rich Fine Arts Program
• Spanish Language Program
• After School Clubs and Extracurricular Programs
• Extended Day Care

Mission Basilica School
31641 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.1385 x2
www.MissionBasilicaSchool.org

As one of the first Private Christian Schools in the area, Capistrano Valley Christian Schools has been serving the South Orange County community since 1973. With programs for children in junior kindergarten all the way through high school; a focus on a Biblical Worldview as well as college prep academics gives CVCS a definite edge. The vision at CVCS is to develop leaders who are prepared to impact the world for Christ.

CVCS students are academically challenged; starting with a full day Kindergarten program, with a math matriculation system that allows students to move ahead when ready, as well as honors courses in junior high, honors, AP and dual credit courses in high school. All classes are taught by credentialed caring teachers.

The schools utilize the latest technology:
1 to 1 Tablet program in Junior High and High School, digital text books for high school, iPads and laptops for JK-6. The beautiful Library houses over 20,000 titles and is used by all students. Accelerated Reader program helps develop strong readers.

Each student at CVCS reads and studies God’s Word regularly. Educators seek to show students how the truth of every discipline finds its source in God and His work. They learn that God’s handiwork is revealed in Science, His goodness and justice in History, His beauty in Art and Music, and His order and design in Mathematics. All are given opportunities to serve locally as well as internationally with mission trips to places as far away as Russia! In junior high, apologetics is introduced, and by the time students graduate from high school, they are well-prepared to defend their faith in this ever changing world.

CVCS offers an environment in which each student has the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities from championship athletics, award winning performing arts, and unique student leadership programs that help them understand where they fit into God’s plan.

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.5683 • www.cvcs.org

St. John’s, an independent Episcopal school in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers a dynamic educational program for children from 2 months of age through 8th Grade. Students are encouraged to develop independence, practice self- confidence, and think creatively. St. John’s combines a rigorous academic environment with values of service and compassion to uniquely prepare students for higher education and for life outside the classroom.

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation
Founded on the traditions of Episcopal education, values, and character, students learn what it means to be a good person as well as a good student. For more than 28 years, the School has provided its students with a loving and nurturing environment to prepare for high school, college, and beyond. The values of integrity, responsibility, tolerance, and respect are reinforced through character education, community outreach, and individual service and are modeled by the adults on campus. Building positive relationships with teachers, peers, and others sets the tone for life-long learning and citizenship.

The Value Of Art And Music
Significant enhancements have been made to the School’s music program in the past year, including the addition of Music Together in Early Childhood, Orff Schulwerk in Elementary, and expanded instrumental and choral music in the Middle Division. Music education, specifically, has been shown to significantly improve children’s academic success. Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies, more advanced reading skills, and show greater brain development and memory improvement than children who do not participate in music lessons.

Steam Education For Tomorrow’s Leaders
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) approach to teaching and learning presents an innovative and engaging method of instruction, teaching students through project-based learning to address real world problems.

STEAM integrates and reinforces concepts across subject areas and has been implemented in all grade levels, beginning with the Early Childhood program. The integration of skills and concepts throughout the curriculum provides students with a depth of understanding which goes beyond traditional education.

New Steam Center
In August, St. John’s will unveil its innovative STEAM Center, a new building on campus that will provide dedicated spaces for a Makers Lab, science, and robotics. The STEAM Center will further support St. John’s mission to foster every child’s full intellectual, physical, and spiritual development through an ideal balance of tradition   and innovation.

St. John’s Episcopal School
30382 Via Con Dios
Rancho Santa Margarita
949.858.5144 • www.StJohns-ES.org

Some describe it as a hidden jewel by the sea. Perched hillside along Coast Highway, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School overlooks a panorama of the pacific Ocean, from Montage Laguna Beach to Catalina Island. This backdrop sets the scene for the unique educational experience St. Catherine of Siena provides, blending academic excellence, spiritual development and cultural enrichment.

Serving students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, this tightly knit academic community offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to educate the whole child — mind, body and spirit. This is achieved through an emphasis on cross-curricular, active learning that incorporates proven educational strategies and state-of-the-art technologies.

Originally opened in 1957, the school was completely reconstructed beginning in 2008. The new facility offers larger classrooms, separate elementary and middle school buildings, a science lab, cutting-edge computer facilities, art lab, library, music room and gymnasium.

Although St. Catherine comprises only about 200 students, Principal Mike Letourneau notes that alumni are represented at top universities throughout the nation.

Laguna Beach has long been known for its flourishing artistic environment, a heritage St. Catherine of Siena eagerly embraces. The school employs experts in visual arts, music and theater, and holds its own annual Pageant of the Masters, where students bring to life such paintings as “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci and “American Gothic” by Grant Wood.

St. Catherine of Siena is served by the Pacific Symphony’s Class Act program, introducing students to symphony musicians who lead classroom lessons, ensemble performances, assemblies and concert performances.

The arts are also incorporated into St. Catherine’s cross-curricular learning platform. For example, students studying California history demonstrate what they have learned through art projects, student-produced theatrical productions and more.

As a Catholic academic institution, St. Catherine of Siena nourishes each student’s faith journey while embracing a diversity of creeds. The inclusive community makes catechesis and faith formation part of daily learning, developing students into responsible citizens ready to serve the global community.

Saint Catherine of Siena is hosting an Open House on February 2 at 5:30 p.m., the same evening as its community wide Pasta Dinner hosted by the 6th grade class. Bring your child to look at the school, meet the teachers and sit down with the families. There isn’t a better time for prospective families to “Come and See” Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish School
30516 S Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.7339
www.StCathSchool.org

At Mathnasium Learning Centers, math makes sense! Whether your child started out far behind or is already ahead in math, Mathnasium helps students advance because they know that any child can be successful in math—it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

Experienced math tutors utilize proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student’s needs. This instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop an understanding and build a love for math.

If math is a problem, Mathnasium can solve it. Students will grow more excited and confident about math—and their grades will reflect that.

For students who already excel in math, the sky’s the limit. Mathnasium’s instructors will work to expand your child’s math skills. When learning math is made exciting, students will discover all the doors that will open by being proficient in math.

Students engage one-to-one with their instructors in a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written exercises. These do more than just meet state math standards; they surpass the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards.

Basic math concepts and skills are blended with a program specifically designed to help students build number sense. This special program shows them how and why the useful number rules they’re learning work so they are able to understand how they can be applied to interesting areas such as computer science, biology, and psychology.

Students are evaluated with a written and verbal assessment unique to Mathnasium. Based on the results, they develop a custom-tailored program designed to close any educational gaps they may have so they can jump ahead when they’re ready for advanced math challenges.

Mathnasium builds upon your child’s existing foundation and focuses on explaining why mathematical rules work so that children learn and understand the rules, not just memorize them.

Instructors also help students understand their homework as part of each session and prepare them for school tests, as well as standardized tests such as the California High School Exit Exam, SAT, ACT and ISEE.

By giving your child a firm foundation—and confidence—in math, Mathnasium can unlock the potential for continued educational success in the future.

Mathnasium
Dana Point 949-240-MATH (6284)
Laguna Niguel 949-360-MATH (6284)
San Clemente 949-481-MATH (6284)
www.Mathnasium.com

The world is dynamically connected today in ways that did not exist even ten years ago. With the advent of the Internet and technological advances, the pace of change is exponential. The challenge for our education system is to provide curriculum that keeps up with this pace of change. We believe that the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is poised to meet this challenge.

St. Mary’s is the only primary and middle school in Orange County to offer the International Baccalaureate Program. St. Mary’s delivers exceptional academics with a world-view to students from early preschool through eighth grade. The IB Program was founded in Switzerland in 1968 to prepare internationally mobile students for university. Today, it offers educational programs for students worldwide ranging in age from three to 19 by a community of educators motivated to create a better world through education. This kind of aspirational goal requires faculty excellence – over 70% of St. Mary’s teachers hold advanced degrees – and demands stimulating, individualized interaction. Teacher to student ratios at St. Mary’s range from 1:6 in Early Preschool, to 1:11 in Lower School, to 1:18 by the Middle School years.

“This student centered, inquiry based approach motivates students to engage in the curriculum and allows them to see how academic material applies in the outside world,” says Sharon Taylor, Head of School. Academic programs are designed so that each subject translates to another, enabling students to connect ideas and concepts in different fields. Taylor adds, “Our faith-based, extracurricular-rich, IB-inspired education delivers graduates who consistently show levels of communication, thinking skills and all-around knowledge that guarantees academic perseverance and flexibility, equipping them for success in high school, higher education, and life beyond.”

St. Mary’s school
7 Pursuit
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.448.9027
www.smaa.org

For over thirty years, St. Michael’s Christian Academy (SMCA) in San Clemente has been educating students to excel in every aspect of life. The school is dedicated to inspiring each student to attain the highest standards, scholastically, socially and spiritually. St. Michael’s fully-accredited program and dedicated, experienced teachers address each child individually. Their mission is to build confidence, character, and a love of learning, giving students a solid foundation for a successful life.

ACADEMY

Using a Christ-centered, traditional approach that exceeds California State Standards, SMCA prepares students by combining a strong foundation of Biblical values with a wide range of educational experiences. Additionally, small class sizes and individual teacher attention encourages students to succeed academically. St. Michael’s students follow a well-established curriculum, including ABEKA, Prentice Hall, and Bob Jones University Press. To enhance the curriculum, students will have the opportunity to experience varied fieldtrips throughout the year, including our 7th/8th grade Washington D.C. trip. Students in grades 5-8 can participate in team sports such as flag football, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. In addition to classroom learning, St. Michael’s students have opportunities to shine in Honor Roll awards, Student of the Month awards, Science Fair, Annual All-School Christmas Concert and Spring Musical, Field Day in the Park, Cheer Competition, and City of San Clemente sports playoffs.

PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

Welcome to your child’s first classroom! St. Michael’s Academy Christian Academy Preschool & Daycare believes that you will find their school to be a safe, nurturing environment that will allow your child to develop spiritually, emotionally, and academically. With caring and dedicated teachers, your child will learn the skills necessary for beginning elementary school. Furthermore, your child will become well-equipped to have a happy and successful life.

St. Michael’s welcomes parents to schedule a tour of the school and classrooms. Join the family-friendly atmosphere at St. Michael’s Christian Academy and prepare to SUCCEED!

St. Michael’s Christian Academy
07 W. Marquita
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 366-9468
www.GoToSaintMichaels.com

Mogavero Orthodontics

Beautiful Smiles for Life

by Veronica Bradzey

Jack Witherspoon, Cambria Mogavero,
Cole Schamber, Payton Gillett, and
Jagger Eaton are all patients with
winning smiles of Dr. Frank Mogavero!

For 26 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been creating big, beautiful smiles. Specializing in orthodontics and facial orthopedics, Dr. Frank, as patients affectionately call him, sees himself as more than an orthodontist. Over the course of his career, he’s shaped the gorgeous smiles of over 10,000 patients, and has also witnessed the tremendous boost in confidence that often accompany his results.

Studies show that people with nicer smiles get better jobs, are thought of as more intelligent, and receive more opportunities in life,” shares Dr. Frank. He also emphasizes that, for him, it’s always been about the people he treats in his practice. “People are not a procedure,” he adds. 

Dr. Mogavero designed his fun, action sports-themed office in San Clemente to curb the apprehensiveness that can sometimes be associated with a trip to the orthodontist. Decked out with an authentic Mammoth Mountain chair lift, sports photography, and famous athletes’ autographs – many of whom are former patients, he’s captured a hip vibe that appeals to patients of all ages. Dr. Frank’s reputation has also attracted a high-profile clientele of young athletes and personalities who appreciate the value of a dazzling smile when they appear on TV and compete in the national and international X-Games.

Using the popular Invisalign^® system since 2000, Dr. Mogavero was one of its first providers to treat patients with this new technology. These “invisible braces” utilize clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth instead of traditional hardware.

Dr. Mogavero’s love for kids extends into the community, where he supports schools through his mouth guard program for local high school and youth football teams, sponsors major fundraisers, and can often be seen cheering on his patients at sporting events and the X Games. He even finds time to coach soccer!

Dr. Mogavero holds honors degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Dentistry from UCLA, is a Board Certified Orthodontist, and has taught for five years in the Orthodontics Department at USC. Dr. Frank, his wife Anna, and their five children reside in San Clemente.