The Capistrano Unified School District Language Immersion program started in 1992, and develops high levels of biliteracy, cultural appreciation and academic success in students. With programs in Spanish and Mandarin beginning in preschool and continuing to graduation, students receive a premiere dual-language education that is “additive bilingual,” meaning the student’s first language continues to be strengthened and augmented while acquiring a second language.

Spanish is taught in a Two-Way Immersion program, which is structured with an equal number of students who are monolingual or dominant in English and students who are monolingual or dominant Spanish, at the time of enrollment. Mandarin is taught in a One-Way Immersion program, with the majority of students dominant in English at the time of enrollment. The Mandarin preschool–grade 12 program is the only public program in Orange County and one of only a handful in California.

The Language Immersion program focuses on the goals of bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and sociocultural competence. Language Immersion students develop high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both program languages, demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and develop an appreciation for and understanding of diverse cultures. An average of 52% of Language Immersion students take one or more AP/IB classes, and 98% of Language Immersion students earn a score of 3 or higher on the AP Spanish Language Exam.

In the fall of 2022, the Language Immersion program received a Golden Bell Award from the California School Board Association (CSBA) in the English Learner/Biliteracy category. The Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in public education and school board governance, and CUSD was honored for having a highly comprehensive and effective program.

The Language Immersion program continues to grow each year, in both enrollment and capability. Families interested in learning more can visit the Language Immersion website on capousd.org.

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS
• Las Palmas Elementary
• R.H. Dana Elementary
• San Juan Elementary
• Viejo Elementary
• Bernice Ayer Middle
• Fred Newhart Middle
• Marco Forster Middle
• Capistrano Valley High
• Dana Hills High
• San Clemente High
• San Juan Hills High

MANDARIN LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS
• Marian Bergeson Elementary
• Fred Newhart Middle
• Capistrano Valley High

Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road | San Juan Capistrano
949.234.9200 • capousd.org

St. Edward the Confessor Parish School is a preschool through eighth grade campus within the Diocese of Orange, sharing in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church to live the Gospel message by building Catholic identity through a Sacramental life of service to God, family, parish and community.

CHARACTER
St. Edward students are #alwayslearning. The faculty and staff are dedicated to preparing students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. St. Edward develops resilient, innovative and confident students. We strive to help our students grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and emotionally within a Christ-centered environment.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Consistent with Diocesan curriculum guidelines, St. Edward Parish School follows the Common Core State Standards for English and math and the California Next Generation Science Standards. We are first and foremost a Catholic school. All curriculum seeks to educate the whole child, forming their spiritual, intellectual, personal and social capacities through academic, religious, faith formation, service and co-curricular programs which prepares students for success in high school, college and career. Teachers use differentiated instruction, engage students through meaningful hands-on experience and cultivate curiosity and creativity.

COMMUNITY
Faith and academics are at the core of the school, but the community is the heart. Special events such as Family Movie Night, Monarch Main Event and Community Coffee highlight just some of the ways our school community comes together. Parents are involved in the school, from volunteering at events on campus to coaching after school sports and attending weekly Mass.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT
St. Edward prepares students to meet the spiritual and moral challenges of the future by providing opportunities to develop and stengthen Catholic values. Students pray daily, attend Mass weekly, participate in service projects and provide mentorship through Prayer Partners.

CREATIVITY
Through Art, Music and dynamic Makerspace classes, St. Edward students are able to develop and explore their talents and imagination. The Makerspace studio integrates technology, engineering and innovation providing students opportunities to apply project based solutions to real world situations. St. Edward offers a variety of after school programs and sports to further engage students interests and curiosity.

St. Edward the Confessor Parish School
33866 Calle La Primavera | Dana Point
949.496.1241 • stedschool.org

Our Lady of Fatima Academy is a TK-8th grade Catholic school. Its mission is to nurture individuals to discover their God given gifts, to encourage them to use these gifts in the service of others and to empower them to be models of integrity and peacemakers who work for justice. Parents, school staff, and parish community collaborate in striving for educational excellence.

OPEN HOUSE – SUNDAY, JAN. 28th
Mass: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Tours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Fatima Academy
105 N. La Esperanza | San Clemente
949.492.7320 • www.olfschool.net

At Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA), students learn by doing. They are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, make discoveries, observe patterns, exhibit creativity, and celebrate success. OCASA offers our programs at two campuses.

OCASA Elementary School (TK to 5th Grade) is a tuition-free, public TK-5 charter school that excels in personalized learning through small group instruction in a mixed-age setting. Focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, students grasp new concepts

through real-world experiences, achieving remarkable growth in Math (14.6 points) and English (29.7 points), according to the California School Dashboard. With credentialed teachers and a supportive staff, OCASA Elementary encourages exploration in small, technology-equipped classes. The school boasts dedicated instructors for performing arts, fine arts, STEM, and Spanish, contributing to a vibrant community enriched by field trips and a dynamic PTSA.

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade) ensures a rich, personalized, rigorous, and joyful education. As the only public charter high school in South Orange County, OCASA College Prep emphasizes academic, social, and physical development in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Offering each student a MacBook Air, the innovative curriculum facilitates independent progress. In middle school, students engage in Project Lead the Way classes, while high school pathways in Biomedical Sciences or Computer Science culminate in a capstone project. College credits are earned through AP and dual-enrollment options, with diverse clubs and activities such as robotics, drum line, ASB, and more enhancing the secondary school experience. School-wide events, including field trips and dances, further contribute to the comprehensive education offered in collaboration with PTSA.

Both OCASA schools follow a low-homework, low-test philosophy and hold full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Enroll for the 2024-25 school year by visiting ocasa.org, where you can RSVP for a school tour or complete your application.

OCASA Elementary (TK to 5th Grade)

29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade)

31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts

949.269.3290 • www.ocasa.org

Mathnasium Learning Centers slogan is simple: “We make math make sense!” Whether your child starts out far behind or is ahead in math, Mathnasium helps students advance because they know that any child can be successful in math—it is a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

The experienced math tutors utilize proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™. This instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop an understanding and build a love for math. Students are evaluated with a written and verbal assessment unique to Mathnasium to deliver a customized learning plan. Based on the results, Mathnasium develops an individually tailored program designed to address each student’s specific needs and close any educational gaps they may have so they can jump ahead and be ready for advanced math challenges.

Students engage with their instructors in a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written exercises. Basic math concepts and skills are specifically designed to help students build number sense. Mathnasium’s proven technique does more than just meet state math standards; it surpasses the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards.

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

If math is a problem, Mathnasium can solve it. At Mathnasium, students grow more excited and confident about math—and their grades reflect that. For students who already excel in math, the sky’s the limit. All students will discover that doors open to them by being proficient in math and how math can be applied to interesting areas such as computer science, biology, and psychology.

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 949.240.6284
Laguna Niguel 949.360.6284
San Clemente 949.481.6284
Ladera Ranch 949.429.3020
www.mathnasium.com

At Stratford School, high expectations yield extraordinary results. The advanced yet intentionally balanced curriculum starts as early as Preschool to inspire and nurture the minds and hearts of every student. From the outset, the school simplifies challenging concepts, then accelerates learning to enable students to study ahead of grade level, develop a love of learning, and prepare for the future.

From Preschool through Grade 8, Stratford’s curriculum is infused with sequential instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — “STEAM” — to help students develop a diverse set of problem-solving skills and talents they’ll need in today’s world. We accomplish this through a unique cross-disciplinary approach that enhances critical thinking, integrates ideas from multiple subjects, and ultimately expands student learning.

Beginning in Preschool, Stratford’s curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical building blocks. Hands-on, multi-sensory activities, including the Imaginative STEAM Play, encourage preschoolers to play and share with others, while developing their self-confidence, so each child discovers the joy and excitement of learning.

In Elementary, the accelerated core curriculum exceeds the National Standardized ERB Results and motivates students to become critical thinkers and proficient writers. This balanced approach imparts students with not only a well-rounded education; it fosters the development of strong friendships, effective study skills, and blossoming self-confidence.

Middle School continues the Stratford tradition of excellence. The faculty prepare and mentor students for placement in honors and advanced courses at top-tier private and public high schools. Stratford’s intentional approach to educating the whole child results in young adults who are gifted communicators, skilled, generous collaborators, creative problem-solvers, and thoughtful, confident leaders.

The caring and passionate teachers cultivate a fun and nurturing classroom environment, where high expectations encourage students to try new things with confidence and enthusiasm. They present a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. They engage students. They invite questions. They encourage students to collaborate. Consequently, students laugh a lot, and learn even more.

Learn more about Stratford’s Mission Viejo campus by visiting online or scheduling a tour at StratfordMissionViejo.com.

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive | Mission Viejo
949.458.1776 • stratfordschools.com

Kiaan’s Fine Indian Cuisine

Flavors That Dance — Spices That Sing

by Dina Scaglione

There is something paradoxically comforting yet exotic about ethnic food on a cold winter day. For me, Kiann’s is that distinctive place where aromatic spices meet savory fare, served up with gracious hospitality. Opened in Talega since October 2023, locals are already flocking to this authentic northern Indian eatery with its unique bistro-like ambiance. Elegantly appointed and tastefully embellished with white tablecloths and long-stemmed wine glasses, this is truly Indian food at its finest.

For starters, Kiaan’s offers a nice variety of appetizers including crispy puff pastry samosas stuffed with potato and peas. You can also find other Indian classics like Saag Paneer with creamy spinach, Indian cheese with a touch of curry; or delicately fried and slightly crunchy Onion Bhaji or the Aloo Tikki, with minced potatoes seasoned with sweet masala. For entrées, there are equally as many tasty options for carnivores and vegetarians. The Butter Chicken features tandoori roasted chicken cooked with creamy tomato sauce and fenugreek leaves. For the lamb lovers, there are several entrees to choose from including the Lamb Seekh Kebab, precisely marinated with herbs and spices or the boneless Lamb Vindaloo, braised with potato, onion and tomatoes. Vegetarians will appreciate the Navaratan Korma with seasonal veggies, simmered in a creamy cashew and almond sauce. Must-have sides include Kiaan’s Special Rice adored with almonds, raisins and cashews, fragrantly seasoned with saffron. And who can resist a basket of warm Naan bread? Options include plain, butter, garlic and chili.

As a tribute to the owner’s toddler son, Amrit saw a vision for Kiaan’s to bring something unique and satisfying to Talega. Kiaan’s is open for dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Mondays) and offers daily lunch thali specials, Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For just $18 per person, three-course meals are offered on the lunch menu — an appetizer with your choice of either Saag Paneer, Baingan Bharta, or Coconut Shrimp, followed by your choice of Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Vindaloo, or Chicken Curry, culminating in the final course with your choice of Lamb Tikka Masala, Lamb Vindaloo and Lamb Rogosjosh. Pick up or dine in to enjoy the delicious scents and distinct coziness of Kiaan’s Fine Indian Cuisine.

Kiaan’s Fine Indian Cuisine
821 Via Suerte, Suite 104, San Clemente
949.568.1727 • KiaansRestaurant.com

San Clemente Villas by the Sea

Celebrating Over 20 Years

A Heartfelt Thank You to The Community

by Dan Brazeau

In the unfolding narrative of the Brazeau family’s 21-year journey in the assisted living business, a momentous juncture arrives as new ownership takes the helm. Gratitude and nostalgia permeate this transition, seizing the opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation to the community that has been the pillar of support throughout this remarkable chapter.

From the start, founder Paul Brazeau envisioned a warm and nurturing environment where seniors could thrive, surrounded by love, compassion, and a sense of belonging. He often likened the facility to “the cruise ship that never sets sail.” With unwavering dedication, the team aimed to provide personalized care, fostering a sense of togetherness that embraced both residents and their families.

The community’s trust over the years is a source of deep humility, a driving force behind their success. Stories, smiles, and heartfelt connections have shaped their journey and enriched their lives.

Acknowledgment is extended to current and former residents who graciously welcomed the team into their lives. The daily inspiration derived from their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirits is truly commendable. Witnessing the bonds of friendship and love that have blossomed under the roof has been a privilege, and the shared memories will be forever cherished.

To the families who entrusted their loved ones into their care, a heartfelt thank you is extended. The trust and confidence in the team have been the cornerstone of their commitment to excellence. It has been an honor to walk alongside these families during their journey, providing support, compassion, and understanding during both joyous and challenging times.

Lastly, profound appreciation is expressed to the incredible staff members who poured their hearts and souls into making the assisted living facility a true haven. The dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the residents have been nothing short of extraordinary. They are the backbone of the family, and thanks are extended for the love and care given to all who have passed through the doors.

As the torch is passed to new management, there is a sense of excitement and optimism. The firm belief is that they will continue the legacy of compassion and love that has defined the assisted living business. The bonds forged with the residents will forever remain etched in their hearts, and encouragement is given to continue supporting and cherishing this special place that has meant so much to all.

The Brazeau family expresses deep gratitude to the people of San Clemente for the unwavering support, trust, and belief in the mission. It is because of the community that a difference has been made in the lives of so many. As this chapter bids farewell, it does so with full hearts, knowing that the spirit of family and fellowship will continue to thrive within these walls.

San Clemente Villas by the Sea
660 Camino De Los Mares
San Clemente • 949.489.3400
SanClementeVillas.com

For more info:
Email Info@SanClementeVillas.com or call Esmeralda Arellano at (949) 489-3400 ext 110.
LIC # 306001485