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

Now in its second full year, St. John’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) initiative presents an innovative and engaging method of learning, teaching students through project-based learning to evaluate concepts to address real world problems in inventive ways. STEAM ignites curiosity and encourages discovery to develop life-long learners.

Academic Achievement
St. John’s academic program is distinguished by low student to teacher ratios and a personal, individualized educational experience. Each Elementary and Early Childhood classroom enjoys the support of a dedicated instructional aide. This classroom structure lends itself well to flexible and engaging small group instruction, especially in Mathematics and Language Arts, ensuring a personal and highly individualized educational experience daily.

Balanced Curriculum
The School’s philosophy focuses on the development of the whole child providing a program that is broad and inclusive. The core curriculum is supplemented by a wide variety of enrichment classes, including music, science, athletics, and world languages, all taught by subject-area specialists. Each enrichment provides students with additional opportunities for self-expression and success.

Focus on Character
The School’s faculty and staff understand the importance of providing students with a nurturing environment, one where they can feel safe and appreciated. A strong sense of school community is a vital aspect of St. John’s. Students learn the value of social responsibility within the greater community. 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.

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

Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a well-rounded, college-preparatory education developing students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of our world.

Santa Margarita’s academic tracks are tailored to meet the needs of varied learners. The school offers 18 AP courses, an Interdisciplinary program catering to hands-on learners and the school’s Auxiliary Studies Program that provides students with specialized learning needs the opportunity to reach their full potential. Santa Margarita also has the distinction of being the only Catholic high school in the county to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate program. Preparing our students for college and beyond, the school’s One-to-One Tablet PC program puts a tablet in the hands of every student and teacher providing an immersive educational experience.

Faith development and extracurricular activities are an integral part of a Santa Margarita education. All-school masses, campus ministry fellowship gatherings, retreats and daily prayer provide students with the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and one another. Home of the Eagles, the school’s competitive athletic program, emphasizes character building. A thriving, award-winning arts program includes more than 60 visual and performing art courses. With more than 70 campus clubs and activities, students are encouraged to explore their passions.

Santa Margarita’s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque Saddleback Valley Mountains. The recently modernized library media center provides a collaborative learning environment or quiet place to study. Fall 2011 marked the opening of the Academic Services Center housing ten “smart classrooms” equipped with innovative technology; a 3,700 square-foot Digital Media Studio, home to the student news show “Eagle TV”; and counseling and academic offices. SMCHS also recently opened the Eagle Athletic Center which features a first-class 5,822 square-foot weight room. The school’s aquatics center opened in 2007 complete with an Olympic-sized pool.

Enrollment: 1,755

Financial Assistance: One in five students receives tuition assistance

Bus Service: Serving North and South Orange County

Religious Leadership: Campus chaplain and proud partner with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.766.6080 • www.smhs.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 accredited, 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
• Technology and Science Labs
• 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

In 1987, Elite Educational Institute began with one tutoring center in Rowland Heights, California. From those humble beginnings, Elite has expanded to over 45 locations worldwide, and has helped thousands of students realize their dreams. Elite seeks not only to offer preparation for college, but also learning for life.

When students first arrive at Elite, they will be offered a diagnostic test in the academic area or grade level of their choice. This is followed by a conference with one the institute’s counselors to review the test, their academic history, and their goals. All of these steps are taken to ensure that parents and students select the right program.

Elite features three primary areas of educational programming:

Test Preparation.
The institute offers preparation classes in the SAT (new version out March 5, 2016), ACT, SAT Subject and AP exams. Students receive an education that emphasizes foundational content, strategies, and robust practice.

Academic Enrichment.
Elite provides 1:1 and small group (3:1) tutoring at its facility. Its goal is not only to help students do well on exams, but also to truly grasp the content that they are being taught at their local schools. The Institute wants to help shore up any weaknesses and shape students’ study habits for all their classes.

In addition, the school offers supplemental courses, Speech and Debate and English (Reading & Writing Workshop) to develop a student’s communication skills, critical thinking prowess, and essay writing abilities.

College Admissions Consulting.
From discovering majors and careers and selecting the right colleges, to writing essays and finalizing each application, counselors help students navigate their way through the maze of the college admissions landscape.

Students can receive comprehensive help for their entire application process or just come in for 1 to 2 sessions to work on their college essays.

Whether your student is in elementary, middle or high school, or needs help for 1 month or 1 year, is struggling or advanced, Elite will come alongside you to chart and navigate the best course for your child.

Elite educational institute
25282 McIntyre St.
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
949.916.0355
www.ElitePrep.com

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, then a math matriculation system that allows students to move ahead when ready, as well as honors courses in junior high, and honors and 12 AP 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, 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

At Our Savior’s Lutheran School, class sizes are small so children have room to grow. Our Savior’s goal is to educate and inspire by creating a learning environment that balances the heart, mind and spirit. In this environment, individuals don’t get lost and students excel academically. In fact, Our Savior’s students tend to achieve above their ability, on both their schoolwork and national testing. In 2015 the fifth grade class at Our Savior’s produced three State History Day Champions.

Our Savior’s students achieve through the perfect blend of high expectations, traditional academic skills instruction and an emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration across the curriculum. Our Savior’s teachers understand that STEM is not just about doing science and having electronic devices, but requires students to be actively engaged in solving problems and creating solutions through multi-disciplinary activities.

At OSLS Preschool children feel loved. When children feel loved, they love to learn. Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool is a premier preschool in south Orange County. Students thrive academically and socially through a child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum in a loving, nurturing, hands-on environment. With both the indoor classroom and the outdoor classroom complete with gardens, students develop the skills and critical thinking ability which lay the groundwork for success in elementary school and beyond.

To learn more about Our Savior’s Preschool or Elementary School, contact the school office or access the website. The administration is happy to provide a personal tour and answer any questions. Open Enrollment for 2016/2017 begins February 19, 2016.

• Average Class Size is 17
• Nurturing Christian Environment
• All faiths are welcome
• Excellent Standardized Test Scores
• Fully Accredited
• Dynamic Physical Education, Spanish, Computer, and Music classes
• STEM emphasis schoolwide
• Digital Library
• Fully Credentialed Teachers at all levels
• Affordable Tuition
• Extended Day Care Program
• Full-Day Kindergarten through 5th Grade
• Preschool for 3’s and 4’s & 5-day PreK

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165 • OurSaviorsSchool.net
Lic. #300600175

Carden Academy was founded in 1994 and now has a student body of approximately 200 students in grades K through 8th. The combination of Mae Carden’s time-proven curriculum, a unique approach to teaching, along with a vibrant character development program, Carden Academy offers the finest education available today.

The Carden Method is unique in that there is a thorough integration of subject matter and a unified approach at every grade level. Miss Carden’s carefully-sequenced curriculum helps to build security while making learning both logical and challenging. The academically rigorous program is carried out in a wholesome, non-denominational, nurturing environment by teachers who strive to develop the individual talents of each child, awakening each student’s natural desire to learn and equipping them with a sound foundation of academic skills and knowledge.

Character Qualities are woven into the curriculum at all grade levels, inviting children to find their gifts and to share them with the world. Students strive to develop gracious and virtuous behavior through the application of character qualities to their decision-making and daily interactions with others, and leadership opportunities empower students to be of service.

Pioneer Park is the school’s beautiful three-acre riparian habitat that includes open space, a play area with swings, a slide, climbing structures, a climbing wall and hands-on gardens. Students enjoy outdoor play in a natural environment that is shaded by trees and bordered by a small creek. Pioneer Park provides students with an outdoor learning environment where they can conduct hands-on experiments, applying the classroom curriculum and their new knowledge in a tangible way. Students also learn the basics of environmental stewardship by learning about erosion control, woods grooming, use and care of tools, safety practices, and land management.

Carden Academy Offers Your Child:

• Small class size, Grades K through 8th
• Full-Day Kindergarten
• Devoted teachers and parents who share Mae Carden’s vision of instilling a love of learning
• Sequential, rigorous academic curriculum along with Spanish, Music, Art, Science, P.E. and Computer Classes
• Strong emphasis on character development
• Nurturing and safe environment
• Three-acre riparian park and learning center

Carden Academy
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.458.1776 • www.cardenacademy.com

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 4 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

San Juan Hills High School, nestled in the foothills along the eastern border of San Juan Capistrano, is Capistrano Unified School District’s 6th comprehensive high school. Opened in the Fall of 2007, San Juan Hills students and community enjoy a state-of-the-art facility which includes a 480-seat theater with flyway, a blackbox theater, video labs, dedicated dance rooms, and full athletic facilities highlighted by a 30-meter aquatics facility and on-campus “Stallion Stadium.” Brightened by natural light that shines from the many skylights, students are able to learn in modern classrooms equipped with LCD projectors, Wi-Fi, Chrome Books, and other technology-focused offerings.

Named one of “America’s top 500” high schools in 2013, 2014, and 2015 by Newsweek magazine, San Juan Hills is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers rich academic and extra-curricular opportunities for its students. Advanced Placement courses, 23 CIF sports teams participating in the highly respected South Coast and Sea View Leagues, Career and Technical courses through the South Coast Regional Occupation Program (ROP), comprehensive visual and performing arts programs, AVID, Two-Way Immersion Program, and the Saddleback College High School Partnership Program which includes a Medical Health Pathway and a Law Pathway are some of the offerings available to San Juan Hills students.

The most important resource at San Juan Hills are the people. Students are supported by a fully credentialed staff known for its commitment to helping all students discover and develop their talents. Reflecting the rich diversity of South Orange County, students learn to interact in an environment that generates trust, respect and appreciation for students of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds.

In the last 9 years, San Juan Hills High School has established itself as one of the great secondary schools available to South Orange County families.

SJHHS Graduates are:
Successful: They meet or exceed academic expectations.
Just: They are tolerant, ethical and open-minded.
Healthy: They make self-disciplined, responsible choices that promote a sense of well-being.
Highly Competent: They think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
Skillful: They communicate in effective and creative ways.

San Juan Hills High School
29211 Vista Montana,
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.5900 • www.sjhhs.org