Back to School 2021

Capistrano Unified is looking forward to welcoming students back to school for five full days of instruction, including all extra-curricular activities, performing arts and athletics. The school district is dedicated to preparing students from transitional kindergarten through high school to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. CUSD is steadfast in its goal of providing all students with meaningful, challenging, and innovative educational experiences to increase post-secondary options. 

School counselors and psychologists support social, emotional, behavior, and academics to ensure that every learner can be successful. Counselors provide academic, college and personal counseling and are available on all campuses. CUSD is hiring additional counselors for social/emotional support. The counseling ratio will be 425 students to one counselor. Overall, the District currently has about 50 school psychologists who assess students’ learning disabilities, family situations, mental and emotional issues, and other psychological concerns, and recommend measures to accommodate their education. 

AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS
2021 Recognized American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Model Program (RAMP) designated schools. Awarded by ASCA for delivering an exceptional data-informed counseling program and an exemplary educational environment: Esencia K-7*, Aliso Viejo Middle School*, Vista Del Mar and Castille Elementary. 

(*) Denotes highest honor: School of Distinction for an exceptionally high-caliber school counseling program. 

PUBLIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE 

• Rigorous and engaging curriculum and collaborative learning 
• California Distinguished and National Blue- Ribbon Schools 
• Best Communities for Music Education Designation from the NAMM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education 
• Visual & Performing Arts dedicated to artistic excellence 
• Championship caliber Athletic programs 

ELEMENTARY 

• Class size reduction 
• Paraprofessionals for classroom support 
• Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten 
• Full-day Kindergarten 
• Spanish and Mandarin Language Immersion 
• Gifted & Advanced Learners (GATE) 

SECONDARY 

• College & Career Advantage: 30 career pathways and over 500 partnerships 
• High School Academies 
• Futureology helps students navigate the college & career track 
• Annual College Fair 
• International Baccalaureate Programs 
• Advanced Placement Courses 
• Career Technical Education (CTE) Labs 
• First Robotics: FTC and FRC Competition Teams 

Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.234.9200
capousd.org

The Foundations program methodology is to move past the traditional concept of simply managing the symptoms of learning disabilities and, instead, address the root cause of these challenges. Based on the concept of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change, heal, and grow in response to targeted training), each day, students perform cognitive exercises that have been scientifically proven to strengthen weak cognitive capabilities. In other words, the goal of Foundations is to transform the brain, establishing capabilities that did not exist and, thus, begin to instill a newfound confidence and a love of learning. By strengthening cognitive capacities, students are able to work through tasks which were once incredibly challenging for them. In addition to its scientific approach to cognitive improvement, Foundations includes state-certified reading, writing, and math programs. When combined with the cognitive exercises, these programs have helped many students achieve dramatic academic improvement. 

INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES INCLUSION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Foundations is a full-time program for students in 1st through 12th grade. Each classroom has a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. Students are assessed and work at a pace and level that is appropriate for his or her particular needs. In order to ensure that students are connected socially to others in their peer group, Foundations is located on the campus of a large private school, which allows students to attend recess, lunch, and enrichment/elective classes (P.E., art, music, etc.) with mainstream students in their grade. They also have the opportunity to play on sports teams and to participate in extra-curricular school activities offered at our partner school, such as choir, dance, cheer, clubs, etc. High School students are offered the option to pursue a High School Diploma, or to participate in a Certificate of Completion program. 

OUR PARTNER SCHOOL
Foundations is located on the San Juan Capistrano campus of the prestigious Fairmont Schools. The beautiful campus, spanning 66,000 square feet, includes two educational wings full of classroom space, playgrounds, a gymnasium, a music room, science labs, and more. 

Foundations Cognitive Schools
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.482.0383
www.FoundationsCognitive.org

Award-winning Journey School, a K-8 public charter school in Aliso Viejo, is a place where students share a sense of community not typically seen in traditional schools. When asked if he likes school, a second grader replied, “I don’t like weekends because I don’t get to go to Journey.” A fifth grader who landed his seat at Journey in first grade revealed, “I like some friends better than others, but everyone in my class is my best friend.”

“Students at Journey stay with the same teacher and class for multiple years,” a third-grade parent explained. “Strong connections are developed over time, and the entire class begins to feel like a family. The unique teacher-student bond is leveraged to reach children in deeper ways and that relationship has made all the difference for my child.”

Each day at Journey School begins with the ringing of the bell that hangs from a bell tower at the front of campus. Sounds of laughter and singing can be heard as small feet jump rope alongside the beautifully adorned kindergarten classrooms. Older students gather excitedly on ramps and teachers greet them individually as they enter their classrooms. The energy that runs through Journey’s campus is undeniably contagious.

“I was so nervous to start at a new school in 6th grade, but the students were so welcoming,” shared Isabella. “The way we learn at Journey is very different from my old school. Journey makes learning fun!”

Journey School offers a rigorous curriculum that uniquely blends academics, art, music, nature, and ethics into daily lessons. Inspired by the core principles of Waldorf education, Journey’s outside-the-box education prepares students to be intellectually, artistically, and socially well-rounded, cultivating critical thinkers who are ready to embrace the challenges of high school and beyond.

Journey School
27102 Foxborough
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.448.7232
www.journeyschool.net

Conveniently located on the South end of San Clemente, Our Savior’s Lutheran School (OSLS) is a developmental, play-based, Reggio-inspired, Christian Preschool and Infant Center. Our Savior’s is a close-knit family that understands and values exceptional education, equipping children to be positive members of their community. 

OSLS is committed to excellence through a creative and energizing curriculum, with a strong social, emotional, and Christ-centered foundation. Curriculum is modeled around Howard Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The school’s highly qualified and inspirational staff provide a quality educational experience. All OSLS families receive constant communication regarding their child’s growth, supported by assessments and progress reports along with parent-teacher conferences. This partnership facilitates an extension of the child’s day into the home and bridges the learning opportunities both at school and beyond. 

Our Savior’s Lutheran School provides a unique opportunity for children to be engaged in a developmentally appropriate environment with a child-centered approach. The preschool team designs their curriculum and lesson plans starting with the California Preschool Learning Foundations, customizing instruction based on the child’s individualized goals and needs. These developmentally appropriate practices and classroom experiences intentionally foster exposure to the world around the child and capture the many moments of curiosity. Throughout the day, OSLS teachers guide student learning individually and in groups to explain, educate, and empower the children, encouraging them to ask questions and explore their learning environment. They understand that every child develops at their own pace while being committed to continuous growth and excellence in all levels of early childhood education. With a long-term education in mind, OSLS’s most important goal is to foster and encourage a love of learning. 

Our Infants, from 3 to 24 months, are cared for by highly trained staff. They enjoy their own grassy space with a shade tree and ocean breeze. The teachers take them for walks around the campus in our four-seat strollers. 

To find out more about Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool and Infant Center, please call the school at 949.492.6165 or email the Director, Joan Lundbohm, at j.lundbohm@oursaviorsschool.net 

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165
www.OurSaviorsSchool.net

When you walk onto St. Anne School’s campus in Laguna Niguel, you will likely hear students practicing musical instruments, laughing on the playground, or singing at weekly Mass. You might witness eighth-grade students designing a website on their MacBooks, second-graders dressed in period costume as they explore their ancestry during Ellis Island Day, preschool students engrossed in hands-on learning in their outdoor classroom, or a bus filled with fifth-grade students ready to take off on a Knights | Explore field studies trip to Astro Camp. St. Anne School provides a supportive learning environment where students have the opportunity to explore how their gifts can contribute to the world around them, discover and ignite their passions, and envision and prepare for their future. 

The devoted teachers at St. Anne School are trained in differentiated instruction, using strategies that stimulate deeper thinking and discussion with students. St. Anne School continues to develop much more than a student’s academic skills. With the addition of a Student Support Services department, students will benefit from a support team focused on physical, personal, and mental well-being. This 11-person department also encourages character development and offers academic support for students with mild to moderate learning differences. 

Students are given the freedom to explore and discover their passions and gifts through a variety of elective classes such as orchestra, robotics, studio art, and creative writing. They might also discover they are passionate about spirituality and service to others. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, St. Anne School offers a vibrant Campus Ministry program where students are encouraged to participate in Christian service, class retreats, Masses, and spiritual leadership while growing a deeper connection to their faith. After-school programs such as the award-winning HarmonKnights show choir, the school play, and a variety of sports teams, also offer opportunities for students to continue to explore and grow. 

St. Anne School looks forward to another school year filled with opportunities for students to explore their gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future. 

To schedule a private tour or learn more about St. Anne School, please contact the Office of Admissions at 949.371.9932. 

St. Anne School
32451 Bear Brand Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949.371.9932
www.st-anne.org

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, Stratford 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 8th grade, 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. The school accomplishes 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 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 prepares and mentors 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 confident, insightful 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, CA 92691
949.458.1776
www.StratfordSchools.com