Education Spotlight 2018

The investment you make in your children’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make in their lives. You have an incredible challenge on your hands; to prepare your children for a life of success and meaning.  It can feel daunting as a parent, but you can do it with the right partner. CVCS has a long history of helping young people to become the best version of themselves, prepared for success in life and leadership. Capistrano Valley Christian Schools (CVCS) embodies excellence in academic, spiritual, extracurricular, and cultural distinction. CVCS is a school on the rise with an exciting vision for the future. Above all, CVCS is marked by a deep sense of community where students and families are cared for in a way that delivers a more meaningful experience that will influence your child’s faith and character for the rest of their lives.

CVCS excels in:

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION:

• CVCS is ranked one of the top Christian schools in California
• College acceptances at elite institutions, including Stanford, UCLA, Duke, Cornell, NYU, West Point, and the best Christian colleges including Wheaton, Westmont, and Biola
• Highly qualified, fully credentialed teachers

SPIRITUAL FORMATION:

• Leading Biblical worldview department in Southern California, including world-famous apologetics author Dr. Sean McDowell
• Unique world and regional mission trips to Russia and Fiji, Berkeley, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles
• Mentorship programs to foster deep relationships between teachers and students to build a lifelong walk with Jesus Christ

EXTRA-CURRICULAR QUALITY:

• 12 division 1 athletes in the past five years
• Back to Back Girls’ volleyball CIF Finalist and State Southern Section Finalist
• 2014 CIF Champions in baseball
• CIF semi-finals in three of the past four years in boys’ basketball
• Incredible coaches are role models who develop the hearts and skills of their athletes
• Performing arts department, with high-quality theatrical performances and musicals throughout the year

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

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
949.766.6076 • www.smhs.org

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool has been serving families in the community for over forty years. Perched atop the southwest side of San Clemente, SCPCP enjoys panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean that create a picturesque backdrop for the preschool. Caring for children ages 2.9-year-olds through 6 years, in a safe, loving, nurturing environment is how SCPCP believes children learn and develop best. At SCPCP, each child comes to know that they are a precious and uniquely made gift from God. The school provides an excellent educational experience in a Christian environment, while meeting the individual development of each child. 

SCPCP has small class sizes (15), with two teachers educated in early child development. Classrooms meet the individual needs of the children and are age appropriate. The SCPCP Pre-K program prepares children for success in kindergarten and the years to come. The curriculum provides for all learning domains and is designed to meet the developmental needs of the “whole child” (aesthetic, affective, cognitive, language, physical, social, and spiritual).

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool provides many opportunities for children to learn through class instruction and personal discovery. Preschool teachers utilize children’s group activities, small-group lessons, one-on-one instruction, and free play to promote social awareness, personal responsibility, autonomy, language development and pre-reading skills, scientific, and mathematical concepts.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool understands that a child’s basic needs must be met before learning can occur. By using a guidance approach, children will learn while having fun, develop positive self-esteem, and build a foundation of fundamental life skills. A child’s learning develops through responsive adults, active hands-on participation, and meaningful experiences.

The school invites interested parents to join them for an upcoming Group Tour on Tuesday, January 23 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Request an individual tour by contacting preschool@scpres.org or call 949.218.7398.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church Preschool
119 Avenida De La Estrella
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.218.7398 • www.scpres.org

Think Independent

St. John’s cherishes independence. Unlike other private schools, independent schools are not subject to outside mandate. The school has the freedom to determine its own mission and values, thus creating an approach to education that best serves the students. This enables St. John’s to implement the highly-acclaimed STEAM program which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

St. John’s serves students from 8 weeks old through 8th Grade and is committed to academic excellence, service, and leadership development.

A Leader in Innovative Education

STEAM is integrated into a wide spectrum of subject areas. Each discipline is interrelated to deepen understanding and engagement. Students participate in inquiry-based lessons, collaborative experiences, and project-based curricula focused on solving practical problems.

Recognized as the most effective preparation for success in higher education and the workplace, STEAM supports students to meet the ever-changing demands of our world. Small class sizes enables St. John’s teachers to maximize the potential of every student and facilitate more hands-on learning.

St. John’s ground-breaking facility dedicated to STEAM is equipped with innovative technology including:

Makers Lab

Creativity flourishes as students learn to implement modern technology through engineering projects. Students explore 3D design and printing, video production, repurpose old electronics, as well as make LED lights and circuit boards.

Robotics Lab

Students’ projects range from designing levers and gears to building robots that assist in real-world challenges, such as cleaning up after a nuclear meltdown. Utilizing the Vex Robotics Design System, the competitive robotics team constructs a robot according to each year’s challenge.

Science Lab

Incorporating Project Lead the Way, students learn to take risks and think creatively through an engineer’s lens. Students develop analytical skills in classes such as medical engineering and medical detectives.

Production Studio

Integrated into all grade levels, the studio houses a full production set, including studio lighting, green screen capabilities, professional quality HD studio cameras, editing equipment, teleprompters, audio and light boards.

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

Visit Anneliese Schools at one of its three enchanting campuses in Laguna Beach for the annual Enrollment Information Nights for 2018-2019. Learn why Anneliese Schools is highly sought-after with a 50-year history as a leader in globally minded, research-based education. The schools accept students 2-years-old through 6th grade. Anneliese welcomes you to schedule a private tour to learn more.

Discover what sets Anneliese Schools apart:

• Instructional methodologies supported by the latest research in neuroscience, social science, and education, delivered in inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Humanistic, academic curriculum emphasizing whole-brain and project-based learning that incorporates STEAM challenges designed to prepare students for 21st century opportunities.
• Early foreign language acquisition through a developmental, intensive foreign language program (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Sign Language).
• Fostering strong emotional intelligence using multiple strategies and programs, including mindfulness, yoga, HeartMath, and Second Step.
• Lunch and snack program guided by research on child nutrition, sustainability, mindful eating, and eating a balanced diet. All meals are prepared in-house, fresh daily by a culinary team, from mostly organic and non-GMO ingredients.
• International, dedicated, experienced, and community-minded team of educators who are passionate about the School’s philosophy. Teachers understand and adopt the latest multi-sensory teaching methods to ensure maximal retention of information, consistent with Multiple Intelligence Theory.
• Carefully designed recess yards that enhance fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, academic functioning, creativity, and social skills development.
• Fine arts program for all ages, taught by professional artists.
• Vocal and instrumental music program for all ages, including orchestra and band for 4th through 6th grades.
• Hands-on organic gardening curriculum taught in a spacious garden that includes mature fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, a grape arbor, and a full composting site.
• Comprehensive Athletics Program, including inter-mural sports teams for 4th through 6th Grades.
• Animal care program that includes the training and care of miniature horses, donkeys, and alpacas, as well as a “Mini Readers” program, which pairs young readers with 4-legged friends to “listen.”

Anneliese Schools
20062 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.8310 • www.annelieseschools.com

Our Lady of Fatima Academy is a 21st Century learning community founded in 1965 that has educated students in South Orange County for over 50 years. Nestled among the rolling hills with a view of the Pacific, OLF is the only Catholic School in San Clemente. The school is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing, and dedicated faculty. The secured campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students centered on the value of “family.” OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven learning institution that prides itself on spirituality, academic rigor and high student expectations amid small class sizes that “empower today’s children to promote tomorrow’s leaders.” The school’s robust Community Service Program ensures that OLF students value and live their faith-filled educational experiences.

OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition, and service to their community. With a cross-curricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate, and demonstrate understanding by means of a hands-on approach to learning that integrates 1:1 technology opportunities. By complementing the academic rigor with the offerings of innovative electives, the OLF faith-filled student cultivates a zest for life-long learning, develops into an effective communicator and advances as a globally responsible citizen. Proudly, 100% of OLF graduates are accepted into local Catholic High Schools. Most of OLF’s graduates place into Honors/Advanced Placement courses and/or Magnet Programs. OLF students are recognized within the local and regional contests of various competitions including Chapman University’s Holocaust Art, Writing, Poetry and Film Contest, Orange County Science Fair, Jr. High Academic Decathlon, Knight’s of Columbus’ Writing Contest, and OC Catholic Charities Poster Contest, JSerra HS sponsored Retreats, Battle of the Rockets, and Spelling Bee Tournament.

OLF’s Early Education Center’s Transitional Kindergarten program is the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give four-year-olds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. All students participate weekly in the enrichment classes of Spanish, Music, Piano, Art, Choir and PE. K-2, 3-5, and Middle School Musical Productions are a highlight of the school year along with the annual all-school Christmas Program and 5th Grade Passion Play. The extended field studies programs for 4-8th graders include Sacramento day trip, The Pilgrim, Catalina Ecology Safari, ECOS Science Camp, Channel Islands, and Philadelphia/Gettysburg/Washington D.C. OLF School enthusiastically hosts upwards of 30 community-building events for students and parents throughout the school year.

Our Lady of Fatima Academy
105 N. La Esperanza
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.7320 • www.olfschool.net

At Stratford School, high expectations lead to extraordinary results. The schools advanced, innovative, and intentionally balanced curriculum inspires, challenges, and nurtures the minds and hearts of every student. It also produces impressive results. Stratford students outscore independent school students, are recognized for academic achievement, and contribute to their communities.

The curriculum is created in a thoughtful and deliberate way to provoke curiosity, nurture exploration, and encourage inquiry. Students develop a love of learning, study above grade level, and prepare themselves for the future. 

Stratford infuses its broad liberal arts curriculum with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). It combines traditional teaching styles with 21st century learning principles, integrating technology with careful intention. The school provides a variety of extracurricular pursuits, personal development activities, physical education, and play time. The teachers cultivate a physically and emotionally secure classroom environment. The staff both welcome and listen to the feedback of students’ parents.

The result is a rich spectrum of hands-on learning opportunities — provided in an energized classroom atmosphere where students are mentally focused and highly engaged — that enable students to learn, question, collaborate, and develop the diverse skills and talents they need to compete
in today’s world.

Harnessing the collective power of over 6,000 students, 800 teachers, 100 administrators, and 300 classrooms, Stratford School is able to explore and rapidly implement new teaching practices to achieve the ultimate goal of preparing students to become the next generation of creative problem-solvers, imaginative innovators, and confident, insightful leaders.

To learn more visit www.StratfordSchools.com/mission-viejo

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
www.StratfordSchools.com

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.

ALWAYS LEARNING

The Parish School is #AlwaysLearning. Learners don’t just memorize math equations or recite spelling words. They ask questions. They explore. They love not just school – but the process of learning. And learning comes not just through doing things right, but through doing things wrong. The Parish School develops resilient, innovative learners who try, grow and achieve.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Parish School utilizes a standard-based curriculum aligned to the Roman Catholic Church teachings which prepares learners for high school and beyond. The faculty and staff continually expose learners to meaningful hands-on experiences, resulting in thoughtful risk-taking, problem solving and collaboration.

SMALLER CLASSES – IN-DEPTH LEARNING

Not only does the school boast an impressive 11:1 instructor-to-student ratio, they have a unique classroom format. The Lower School is the first in the Diocese to use Departmentalized Platooning. Each class moves as a unit between three classrooms, with a teacher focused on just two subjects. The result – a richer learning experience and expert teachers.

In the Upper School, each learner has eight periods daily on a waterfall schedule, the standard for many high schools. The classes are integrated, yet small groups and individualized instruction ensures learners’ needs are met and challenged.

CREATIVITY

Through art and music classes and after-school activities like chorus and the Spring Musical, The Parish School builds creative and confident leaders. And, they are one of the only schools to offer Makerspace – a hands-on studio that integrates technology, engineering and creativity with project-based solutions to real-world situations.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Each day, the school community prays, serves and grows in their relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is present in the books they read, the history they teach, and the music they sing. Learners attend weekly mass, provide mentorship through Prayer Partners and participate in service projects and retreats.

The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
33866 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.496.1241 • www.StEdSchool.org

Temple Beth El’s acclaimed Early Childhood Center has been enlightening children for over 16 illustrious years. The school has forged a strong reputation within the local community for its loving, experienced and long-term staff who are dedicated to each and every child in the program.

Temple Beth El offers a multitude of classes including Parent/Toddler classes for 7-24 months, Preschool for 2-4 years and a Pre-K/TK program. In addition, Temple Beth El offers dynamic after school enrichment classes and before and after school care.

Each year, Temple Beth El has been able to provide early education for children with varying special needs in a traditional classroom setting. For example, a child in need of a support facilitator would be welcomed and immersed in the program. Temple Beth El’s preschool curriculum is built with a balance between academic and developmental philosophies of education, with an emphasis on the whole child. It is designed to create an environment that encourages a love for learning, with a focus on the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of each child.

Pre-K students prepare for Kindergarten by utilizing the “Get Set for School/Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. All Pre-K teachers have been trained in this program to best implement the curriculum. 

The Temple Beth El facility is clean, bright and cheerful and has large playground-facing windows in each room. The school goes the extra mile to help create not just a vivid and cheerful atmosphere, but a splendid learning environment.

Check the Temple Beth El website at tbesoc.org in February for registration forms and to learn all about programs being offered. Registration will begin in February 2018. The school welcomes prospective families to schedule a tour of Temple Beth El in January and February. You can contact the admissions office at (949) 362-3999 ext. 317 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Temple Beth El
2A Liberty
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 362-3999 • www.tbesoc.org

Saddleback Valley Christian School is proud to offer Variable Tuition, which matches your tuition with your unique financial situation. This makes an exceptional Christian education accessible to families for whom it might otherwise be out of reach. SVC believes this is representative of God’s heart.

The mission of Saddleback Valley Christian School is to educate and disciple all students as they discover their purpose in the work of God’s Kingdom. Serving Preschool through High School, SVC is a college-preparatory, WASC-accredited school. Outstanding academics are paired with many opportunities in athletics, the arts, missions and service. Small classroom sizes (low student/teacher ratios) foster a safe, family-oriented learning environment.

THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FOR ALL

• Preschool through High School
• 18:1 average student to teacher ratio
• Biblically-integrated curriculum, missions & local outreach
• Daily Christian-based discipleship
• 22 AP & honors courses 
• Vibrant student life includes retreat, clubs & athletics + 15 CIF sports
• College & career prep cohorts
• Multiple elective opportunities, including choir, art, musical theatre & graphic design
• 1:1 technology, digital curriculum & robust STEM program
• Serving all of South Orange County since 1997

CORE VALUES

SVC is Kingdom-Minded:

• Works to advance the cause of Christ in the world
• Models and emulates Christ while seeking to disciple students
• Worships God in every way possible

SVC is Student-Centered:

• Believes that every student is fearfully and wonderfully made
• Understands that every decision should be made through the lens of student experience
• Affirms that diversity and accessibility are central to the development of Christian community

For more information, email Grant Waggoner, Director of Admission, at gwaggoner@svcschools.org

Saddleback Valley Christian School
26333 Oso Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.443.4050 • www.TheChristianSchoolForAll.org