Education Spotlight 2022

Did you know that one out of every five children struggle in reading? Children who receive intervention before 3rd grade have a 90% chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever! The Johnson Academy and Speech, Language & Learning Center (SLLC), located in San Juan Capistrano, offers evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities.

About The Founder
Cathy Johnson became a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist in 1991 after completing a B.A. and M.A. in Communication Disorders, with a minor in Child Development. She initially focused on treating young children with speech and language disorders, but broadened her scope of practice when those same young children returned to her for help in reading. Additionally, Cathy’s own daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and her mission to help children became her passion.

For the past four years, she and the University of La Verne have been building an Orton-Gillingham Based Dyslexia Teacher Training Program at the University of La Verne under the guidance of Drs. Mary Farrell and Nancy Cushen-White. They have created a rigorous reading intervention curriculum based on the Science of Reading. The Orton-Gillingham methodology is the gold standard of interventions and is transforming the literacy abilities of children which we know can change their academic trajectory.

The Johnson Academy and SLLC, offer a variety of programs to help children with reading and learning differences. The individualized approach in teaching allows the school to adapt to the unique learning style of each child. The Johnson Academy services families who are looking for an all-day school experience. With the low teacher to student ratio, the children are able to excel in a hands-on
learning environment.

Programs
The Speech, Language & Learning Center offers a comprehensive assessment battery consisting of diagnostic tests designed to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses. After the assessment, a consultation is scheduled to explain the results and discuss an individualized intervention tailored to specifically address areas of concern.

If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact us to find out more information! Call 949.487.5251 or visit scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.

the johnson academy
27127 Calle Arroyo, Ste. 1920
San Juan Capistrano
949.487.5251
SpeechLanguageAndLearningCenter.net

At Stratford School, high expectations yield extraordinary results. Our advanced yet intentionally balanced curriculum starts as early as Preschool to inspire and nurture the minds and hearts of every student. From the outset, we simplify challenging concepts, then accelerate learning to enable our 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 our 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, our 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. We 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 confident, insightful leaders.

Our 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 www.StratfordMissionViejo.com.

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

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 reflect on their own work. OCASA offers two unique and innovative campuses designed to help students launch their bright future.

OCASA Elementary School (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) is a tuition-free, public K-5 charter school specializing in individual learning and small group instruction. With an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, students apply real-world experiences to understand new concepts and gain knowledge. According to the California State Dashboard, OCASA students attained tremendous growth in 2018 with a 29.7 point increase in Math and an 18.5 point increase in English Language Arts. The campus features multiple hands-on labs, including a Maker Lab and Arts Lab, which encourage exploration and experimentation under the guidance of OCASA’s credentialed teachers and experienced staff.

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade) serves the evolving needs of students in South Orange County and ensures that every child in attendance receives a rich, individualized, rigorous and joyful education that will prepare them to thrive. OCASA College Prep, currently enrolling Grades 6-11, is the only classroom-based, tuition-free public charter high school in South Orange County. The school’s curriculum places an emphasis on the academic, social and physical development of young adults in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The innovative program allows students to master material and progress at their own pace.

Both OCASA campuses are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. OCASA is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year. Visit ocasa.org to RSVP for an upcoming Parent Information Session or School Tour.

OCASA Elementary (Kindergarten to 5th Grade)
29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel

OCASA College Prep (6th Grade to 12th Grade)
31522 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Unified is dedicated to preparing students from preschool and transitional kindergarten through high school to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. CUSD has an unwavering commitment to excellence in curriculum and instruction, strong emphasis and integration of mental health and emotional support, social emotional learning, and cultural diversity, ensuring graduates have multiple opportunities for college, military, career readiness, and independent living. This school year and the next the district has been able to invest even more into classrooms because of state and federal COVID-19 funds and over 300 additional teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists, counselors, and classified staff have been hired.

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.

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 (Beginning in Preschool)
• Gifted & Advanced Learners (GATE)

SECONDARY

• College & Career Advantage: 30 career pathways and over 500 partnerships
• High School Specialize/Focused Academies
• Futureology helps students navigate the college & career track
• 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 • bit.ly/CUSDInfo

Faithful to Catholic values, St. Edward the Confessor Parish School (Preschool – 8th Grade) offers a dynamic schoolwide learning environment that inspires each student to achieve his or her God-given potential inside and outside the classroom. Through rigorous academics, innovative and creative curriculum, service opportunities and Catholic values, Monarchs are confident and compassionate students who are Always Learning and make a difference well beyond their St. Edward years.

ALWAYS LEARNING
St. Edward students are #AlwaysLearning. Students 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. St. Edward develops develop resilient, innovative learners who try, grow and achieve.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
St. Edward 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.

CREATIVITY
Through art and music classes and after-school activities, St. Edward builds creative and confident leaders. It’s also one of the only elementary schools to offer Makerspace – a hands-on studio that integrates technology, engineering and creativity with project-based solutions to real-world situations. All of these specialty classes are taught by dedicated teachers.

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. Students attend weekly Mass, participate in hands-on service projects, and provide mentorship through Prayer Partners.

COMMUNITY
The friendly smile at pick-up. The teachers who address you by name. Faith and academics are at the core of the school, but the community is the heart. Parents are involved in the school, from volunteering at events and on campus, to coaching after school sports, attending weekly Mass and serving as faith formation partners.

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

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. It’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.

Infants 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 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 • 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 costumes as they explore their ancestry during Ellis Island Day, or preschool students engrossed in hands-on exploration in their outdoor classroom.

The dedicated teachers at St. Anne inspire students at every learning level to develop independence, discover a love of learning, and push themselves to unlock their God-given potential. Teachers at St. Anne are trained in differentiated instruction, using strategies that stimulate deeper thinking and discussion while cultivating curiosity and encouraging creativity. The faculty and administration work as a team to ensure every child achieves an education that supports their needs, talents, and interests while forming their character and spiritual development.

Students are given the freedom to explore and discover their passions and gifts through a variety of elective classes such as instrumental music, studio art, digital media production, and creative writing. After-school programs such as the award-winning HarmonKnights show choir, Future Problem Solving, and a competitive athletic program, offer additional opportunities for students to continue to explore and grow.

Should a student discover a passion for faith and service to others, the vibrant Campus Ministry program allows students to put faith into action. The primary goal of the program is to create and actualize faith-based activities that enrich the community through worship and liturgy, school religious activities, and community outreach projects.

St. Anne School is committed to preparing students for purposeful and fulfilling futures. Whether their time at St. Anne ignited a passion for service, nurtured a gift for performing, or opened up their eyes to a career possibility, a St. Anne graduate has the confidence to pursue their passions and the ability to envision what lies ahead.

Please join them for an Admissions Open House on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9 to 11 a.m. An introduction to the administrators will commence, followed by a tour of the campus. Registration is required. Visit www.st-anne.org/open-house. Masks are required for indoor portions of the event.

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