Halstrom Academy

Halstrom Academy
By Shelley Hudson

Mission Viejo’s Halstrom Academy thinks outside the box when it comes to educating 6th through 12th graders. The school’s one student, one teacher approach is the core principal behind its academic success and an impressive college admissions record backs that up. An environment where customized schedules, online classes and a content mastery philosophy that allows students to progress at their own pace is the norm at Halstrom, not the exception.

Most notable is Halstrom’s hyper-focus on the individual needs of each and every student. How the Academy engages its students is equally as important as the curriculum it provides. By implementing a one size does not fit all environment – students, parents, teachers and the school’s administrative staff partner to develop a tailored plan for individualized learning. Whether a student’s vocation or sport requires remote classroom access, or a child thrives through one-to-one instruction, Halstrom employs a cooperative approach with no limits to achieving academic excellence.

Katie Vandermost
Creative Writer / Artist / Intern / Volunteer / Student Body President

This Fall will mark Katie Vandermost’s third year at Halstrom Academy. She excelled at her former school, but found the “existing friend groups” intimidating and the schedule daunting. She was originally introduced to the school by a neighbor. “I went to an open house and fell in love with everything,” enthuses Katie. “At Halstrom, I’m able to think freely. I have room in my life for creative outlets, and I’m more motivated to succeed. I have real relationships with my teachers, and I know when I’m doing something right.”

Katie’s involvement with the National Charity League and her summer internship at a local ad agency keep her busy but grounded. “I just wouldn’t have the time to dedicate to my other interests if I went to another school,” Katie acknowledges, “This way I can do everything I like but still have fun along the way.”

Connor Perkins
Eagle Scout / Marine Biology Enthusiast / Piano Student / Athlete

Social Studies and Science are Connor Perkins’s favorite subjects, but this almost-ninth-grader has a lot more on his mind than the next midterm. He found attending a school with six jam-packed classes per day both stressful and limiting. Connor’s mom, Marianne, explains, “Everything is so efficient at Halstrom. Connor missed sports practices and time with family because of the heavy homework burden at his former school. Now he can have the lifestyle he wants and still experience academic growth.”

According to Connor, the rank of Eagle Scout would have been impossible to obtain without a flexible schedule. His final project for the Scout promotion was a booth at Newport Beach’s “Kelp Fest” which included a touch tank and other educational materials. “It was a lot of work to put together and report on,” says the ambitious teen, “but definitely worth it.”

Summer & Serenity Phillips
Competitive Equestrians / Athletes / Aspiring / Veterinarian and Chemist

Sisters Summer and Serenity Phillips have been riding horses and rising through the equestrian ranks for eight years. Their grueling training and show schedules made it difficult to concentrate on studies and enjoy time with friends until they switched to Halstrom Academy. The school’s individualized approach allows each girl’s academic talents to shine and the flexible scheduling provides them time for their sport. Summer has won awards in all of her most recent competitions and Serenity has advanced her technique by leaps and bounds since they started at Halstrom two years ago. “This school has changed me as a student,” says Summer, “My teachers focus on what I need to improve.” Serenity agrees, “I just feel smarter here because I don’t get passed over.”

26440 La Alameda, Ste. 150, Mission Viejo

(949) 348-0608 • HalstromAcademy.org

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our Halstrom Academy photo shoot! ]