At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Palo Alto’s best private preschools, elementary, and middle schools, our school is like no other. Our strong focus on exceptional academics and student-centered learning means every child is seen, supported, and empowered. Our teachers build a caring space where our students feel safe and ready to learn. Through hands-on activities, exciting lessons, and the latest technology, we prepare your child for the future. We are proud to be fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Just as important as academic success is the strong sense of community we foster. We believe that children thrive best when families, teachers, and school leaders work in partnership. Here, your child won’t just meet expectations, they will exceed them… with a community cheering them on every step of the way.
Our Facilities
Every corner of our school is thoughtfully designed with students in mind, ensuring a safe and enriching place where your child can learn and grow. Our Palo Alto campus is nestled in a quiet neighborhood and offers a balanced academic experience for students. We also bring the learning outdoors, providing opportunities for our students to explore nature, engage in sports and games, and discover the world around them.
Charitable Giving
We are more than a school; we are a community. Through our Stratford Cares initiative, students develop an appreciation for what they have, increase their self-esteem, show gratitude toward others, and see the positive impact of their actions. From supporting local food banks to organizing toy drives, our efforts span a wide range of causes. Most notably, Stratford School has donated over $2 million to the American Heart Association, a remarkable lifetime contribution that reflects the power of compassion and collective action.
FAQs
What grades do you serve?
We offer a private school education for children from Early Preschool (2 years) through 8th grade.
What are the hours of operation at your school?
Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The academic day for each program is as follows:
Middle School: 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Preschool: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Extended day care is available for preschool through elementary students at an additional cost. Morning care runs from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., and after-school care is offered from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Middle School students benefit from after-school clubs, study hall, and teacher office hours, all included in our tuition.
What is Stratford School Palo Alto’s uniform policy?
All students in kindergarten and above must wear a school uniform. Preschool students are not required to wear uniforms.
Daily Uniform: Uniforms can be purchased from Flynn O’Hara.
P.E. Uniform: P.E. uniforms are for Middle School students only and can be purchased from Flynn O’Hara. We do not require P.E. uniforms for elementary students. All children are encouraged to wear or bring sneakers to ensure they can participate in sports and P.E. activities.
Can you share Stratford School Palo Alto’s guidelines for lunch and snacks?
You can purchase lunch through Choice Lunch. Reminder: we are a nut-free school.
For our preschool and Pre-K students, we provide snacks and lunch is served in the classrooms. Teachers can warm up lunch if needed, but we do not have refrigerators for student lunches or drinks.
Elementary and middle school students eat lunch in our auditorium or outside if the weather is nice. Please send snacks from home for these students. Teachers cannot warm up or chill lunches or drinks.
We ask all students to bring a reusable water bottle. There is a water filling station at school, and water pitches are in classrooms.
Is your school accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Can children who are not enrolled join Stratford School Palo Alto summer camps?
Yes! We are excited to welcome children from the community to our summer camps, whether they are enrolled at our school or not. All summer camp programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are your health and medication protocols?
Students must have their immunization records to come to school in Santa Clara County. Our office staff is trained to follow state health rules to safely store and distribute student medications and over-the-counter products. If your child needs to take medicine or over-the-counter products at school, a parent/guardian and doctor must complete the required forms.
If your child is sick, they will need to stay home for at least 24 hours. They can return once symptoms subside without the use of medication, or they can bring a note from the doctor. We will alert families if a communicable disease has been identified in their child’s classroom, in alignment with state guidelines.
How does Stratford School Palo Alto compare to the surrounding schools?
We stand out from other schools because we are committed to offering a challenging curriculum where tradition meets 21st-century learning that is focused on core subjects, creating a safe and nurturing school environment, and motivating students through high expectations in a collaborative and fun learning environment. Our private school education helps our students learn, grow, and be ready for what comes next. We are proud to be one of the best private schools in Palo Alto, as recognized by Niche.
What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Palo Alto?
You will notice our security measures from the moment that you step into our school. We restrict access to our enrolled families, our staff, and registered visitors. All visitors to our school are required to check in at the front desk, present their ID, and wear a visitor badge during their visit. We have a security officer on site, and only authorized adults are allowed to pick up a child in our care.
What are the qualifications for teachers?
Our teachers are carefully chosen and highly qualified. Before they start, all staff go through background checks and interviews. We make sure they meet our standards and truly enjoy working with young children. All teachers receive training in emergency preparedness. All office staff and early childhood education teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid. We have an AED on campus to support emergency response. Staff are also trained in child abuse awareness and prevention, supervision techniques, and behavior management. Our teachers grow through professional development workshops and a supportive mentorship program.
How do teachers at Stratford School Palo Alto communicate with families?
We know that communication is one of the most important factors when picking a school for your child. At Stratford, we believe that good communication helps students do their best and helps families feel connected to our school.
Procareprovides preschool families a way to stay connected with their classroom teachers, receive photos and videos, newsletters, monitor sign-in/out, and updates about their child’s day.
PowerSchool provides families with real-time access to important information like grades, attendance, test scores, school bulletins, and messages from teachers.
Schoology serves as our digital classroom hub for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Teachers use this tool to share resources, post assignments, and update class calendars.
What are the essential things to know for families with Preschool students?
Our preschool programs are licensed by the State of California, which provides important health, safety, and child care regulations that we follow closely. All preschool classrooms include a daily two-hour nap. Families are asked to send a nap sac for their child’s rest time.
Children in our Early Preschool class (ages 2 to 2.5) do not need to be potty trained. Children in Preschool and Pre-K must be fully potty trained before they can start.
Learn More About Our Programs
Contact us to learn more about our private school and how your child can thrive here.
Welcome to Stratford School Palo Alto
At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Palo Alto’s best private preschools, elementary, and middle schools, our school is like no other. Our strong focus on exceptional academics and student-centered learning means every child is seen, supported, and empowered. Our teachers build a caring space where our students feel safe and ready to learn. Through hands-on activities, exciting lessons, and the latest technology, we prepare your child for the future. We are proud to be fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Just as important as academic success is the strong sense of community we foster. We believe that children thrive best when families, teachers, and school leaders work in partnership. Here, your child won’t just meet expectations, they will exceed them… with a community cheering them on every step of the way.
Our Facilities
Every corner of our school is thoughtfully designed with students in mind, ensuring a safe and enriching place where your child can learn and grow. Our Palo Alto campus is nestled in a quiet neighborhood and offers a balanced academic experience for students. We also bring the learning outdoors, providing opportunities for our students to explore nature, engage in sports and games, and discover the world around them.
Charitable Giving
We are more than a school; we are a community. Through our Stratford Cares initiative, students develop an appreciation for what they have, increase their self-esteem, show gratitude toward others, and see the positive impact of their actions. From supporting local food banks to organizing toy drives, our efforts span a wide range of causes. Most notably, Stratford School has donated over $2 million to the American Heart Association, a remarkable lifetime contribution that reflects the power of compassion and collective action.
FAQs
What grades do you serve?
We offer a private school education for children from Early Preschool (2 years) through 8th grade.
What are the hours of operation at your school?
Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The academic day for each program is as follows:
Extended day care is available for preschool through elementary students at an additional cost. Morning care runs from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., and after-school care is offered from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Middle School students benefit from after-school clubs, study hall, and teacher office hours, all included in our tuition.
What is Stratford School Palo Alto’s uniform policy?
All students in kindergarten and above must wear a school uniform. Preschool students are not required to wear uniforms.
Can you share Stratford School Palo Alto’s guidelines for lunch and snacks?
You can purchase lunch through Choice Lunch. Reminder: we are a nut-free school.
For our preschool and Pre-K students, we provide snacks and lunch is served in the classrooms. Teachers can warm up lunch if needed, but we do not have refrigerators for student lunches or drinks.
Elementary and middle school students eat lunch in our auditorium or outside if the weather is nice. Please send snacks from home for these students. Teachers cannot warm up or chill lunches or drinks.
We ask all students to bring a reusable water bottle. There is a water filling station at school, and water pitches are in classrooms.
Is your school accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Can children who are not enrolled join Stratford School Palo Alto summer camps?
Yes! We are excited to welcome children from the community to our summer camps, whether they are enrolled at our school or not. All summer camp programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are your health and medication protocols?
Students must have their immunization records to come to school in Santa Clara County. Our office staff is trained to follow state health rules to safely store and distribute student medications and over-the-counter products. If your child needs to take medicine or over-the-counter products at school, a parent/guardian and doctor must complete the required forms.
If your child is sick, they will need to stay home for at least 24 hours. They can return once symptoms subside without the use of medication, or they can bring a note from the doctor. We will alert families if a communicable disease has been identified in their child’s classroom, in alignment with state guidelines.
How does Stratford School Palo Alto compare to the surrounding schools?
We stand out from other schools because we are committed to offering a challenging curriculum where tradition meets 21st-century learning that is focused on core subjects, creating a safe and nurturing school environment, and motivating students through high expectations in a collaborative and fun learning environment. Our private school education helps our students learn, grow, and be ready for what comes next. We are proud to be one of the best private schools in Palo Alto, as recognized by Niche.
What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Palo Alto?
You will notice our security measures from the moment that you step into our school. We restrict access to our enrolled families, our staff, and registered visitors. All visitors to our school are required to check in at the front desk, present their ID, and wear a visitor badge during their visit. We have a security officer on site, and only authorized adults are allowed to pick up a child in our care.
What are the qualifications for teachers?
Our teachers are carefully chosen and highly qualified. Before they start, all staff go through background checks and interviews. We make sure they meet our standards and truly enjoy working with young children. All teachers receive training in emergency preparedness. All office staff and early childhood education teachers are certified in CPR and First Aid. We have an AED on campus to support emergency response. Staff are also trained in child abuse awareness and prevention, supervision techniques, and behavior management. Our teachers grow through professional development workshops and a supportive mentorship program.
How do teachers at Stratford School Palo Alto communicate with families?
We know that communication is one of the most important factors when picking a school for your child. At Stratford, we believe that good communication helps students do their best and helps families feel connected to our school.
What are the essential things to know for families with Preschool students?
Our preschool programs are licensed by the State of California, which provides important health, safety, and child care regulations that we follow closely. All preschool classrooms include a daily two-hour nap. Families are asked to send a nap sac for their child’s rest time.
Children in our Early Preschool class (ages 2 to 2.5) do not need to be potty trained. Children in Preschool and Pre-K must be fully potty trained before they can start.
Learn More About Our Programs
Contact us to learn more about our private school and how your child can thrive here.
Contact Us