Our School

Welcome to Stratford School Altadena

At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Altadena’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 create a welcoming space where our students feel safe, cared for, 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 Altadena campus is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, offering a balanced academic experience for students. Our campus features 15 renovated classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a library, a field, and abundant outdoor play areas.


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, build leadership skills, 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 2 years through 8th grade.

What are the hours of operation at your school?
Our academic day is 8:00 am–3:30 pm. Extended hours are 7:00 am–6:00 pm.

What is Stratford School Altadena’s uniform policy?
All students in kindergarten and above are required to wear a school uniform. Uniforms can be purchased from Flynn O’Hara. We do not require P.E. uniforms. Children should wear or bring sneakers to ensure they can take part in sports and P.E. activities.

Does Stratford School Altadena provide lunch?
Lunch is available for purchase through Choice Lunch. Snacks are provided for our Preschool and Pre-K students.

Is your school accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Can children who are not enrolled in school-year programs join Stratford School Altadena 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.

How does Stratford School Altadena compare to the surrounding schools?
We stand out from other schools because we are committed to offering a challenging STEAM curriculum where tradition meets 21st-century learning to give students the tools to succeed in our ever-evolving world. We focus on helping students master the 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 Altadena, as recognized by Niche.

What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Altadena?
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 are approved to teach with us, all staff go through background checks and interviews. We ensure they meet our standards and genuinely enjoy working with young children. All teachers receive training in emergency preparedness and response. 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 ongoing professional development workshops and a supportive mentorship program.

How do teachers at Stratford School Altadena communicate with families?
We know that communication is one of the most important factors when selecting a school for your child. That is why we prioritize communication between families and staff members. PowerSchool provides access to real-time information like grades, attendance, test scores, school bulletins, and messages from teachers. We believe that by keeping you informed, we can create the best learning environment for your child.

Do Stratford campuses participate in the CAASPP testing, or do they use a different form of academic assessment?
At our school, we use tests from the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). These help us see how each child is doing and how to best support their growth. We specifically use the CTP (Comprehensive Testing Program) and WrAP (Writing Assessment Program). These tests assess t skills such as writing, reading comprehension, vocabulary, listening, math, reasoning, and science. They help guide us in learning where our students excel and where they might need extra help.

How is technology used in the classroom?
At Stratford, we believe that purposeful use of technology enhances both teaching and learning. In our classrooms, we use age-appropriate tools to support instruction, foster creativity, and build skills that students will carry with them into the future. Our curriculum includes a Robotics program, Computer Science instruction beginning in the early grades, and engineering and coding applications such as Scratch, Tynker, LEGO® Education, Python, and Blockly. We also use a variety of digital learning platforms to personalize instruction and keep students actively engaged in their learning.

How does Stratford foster social-emotional learning and character development?
We believe it is important for students to grow not only in their schoolwork, but also as kind and caring people. We teach and practice the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. These values help guide how we treat others and how we act each day. Students and teachers use them to build a strong, friendly school community. Each month, we celebrate students who show these character traits by giving our Character Counts awards. In the older grades, we use the Wayfinder program. It helps build self-awareness, social-emotional skills, and a sense of identity and purpose.

 

Learn More About Our Programs

Contact us to learn more about our private school and how your child can thrive here.

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