Our School

Welcome to Stratford School Laguna Niguel

At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Laguna Niguel’s best private preschools and elementary 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, cared for, and ready to learn. Through hands-on activities, exciting lessons, and the latest technology, we prepare your child for the future.

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 campus features 11 classrooms for Early Preschool through Grade 5, two playgrounds, a basketball court, a multi-purpose and music room, a computer science lab, and a lunch court.


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 aged 2 years through 5th grade.

What are the hours of operation at your school?
Our academic day for elementary students is 8:00 am–3:00 pm. Academic hours for preschool students are 8:15 am–3:30 pm. Extended hours are 7:00 am–6:00 pm.

What is Stratford School Laguna Niguel’s uniform policy?
All students in transitional kindergarten and above are required to wear a school uniform, available from Flynn O’Hara.

Does Stratford School Laguna Niguel provide lunch?
Lunch is available for purchase through Choice Lunch.

Can children who are not enrolled in school-year programs join Stratford School Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel, as recognized by Niche.

What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Laguna Niguel?
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 Laguna Niguel communicate with families?
We recognize that clear communication is one of the most important aspects of choosing a school for your child. That is why we make it a top priority between families and staff. PowerSchool provides access to real-time information, including attendance, term grades, assessment scores, school bulletins, and personal messages from teachers. In preschool, we use Procare, which gives parents access to daily pictures, videos, instant messages, and updates on classroom activities. We believe that by keeping you informed, we can create the best learning environment for your child.

What are the benefits of full-day kindergarten?
Full day kindergarten gives your child more time to retain important skills. At Stratford Laguna Niguel, the day starts with the fundamentals (math, grammar, and reading) and and expands from there into music, writing, Spanish, art, and science. Your child recites poetry, reads aloud, and performs in winter and spring programs throughout the year. Learn more about our elementary curriculum.

What are the benefits of private school?
Private school is an investment, but the quality of education at Stratford Laguna Niguel is noticeable. Monthly Flag Ceremonies bring the whole school together to celebrate character, milestones, and achievements. With a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio in most grades, teachers have the space to tailor learning to your child specifically. Explore more opportunities Only At our private school.

Do Stratford campuses take the CAASPP test, or do they use another type of assessment?
Stratford School does not participate in CAASPP. Instead, we utilize a range of internal assessments and benchmarking tools to monitor student progress and inform instruction. These assessments help us ensure academic excellence and address each child’s individual learning needs.

How does Stratford foster social-emotional learning and character development?
Stratford Laguna Niguel follows the Six Pillars of Character Counts: Fairness, Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect and Responsibility. At Stratford, we understand that social and emotional learning is a lifelong process. We want to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, use problem solving skills, and make responsible decisions. Our approach combines social emotional learning with our academic learning.

 

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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