At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Mission Viejo’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, 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 campus is located in a quiet, residential area with beautiful views of Saddleback Mountain and easy access from the freeway. We have a large multi-purpose room, a music room, an elementary library, and a middle school science lab. Our students enjoy learning and playing in Stratford’s Pioneer Park, a three-acre nature area with a playground, gardens, sports fields, an amphitheater, and a creek.
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 2.5 years through 8th grade.
What are the hours of operation at your school? Our academic day is 7:45 am–2:45 pm for elementary and middle school, and 8:30 am–3:30 pm for preschool. Extended hours are 7:00 am–6:00 pm.
What is Stratford School Mission Viejo’s uniform policy?
All students in kindergarten and above must 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo, as recognized by Niche.
What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Mission Viejo?
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 Mission Viejo communicate with families? We know that communication is one of the most important factors when picking a school for your child. That is why we prioritize communication between families and staff members. We use the Procare App to communicate with our parents of early preschool to pre-k children through messaging, newsletters, photos, and videos. For families of elementary and middle school students, PowerSchool and Schoology provide access to real-time information, including attendance, term grades, assessment scores, school bulletins, and personal 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?
Stratford participates in ERB-CTP every spring for 1st through 8th grades. In nationwide ERB testing, Stratford Mission Viejo students outperform the independent school average by a widening margin as the grade level increases.
How is technology used in the classroom? We believe that using technology the right way can enhance teaching and learning. Technology here means more than just using screens. It’s about getting students involved in fun, hands-on lessons. Our program includes:
A strong Robotics program where students learn to think creatively, solve problems, and work as a team by building and programming robots.
Computer Science lessons that start in the early grades and continue through middle school. These help our students learn how to think logically and understand how computers work.
Tools like Scratch, Tynker, LEGO® Education, Python, and Blockly. These help students practice coding and explore real-life STEAM concepts.
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? At Stratford, social and emotional learning (SEL) is part of everyday academics. Our students build self-awareness, learn empathy, and practice making good choices. Each month, students focus on a positive character quality, using encouraging messages to think about values such as having a growth mindset and showing kindness. We follow the Character Counts program, which teaches important traits such as trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and being a good citizen.
Stratford also uses the Stop & Think Discipline program to help students pause, reflect, and make smart choices when facing challenges. SEL is part of the school day, helping create a safe and caring place to learn. Students take part in leadership activities such as student government, service projects, and classroom jobs, which help them practice teamwork and responsibility skills. Families are also involved, with open communication and helpful tools that connect home and school.
Through these programs, Stratford helps students grow into kind, thoughtful, and confident learners who are ready for both school and life.
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 Mission Viejo
At our school, we don’t just teach—we transform how children learn and grow. As one of Mission Viejo’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, 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 campus is located in a quiet, residential area with beautiful views of Saddleback Mountain and easy access from the freeway. We have a large multi-purpose room, a music room, an elementary library, and a middle school science lab. Our students enjoy learning and playing in Stratford’s Pioneer Park, a three-acre nature area with a playground, gardens, sports fields, an amphitheater, and a creek.
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 2.5 years through 8th grade.
What are the hours of operation at your school?
Our academic day is 7:45 am–2:45 pm for elementary and middle school, and 8:30 am–3:30 pm for preschool. Extended hours are 7:00 am–6:00 pm.
What is Stratford School Mission Viejo’s uniform policy?
All students in kindergarten and above must 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo, as recognized by Niche.
What safety measures are in place at Stratford School Mission Viejo?
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 Mission Viejo communicate with families?
We know that communication is one of the most important factors when picking a school for your child. That is why we prioritize communication between families and staff members. We use the Procare App to communicate with our parents of early preschool to pre-k children through messaging, newsletters, photos, and videos. For families of elementary and middle school students, PowerSchool and Schoology provide access to real-time information, including attendance, term grades, assessment scores, school bulletins, and personal 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?
Stratford participates in ERB-CTP every spring for 1st through 8th grades. In nationwide ERB testing, Stratford Mission Viejo students outperform the independent school average by a widening margin as the grade level increases.
How is technology used in the classroom?
We believe that using technology the right way can enhance teaching and learning. Technology here means more than just using screens. It’s about getting students involved in fun, hands-on lessons. Our program includes:
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?
At Stratford, social and emotional learning (SEL) is part of everyday academics. Our students build self-awareness, learn empathy, and practice making good choices. Each month, students focus on a positive character quality, using encouraging messages to think about values such as having a growth mindset and showing kindness. We follow the Character Counts program, which teaches important traits such as trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and being a good citizen.
Stratford also uses the Stop & Think Discipline program to help students pause, reflect, and make smart choices when facing challenges. SEL is part of the school day, helping create a safe and caring place to learn. Students take part in leadership activities such as student government, service projects, and classroom jobs, which help them practice teamwork and responsibility skills. Families are also involved, with open communication and helpful tools that connect home and school.
Through these programs, Stratford helps students grow into kind, thoughtful, and confident learners who are ready for both school and life.
Learn More About Our Programs
Contact us to learn more about our private school and how your child can thrive here.
Contact Us