T he Beßt P®epa®ation fo® a Lifetime of Lea®ning
Preschool
S
Elementary
S
Middle School
“Wisdom begins in wonder.” ~ Socrates
Infinite Poßßibilitieß A
t Stratford, our mission is to inspire students to achieve an excellent academic education by offering a challenging curriculum focused on core subjects, creating a safe and disciplined school environment conducive to learning, and motivating students through high expectations.
Dear Parent ~
W
elcome to Stratford School! Our vision began in 1999 with a passion for teaching and learning and a desire to create a unique, educational experience for children. As such, our ultimate goal was to be the best school academically and artistically, inspiring children to reach their full potential, while nurturing and respecting the joy of childhood. At Stratford, we place careful consideration on the inquisitive and creative nature of a child within our nurturing and positive learning environment. Positive discipline combined with the “fun factor” created by our educators, forms a learning atmosphere where children flourish. Our curriculum provides a broad base of knowledge that is rich in vocabulary. It motivates students to learn, builds confidence, and leads to a higher level of learning. Most notably, the combination of high standards with an infusion of fine arts, hands-on activities, physical fitness, and music creates a fun, engaging, and challenging learning experience for each child. The spirit of Stratford is embodied in our philosophy of “High Hopes, High Things.” Here is our premise: we believe all children can achieve, when given the opportunity. It is the goal of every Stratford teacher to instill this hope. After all, children are the hope for our future. Let our story really come to life when you visit one of our campuses. We invite you and your child to take a tour and learn how our dedicated staff and educators provide our students with a solid foundation that ensures the best preparation for a lifetime of learning. Warmly,
Sherry Adams Founder, Stratford School
B
eginning in preschool, the Stratford curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical building blocks for a lifetime of learning. Preschool students learn through hands-on, multi-sensory activities and are encouraged to work, play, and share with others while developing their self-confidence. Visit a preschool classroom and you will find a room filled with colorful artwork. Children might be dancing and playing instruments together during daily music and movement, or learning how to have fun cooperatively during imaginative play. They may be engrossed in daily Spanish or science lessons.
Nurturing the Age of Discovery Stratford’s proprietary preschool Spanish and science curriculum, taught by specialty teachers, introduces key concepts to children that will be built upon as they move on to elementary grades.
4
Flexible Programs to Meet Your Needs Stratford offers half-day and full-day programs. Parents may choose between morning and afternoon programs and full-day programs offered two, three, or five days per week.
If Michelangelo happened to be the artist of the month, it wouldn’t be surprising to find children under their desks pretending to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. You may find them in the middle of SMART Circle (Stratford Math and Reading Time), singing songs that help them learn the sounds of the letters in the alphabet, or exploring basic mathematic concepts. Taken together, these activities are designed to help children develop confidence in themselves and a love for school that is the best preparation for a lifetime of learning that we can offer.
I really appreciate the teachers “and how they foster learning in a very fun and loving way.”
~ Jyoti S.
Stratford School Parent
5
S
tratford curriculum is based on an accelerated version of the Core Knowledge Sequence from the Core Knowledge Foundation. The Sequence provides an outline of specific content to be taught by grade level in language arts, history, geography, science, and fine arts. In addition, our science program takes advantage of many hands-on experiments in life sciences and physical sciences. In language arts, Stratford students read a diverse selection of classic novels, short stories, and poetry. Great attention is paid to developing proper technique and usage in terms of writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. For mathematics, Stratford utilizes Saxon Math, a comprehensive program that enables students to develop fundamental skills through incremental development and continual review.
A Personalized Approach Visit any of our campuses and you will find consistency in Stratford’s curriculum; yet, each teacher personalizes the material to make it come to life for their students.
6
How does the Core Knowledge Sequence Work? Topics in the Core Knowledge Sequence build logically from one grade to the next. For example, in science, the basic concept of the atom, introduced in first grade, develops to a level of understanding of how atomic properties are organized in the Periodic Table of the Elements by fifth grade.
Our accelerated core curriculum exceeds California’s Academic State Standards and motivates students to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and proficient writers. Students are encouraged to work independently, as well as cooperatively with their peers. It’s not all about the core curriculum! We provide a rich balance of art, music, history, science, technology, physical education, and foreign language programs — all of which provide students with a well-rounded education that is further enhanced by our teachers’ creative approach to learning.
Stratford’s small student to teacher “ ratio and individual attention
promotes a loving, academically-rich environment that kids deserve!
~ Kim C.
Stratford School Parent
”
7
M
iddle School continues the Stratford tradition of excellence. Our goal is to prepare and mentor students for admission to private high schools, or advanced placement in public high schools. Building a strong academic curriculum is a major benefit of the Core Knowledge Sequence. This curriculum provides a solid, sequenced, and specific outline for the middle school program by delivering a broad base of knowledge that’s rich in vocabulary, analytical thinking, and consistent instruction. Our high standards for this core curriculum are well balanced with instruction in art, music, science, technology, physical education, and Spanish.
Where do students go after graduation? Stratford School proudly recognizes our students for their outstanding accomplishments. Our matriculating students are accepted to exceptional public, private, and independent high schools throughout the Bay Area, including:
S Archbishop Mitty High School S Bellarmine College Prep
High School S Leland High School S Menlo School
S Pinewood Academy S Presentation High School S Saint Francis High School S The Harker School S Valley Christian High School
For a full list of high schools, please visit www.stratfordschools.com
8
Exploring & Learning Outside the Classroom Weeklong field trips await our Middle School students. Each fall, our sixth graders head to Camp Campbell, and seventh graders spend a week in Yosemite. In the spring, our eighth graders board a plane for an exciting week in Washington, D.C.
Community, Leadership & Performing Arts At Stratford Middle School, students are encouraged to actively participate in leadership and extracurricular activities, including student government, newspaper, yearbook, speech and debate clubs, band, and performing arts, among others. Our students take part in a variety of community service projects, including Second Harvest Food Drive and the annual Family Giving Tree.
Sports We have partnered with other local private middle schools and developed our own sports league. Our growing program includes competitive volleyball, soccer, flag football, basketball, track and field, tennis, and softball.
Awards & Recognitions Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championships; FFL Robotics Regional meets; Speech and Debate circuit; American Mathematics Competitions; and Santa Clara Valley Mathematics Association contests are just a few of the local, regional, state, and national levels at which we compete. Stratford students thrive on challenges and bring home numerous honors each year.
The Performing Arts are an essential part “ of education. It gives students a means of
expression, capturing their passions and emotions, as they explore new ideas.
~ Mrs. Schwartz
Principal Stratford Middle School
”
9
99 90 70 60
Percentile
Rank
80
50 40 30 20 10 0
Grade
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
School Stratford verage National A
SAT 10 Results Our students score on average at the ninetieth percentile and above, several grade levels ahead of their peers, on the Stanford Achievement Test, Tenth Edition (SAT 10). Kindergarten –5th: Average 90% Middle School: Average 93%
Our School Community Welcomes Parent Involvement Stratford strives to build a strong sense of community at each campus. Throughout the school year, we partner with our parent committees to plan family picnics, book fairs, career days, movie nights, and more. In addition, Stratford organizes a variety of family events at venues around the Bay Area with exclusive discounts on admission.
10
Why is WASC accreditation important to you?
O
Safe, Nurturing Environment
LS
Schools
S
GE
O
LE
SCH
WASC is the same organization that accredits highly academic and accomplished universities such as Stanford, UCLA, Pepperdine, and USC. This honored Accrediting Commission seal of approval validates Stratford as a best in class school. for
OF
WE S
ON
TE
As a WASC accredited school, families may have confidence in Stratford’s ASSOCIAT purpose, mission, and educational goals. Accreditation also assures parents that I RN our purposes are being accomplished through a visionary educational program.
AND CO
L
Stratford takes the safety of our students very seriously. We have professional security guards at most campuses and require parents (or approved guardians with valid ID) to sign their preschool aged children in and out every day. All visitors are required to check in at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass before entering campus. Monthly safety drills are conducted, and in the event of an emergency, we utilize our AlertNow notification system which provides critical information parents need to know!
Summer Programs @ Stratford Each summer, Stratford offers an academic enrichment and summer day camp experience for children that features:
S Enriching Academics for Fall Preparation S Creative Art, Music & Science Adventures S Engaging & Fun Weekly Themes Half-day and full-day options are available.
Artist of the Month Students learn about the artist’s history and his/her style. After a month long exploration, they are asked to create their own version of the artist’s work.
11
Admißßionß
S
tudents are admitted to Stratford on a first come, first served basis subject to availability. Priority enrollment consideration is given to: re-enrolling students, siblings who meet all admissions qualifications, students transferring between Stratford campuses, and students enrolled in the summer program.
Application and Enrollment Process The first step in Stratford’s enrollment process is to complete an application form, and submit it to the school office along with the $75 non-refundable application fee. Upon receipt and acceptance of your application, Stratford will provide an enrollment contract if space is available for your child. This enrollment contract must be submitted to Stratford along with a check or credit card for prepaid tuition in order to guarantee enrollment.
First-Come, First-Served Stratford is a welcoming community and does not discriminate on the basis of national or ethnic origin, gender, race, color, mental or physical disability, or religion in the administration of its education and admissions policies.
12
Grade Level Readiness Stratford welcomes students throughout the school year. As long as there is space available in the desired program, and the child is grade level ready, enrollment may begin. We use the following guidelines to determine grade level readiness:
S Preschool & Pre-kindergarten
Children may enroll in our preschool program when they are at least two years and nine months. The age requirement for pre-kindergarten is three years and nine months. Enrollments are accepted based on space available, and children must be potty trained.
S Junior Kindergarten through Elementary
Stratford School uses December 2 as the enrollment cutoff date for all junior kindergarten through elementary students. For example, if entering kindergarten, students must turn five years of age on or before December 2 of the school year they enroll.
S Assessments
For junior kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school grades, Stratford interviews and assesses all new students prior to granting admission in order to confirm grade level readiness.
S About Tuition
Stratford’s tuition includes all curriculum materials and school supplies. There are no yearly registration fees, or additional fees for field trips, with the exception of the eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., for which parents contribute a portion of the expense. In addition, Stratford offers a sibling discount to families with more than one child enrolled. Tuition rates vary by program and campus, and a full tuition schedule is available in this information packet.
13
If you have questions at any time during the admissions process, please call our Admissions Services Team at (408) 973-7321, or the local school office. Visit www.stratfordschools.com for the campus near you! Stratford...a perfect balance of high academic standards, “mixed with a touch of discipline and a whole lot of love!”
~ Quynh H.
Stratford School Parent
Stay fo速 a lifetime of lea速ning
ASSOCIAT I
O
LS
GE
LE
SCH
Accrediting Commission for Schools
O
S
OF
WE S
RN
ON
TE
www.StratfordSchools.com
AND CO
L