How Stratford School Laguna Niguel sets itself apart by supporting the whole child.
At the heart of Stratford School Laguna Niguel is community. It’s a community that nurtures, inspires and empowers.
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Stratford School in Laguna Niguel. With one child in preschool and another in elementary, we’ve had the opportunity to see the school’s impact across multiple stages of early education — and it’s been nothing short of outstanding,” says The Buchanan Family. “The staff and teachers are the best part of the school. They are incredibly warm, communicative and genuinely invested in our children’s growth. They take the time to get to know each child as an individual, creating a supportive environment that feels both nurturing and academically enriching.”
The newly refurbished Stratford School Laguna Niguel campus, which opened in January 2025, is situated in a tree-lined neighborhood in the hillside city of Laguna Niguel. It features four bright preschool classrooms and nine elementary school classrooms, an outdoor playground and play space for both elementary and preschool students, and a multipurpose room that also serves as a music room and library.
Stratford School Laguna Niguel serves Early Preschool students as young as 2 years old (they do not have to be potty trained) through fifth grade. Its sister campus in Mission Viejo, which opened in 2016, extends through grade eight. Laguna Niguel elementary school students have the opportunity to continue at Stratford with a seamless transition into middle school.
Helming the Laguna Niguel campus are Head of School Cheryl Molenkamp, Elementary Director Wendi Pufahl and Preschool Director Cibele Maia Alves.
“Stratford’s purpose is to connect students to their unique futures,” Molenkamp says. “Every child receives an exceptional education in an engaging and supportive environment, where they can explore their passions, discover new interests, contribute to their community and find their path to future success in school and beyond.”
Stratford offers an advanced STEAM curriculum that is intentionally balanced. The school focuses on core subjects with the addition of specialty classes in Spanish, music, arts, physical education and computer science.
“Our caring and dedicated teachers create a safe and nurturing school environment, motivating students through high expectations in a collaborative and engaging atmosphere,” Molenkamp says.
With intentionally small class sizes, teachers can provide each student with personalized attention, allowing educators to recognize each student’s strengths and challenges, and creating a foundation for academic success and growth. The school also emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning and student-led community service initiatives.
The Laguna Niguel campus also offers an extended day program, after-school clubs and sports, and a summer program open to the entire community, so that students have many opportunities for exploration and enrichment.
“Whether it’s through our strong STEAM curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, extracurricular activities or specialty classes, we prepare students not just to succeed in school but to become confident, critical thinkers, effective communicators, thoughtful leaders and lifelong learners,” Molenkamp says.
The Buchanan Family says Stratford’s preschool program has provided a great foundation for their youngest child —balancing social-emotional learning with hands-on academics in a way that keeps their child excited to go to school. Meanwhile, their elementary-aged child has flourished under the well-rounded curriculum. The emphasis on critical thinking, strong language and math skills, and character development have helped build a solid educational foundation.
“What sets Stratford apart is the seamless integration of high academic standards with a strong sense of community,” says the family. “The families we go to school with have become lifelong friends. Our children aren’t just thriving academically — they’re happy, confident and curious learners. We’re so grateful to be part of the Stratford family and can already see how this experience is shaping their educational journey in the best possible way.”
By Jessica Peralta
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