Anyone with kids knows the days are long but the years are short. Before you know it, the new school year will be here. Get prepared and start looking at schools now. We’ve put together a handy list of some of the best schools in Orange County to make your search easier. From age two to post-high school degrees (in order), we’ve covered all the bases. Find a school that fits your needs and reach out to them today!
LangoKids Irvine
9200 Irvine Center Dr. Suite 11, Irvine CA, 92618
@langokidsirvine (FB)
Starting off the list is LangoKids Irvine, which specializes in Spanish Immersion classes and camps for kids aged 2-11 years old. LangoKids Irvine has been a staple in Irvine for 14 years and provides an in-demand service, popular with parents and kids. LangoKids teachers are credentialed and are moms of bilingual kids. They understand the importance and necessity of being bilingual in this day and age.
“We are qualified and passionate professionals serving all communities of all backgrounds,” said Cristina Garcia-Versteegh, Owner and Director of LangoKids Irvine. “We specialize in fun and practical language acquisition and learning for kids and we help them master and love the foreign language and culture.”
The owner and director, Cristina Garcia-Versteegh is a teacher by profession and holds a Master of Arts in English and Literature. Lango is the result of her 8 years of grad school and her life as a mom of 3 fully bilingual kids. When asked what a previous customer would say about LangoKids Irvine they responded ‘LangoKids Irvine cares about kids and how they learn the language and makes the process really fun and engaging.’
LangoKids Irvine is an organization that works with Corazon de Vida. CDV is a non-profit that provides shelter and education to orphans in Tijuana, Mexico and they have partnered now for 10 years.
Make sure you get in touch soon, as summer camps fill up quickly!
Heritage Oak Private Education
16971 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda CA, 92886
@heritageoakhuskies (IG) @Heritage Oak Private Education (FB)
Next on the list is Heritage Oak Private Education in Yorba Linda, which offers preschool through 8th grade private education. Heritage Oak was established in 1966 and offers a holistic curriculum featuring an accelerated academic program, instrumental music, technology, athletics, world language, and social-emotional learning. They start teaching students as young as two and a half years old and also offer a full summer camp that is open to the community.
Previous students say that ‘they love the tight-knit community, open communication with faculty, and focus on positive character traits.’ One hundred percent of Heritage Oak graduates are accepted into the high school of their choice, and the majority earn placement in honors programs.
“From the street view, our campus looks small, however, we have an expansive facility with four buildings and we educate almost 700 students each year,” said Shawna Rhebergen, Director of Admissions for Heritage Oak. “Our students worked with various humanitarian agencies and charities which encouraged them to give back to the less fortunate.” The students assembled “Sweet Cases” for Together We Rise, a charity which assists children in foster care. They also participated in Mental Health Awareness month and raised almost $2,000 for CHOC’s Pediatric Mental Health Unit.
Fairmont Schools
1575 West Mable Street, Anaheim CA, 92802
@fairmontschools (IG) @FairmontSchools (FB)
Fairmont Schools is the oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool through 12th grade private school in Orange County. They have five campuses spread across Orange County with two in Anaheim, one in Anaheim Hills, one in Tustin and one in San Juan Capistrano. Fairmont has been voted Orange County’s Best Multi-Campus Private School for nine consecutive years, and each of their five campuses has been awarded an A+ rating by Niche.
Fairmont Schools was founded in 1953 and has stood as a leader in education and a model of what education should be. Fairmont Schools’ reputation draws students from throughout southern California and abroad. Their international student program is one of the longest-standing and most experienced in California. From preschoolers who are just beginning their educational journey to high schoolers who are preparing for college, Fairmont meets students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, and helps them reach their highest potential.
“We were established as a school community uniquely focused on the experience and development of each individual child,” said Claire Takeda, sales and marketing manager for Fairmont Schools. “For seven decades, we have been guided by one consistent principle—our students come first.”
Dedicated teachers inspire a love of learning, and ensure each student maximizes their potential through individualized instruction. Fairmont employs caring, passionate educators who participate in rigorous training and mandatory yearly evaluations to ensure each child has an A+ teacher every year. The schools develop confident leaders and lifelong learners who will thrive throughout their lifetime. It’s a safe place for high achievers and late bloomers, where students work, on average, at least one year ahead of grade level, and graduates routinely gain acceptance to the nation’s top colleges and universities.
Mater Dei High School
1202 W. Edinger Avenue, Santa Ana CA, 92707
@materdeimonarchs (IG)
We’re heading into high schools now with Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. This private, Catholic school offers education to students grades nine through twelve. Mater Dei is a distinguished destination of excellence in academics and technology, the arts, faith and service, campus life, and athletics.
“The Mater Dei experience is something that cannot be replicated anywhere,” said Allison Bergeron, executive director of communications and media relations at Mater Dei High School. “Its award winning academic and arts programs, coupled with the best athletic program in the country all led by faith with the bedrock values of Honor, Glory, and Love develops ethical and inspirational leaders to better the world.”
Mater Dei High School boasts an exceptional array of academic programs that equal its renowned athletic and extracurricular offerings. At the forefront is their esteemed STEM Distinction Program, where students delve deep into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, fostering innovation and critical thinking skills essential for the future. For the students interested in government and public speaking, Mater Dei High School proudly hosts a dynamic Model United Nations (MUN) program.
Mater Dei’s Mock Trial Team has been active for twelve years and boasts a strong playoff record, reaching the playoffs in 7 out of the last 10 years. The program offers an engaging educational experience, combining law-related education with competitive trial simulations and many students earn awards annually. Students work in teams, coached by volunteer attorneys and teachers, to analyze hypothetical criminal cases, prepare strategies, and assume roles in courtroom proceedings.
Mater Dei High School also prides itself on its vibrant Visual and Performing Arts program, which involves nearly 50% of the student body. With dedicated faculty mentors, their performing arts program provides a nurturing and collaborative environment where students can explore their creativity and express themselves artistically.
Mater Dei High School is a vibrant tapestry of diversity, reflected in its student body’s remarkable composition. Students come from over 195 zip codes and five Southern California counties. Their community is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Since 2020, Mater Dei forged a robust partnership with CHOC Children’s Psychology, enriching the school’s wellness initiatives and addressing a spectrum of mental health needs. This collaborative effort is dedicated to fostering the mental, emotional, and social growth of students.
Sri Sai Krish Institute
5334 East Chapman Avenue, Orange CA, 92869
Rounding out the list is the Sri Sai Krish Institute, a nursing school, in Orange. The school currently offers two board approved nursing programs, a Vocational Nursing program and Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program. Both of the programs are nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education schools. If you are someone who is looking for a chance to either grow your skills as a nurse and expand your education or perhaps you have an interest in starting your career in nursing, Sri Sai Krish Institute is the place to go, whether you are just starting your nursing career or you are looking to continue your education while working as a nurse.
The three things that set Sri Sai Krish Institute apart from other schools are affordability, quality of education and their NCLEX preparation program (National Council Licensure Examination). SSKI gives opportunities to students who cannot afford more costly programs and their RN (registered nurse) program gives students a low cost to pay compared to other branded schools, $70,000 in comparison to $100,000 – $120,000. The low cost gives the students a chance to fulfill their dreams, and the school even provides students with their own personal Chromebooks and supplies to fulfill their educational needs.
“I’m living the American dream,” said Vijayakumari Bhaskar, president of Sri Sai Krish Institute. “I’m very proud to be a nurse and I’m very glad God has given us the opportunity to produce a lot of competent, caring, and compassionate nurses.”
Sri Sai Krish Institute has a new location in the city of Orange which is exciting as there is a statewide shortage of licensed nurses. SSKI has built a curriculum on KSA: knowledge, skills, and attitude. Knowledge involves learning textbook information and putting it into practice. The Skills portion increases competency with procedures. Lastly, nurses leave SSKI with the positive Attitude needed to care for patients.
For more detailed information on SSKI and their programs, click here.