Silicon Valley’s Stratford School Opens New School on Former Pasadena Unified Campus

The highly-regarded Stratford School organization based in the Bay Area held a commissioning event to officially mark and celebrate the commencement of renovations at its new Altadena Allen Avenue campus that is planned to open its doors this August. The event was an opportunity for prospective parents and local dignitaries to see and learn more about Stratford School’s philosophy, approach and campus plans before classes begin this fall.

The site at 2046 North Allen Avenue in Altadena was formerly Pasadena Unified’s Burbank Early Childhood Education Center, and before that, Luther Burbank Elementary School.

“What we do makes a difference in the lives of the kids. We are truly excited to bring the Stratford School to this area,” said Sherry Adams, Founder and chief Academic Culture Officer of Stratford School.

Stratford School was founded in 1999 by Adams and Joe Wagner when it opened its first campus in Danville, California. The first campus was modestly equipped with four classrooms and a small dedicated team of educators, but has since bloomed into 18 locations throughout California with the Altadena Allen campus being the first one in the San Gabriel Valley area.

“Each campus is unique and fits the community in which we go,” said Adams.

The Altadena Allen Campus is gearing up to open its doors to students ranging from preschool to sixth grade and offering accelerated curriculum starting at the preschool level. The Stratford School was recently recognized as a leader in Early Childhood STEM education by the White House.

According to Stratford School CEO Shawn Weidmann, plans to open a campus in this area have been underway for quite some time.

“We’ve been eyeing the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area for a while. This campus is in a great community that has shown a lot of support for this private school,” said Weidmann.

The Altadena Allen campus is making its home in the former Burbank Early Childhood Education Center building with renovations still underway and in the process of completion for the 2016-2017 school year.

“We’re still turning dirt and getting things ready but everything is coming along great. We are very excited,” said Weidmann.

The enrollment number for the new campus is undetermined, however numbers are expected to add and grow until the last minute, according to the faculty. Weidmann attributes the allure of the campus to its affordable tuition compared to other private schools in the area in addition to offering students a kind culture that yields high test scores and other similar results.

Prospective parents and their young children that attended the event teamed up to create on-the-spot handprints on tiles that will be apart of an art piece on display when the campus opens in August.

A $1,000 check donation was given to a representative of the non-profit Elizabeth House, which is a residential shelter program in the community of Pasadena committed to the health and welfare of adult pregnant women and their children for over 20 years.

“What we do makes a difference in the lives of these kids. By time they leave here we know that they will find their passion,” said Adams.

The new campus on 2046 N. Allen Avenue will features eight renovated classrooms, two multi-purpose rooms, and abundant new outdoor play areas. Renovations will continue through the summer.

For more information visit www.stratfordschools.com/find-your-campus/altadena