“Summa spes, summa res” is the Stratford Schools’ motto.

Written by Joyce Perrelli

Nearly 4,000 students at Stratford Schools put the motto “Summa spes, summa res,” which translates to “High hopes, high things,” into action each day. With twelve locations in the Bay Area, from Morgan Hill to Los Gatos to San Francisco, Stratford provides an academic education designed to motivate and encourage students to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and proficient writers—all while having fun.

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Stratford prides itself on being the best preparation for a lifetime of learning. Preschoolers through eighth graders are taught the emotional, social, and academic skills they will use in high school and beyond. “We strive to make learning joyous,” explains Los Gatos Preschool Principal Denise Maderis. Hands-on, multisensory activities reinforce academic skills while giving students a chance to work independently as well as collaboratively.

The school curriculum, which exceeds California’s academic standards, is purposefully designed so that students learn skills one full grade level above the grade they’re in. The result is a student population that consistently scores around the ninetieth percentile on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10).

A typical day at Stratford includes core classes in math, language arts, science, and history as well as classes in art, music, physical education, and Spanish, empowering the students with the well-rounded education envisioned in 1999 by cofounders Sherry Adams and Joe Wagner. With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Adams currently serves as the director of Educational Services.

Daily lessons are based on an accelerated version of the Core Knowledge Sequence, which provides grade-specific lessons that logically build on and extend the knowledge of the previous grade’s lessons. This methodical, sequential building approach helps ensure that students enter grades ready to learn with minimal repetition and gaps. To ensure consistency across campuses, grade-level teachers at each school meet weekly to discuss lesson plans. Quarterly meetings bring together teachers from all campuses to collaborate and coordinate. Teachers personalize their lessons by bringing curriculum to life in fun and meaningful ways.

The rigorous academics are balanced with a fun approach to learning. First-graders recently focused on Artist of the Month Georgia O’Keeffe. Students discussed O’Keeffe’s “The Shell” and other works, and were then given a seashell to study and render with pastels. In addition, all students participate in school musical performances, field trips, and theme days. “A large number of our students re-enroll year after year,” explains Los Gatos Grade School Principal Tekla Petrinovich. “The warmth and care shown by teachers is what makes parents happy with our program,” adds Maderis, explaining that parent participation is highly encouraged.

Stratford Schools offer before-school care, after-school enrichment programs, summer camp, and part-time and full-time preschool programs. A large number of Stratford elementary students continue their studies at the Stratford Middle School in San Jose. Middle-school students participate in sports leagues and have achieved high rankings in math, science, and speech and debate activities. Matriculating eighth graders have continued on to top public, private, and independent high schools throughout the Bay Area.