Stratford School – Palo Alto
General Information
About Stratford School – Palo Alto
Stratford School – Palo Alto is a private preschool, elementary and middle school campus located in Palo Alto, California, offering educational programs for children beginning as young as age two up through grade eight. The school emphasizes a balanced academic experience within a nurturing and safe environment, supporting students’ social, cognitive and physical development in addition to their academic growth. At its Palo Alto campus, the school blends rigorous core instructional subjects with enrichment in areas such as music, art, language (including Mandarin), technology and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
The environment seeks to spark creativity and problem‑solving alongside academic discipline, preparing students not only for the next grade level but for lifelong learning habits. Families choosing Stratford in Palo Alto benefit from smaller class sizes and teacher‑student interactions that aim to personalize learning and foster a strong community atmosphere. Moreover, the campus situates itself in a neighborhood setting, enabling a sense of connectedness between school, home and community. With a commitment to holistic development—academic, social and emotional—Stratford School – Palo Alto seeks to create a place where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to grow into confident learners ready for high school and beyond.
Contact Information
Address: 870 North California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Stratford School)
Phone Number: (650) 405‑1244 (Stratford School)
Email Address: pa@stratfordschools.com (Stratford School)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2005 (Palo Alto campus opened) (Private School Review) |
| Motto | “Summa spes, summa res” (Latin for “Highest hopes, highest things”) (Private School Review) |
| School Type | Private Preschool to Grade 8 (Niche) |
| Grades Offered | Early Preschool (age 2) through Grade 8 (Private School Review) |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) (Wikipedia) |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Approximately 10 : 1 (Niche) |
Stratford School – Palo Alto Rankings
| Category | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| State (California) Private K‑8 Schools | Among top ~20% based on ranking sources (Private School Review) |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Superior to national private school average (~10 : 1 vs ~13 : 1) (Private School Review) |
| Diversity (Students of Color) | ~93% students of color at the Palo Alto campus according to one source (Private School Review) |
| Tuition Affordability Among Peers | Tuition lower than many top Bay Area private schools, though still substantial (Private School Review) |
Stratford School – Palo Alto Academics
Stratford School – Palo Alto Faculties / Departments
- Early Childhood / Preschool Department (age 2–5)
- Lower School (Kindergarten through Grade 5)
- Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- STEAM Integration Department (across grade levels)
- Visual & Performing Arts Department
- Language & Mandarin Immersion Department
- Technology / Computer Science Department
- Physical Education & Athletics Department
- Extended‑Day & Enrichment Programs Department
Stratford School – Palo Alto Courses and Programs / Majors
- STEAM Curriculum: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics sequence (Stratford School)
- Mandarin Bilingual Preschool program and Mandarin specialty or club in elementary grades (Private School Review)
- Project‑Based Learning Modules in middle school emphasizing real‑world problem solving (Private School Review)
- Visual & Performing Arts offerings including music, band, choir, art design (Private School Review)
- Computer Science and Coding enrichment in middle school grades (Stratford School)
- Enrichment Camps: Summer programs focusing on academic camps, specialty camps, day camp experiences (Stratford School)
Online Learning
Stratford School – Palo Alto incorporates digital learning tools and platforms to support classroom instruction, especially in STEAM integration and project‑based modules. While the campus primarily emphasizes in‑person learning in preschool through grade 8, the broader network offers partnerships with accredited online programs (for instance summer camp partnership with an online private school) providing blended experiences. (Stratford School)
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Note |
|---|---|
| Independent School Assessment (ERB) | Stratford students across the network outperform independent school averages; Palo Alto campus performance not individually specified (Stratford School) |
| Standardized Middle School Competitions | Students at the network level achieve high placement in math contests, science fairs, debate championships; specifics for Palo Alto campus not listed (Stratford School) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a preschool through Grade 8 school, Stratford School – Palo Alto does not have a traditional college‑graduation rate. However, retention and progression through grades in the lower and middle school are strong due to the school’s focus on nurturing students through each grade level. The campus emphasizes continuity from early childhood through grade eight, preparing students for high school placement with supportive academic and social development programs.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a preschool through Grade 8 institution, Stratford School – Palo Alto does not evaluate applicants based on university‑level GPA or SAT/ACT scores. Admissions are based on readiness, assessment interviews (for certain grades), and matching student needs with the program.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Rolling admissions; specific acceptance rate not published |
| 2024 | Rolling admissions; specific acceptance rate not published |
| 2023 | Rolling admissions; specific acceptance rate not published |
Stratford School – Palo Alto Application Requirements
Families seeking to enroll their child at Stratford School – Palo Alto should complete an online application form, submit relevant prior school or preschool records (if applicable), attend an informational tour or open house, and typically participate in an assessment or interview when applying for kindergarten or higher grades. Additional requirements may include proof of age or grade readiness, health records and enrollment agreements. The admissions team prioritises fit, readiness and family partnership rather than metric‑based competitive selection.
Application Process
- Submit online application form for desired grade level
- Schedule and attend campus tour or open house session
- Complete assessment or interview (for applicable grades)
- Review of prior records and teacher recommendations (if applicable)
- Receive admission decision and submit enrollment agreement
- Attend orientation and begin school year
Stratford School – Palo Alto Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Admission Term | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|
| Fall Entry | Rolling admissions; early application recommended for limited seats (Private School Review) |
| Mid‑Year Entry | May/June for upcoming year; subject to availability |
| Summer Program/Camp | Registration opens early (e.g., January for summer camp) (Stratford School) |
Essay Prompt
An essay prompt is not required for admission to preschool through grade eight at Stratford School – Palo Alto. The admissions process focuses on interview, assessment and readiness rather than essay submissions.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Scholarships
While specific scholarship programs are not widely publicised for the Palo Alto campus, Stratford School and its broader network emphasise inclusivity and may offer financial aid or tuition assistance on a case‑by‑case basis. Families are encouraged to contact admissions directly for available options and inquire about support for eligible applicants.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Tuition and Fees
| Grade Range | Annual Tuition Estimate |
|---|---|
| Early Preschool (age 2) | Approximately $28,330 per year for full week (based on source) (Niche) |
| Kindergarten through Grade 8 (highest grade) | Approximately $31,600 per year for highest grade offered at campus (Niche) |
Student Profile and Demographics – Stratford School – Palo Alto
Student Demographics
At Stratford School – Palo Alto, the student body reflects a diverse mix of genders, ages (from age 2 to approximately age 14 in Grade 8), and racial/ethnic backgrounds. According to one data snapshot, approximately 48% of students are female and 52% male. (Niche) Racial and ethnic composition includes about 66% Asian, 18.5% White, 7.8% Multiracial, 6.7% Unknown, and 1.1% Hispanic, with no African American or Pacific Islander students reported in that snapshot. (Niche)
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
While specific statistics for low‑income students or students with disabilities at the Palo Alto campus are not broadly published, Stratford School – Palo Alto is committed to supporting a range of learners through differentiated instruction, enrichment opportunities, and inclusive practices. The school emphasises small class sizes and personalised support to meet individual student needs, including those who may require additional academic or social‑emotional support.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 373 students in grades PK–8 (Niche) |
| Male Students | ~52% (Niche) |
| Female Students | ~48% (Niche) |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | ~10:1 (Private School Review) |
| International Students | Specific international student numbers not publicly detailed |
University Diversity
Stratford School – Palo Alto places significant emphasis on diversity and cultivating a global mindset within its student population. The campus environment reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, particularly with a strong representation of Asian heritage students alongside students of White, multiracial and other ethnic identities. This diversity enriches the learning environment by introducing varied perspectives, languages and traditions into classroom discussions, collaborative projects and community events. The school’s Mandarin program and cross‑cultural instructional opportunities further enhance this global orientation, enabling students to engage with multilingual peers and develop empathy for international viewpoints. Through project‑based learning, enrichment activities and community service initiatives, students learn not only academic content but also intercultural communication, teamwork across diverse groups and respect for differences. By embedding character education, design thinking and service learning into the culture, Stratford School – Palo Alto fosters a community where students feel valued for their individual backgrounds and can learn from one another. The emphasis on inclusive practices and small class sizes supports meaningful connections and ensures that each student’s identity is recognised and leveraged as part of the classroom dynamic.
Average Earnings
While Stratford School – Palo Alto serves preschool through grade eight and thus does not report alumni earnings data in the same way postsecondary institutions might, the educational foundation it provides is designed to set students on a trajectory of high achievement. The school’s focus on STEAM curriculum, project‑based learning, language immersion, and small‑group instruction helps cultivate critical thinking, creativity and adaptability—skills that contribute to future academic success and, ultimately, earning potential. Alumni who progress to strong high schools and then universities, and who build on this foundation, are well‑positioned for career paths in engineering, technology, business, science and arts sectors. By nurturing curiosity, collaboration, perseverance and global awareness early on, the school invests in each student’s long‑term outcomes. Families choose the campus with the aim of preparing children not just for the next grade but for meaningful participation in a complex, evolving economy where adaptability and innovation are key to earnings and fulfillment.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
At Stratford School – Palo Alto, the faculty and staff comprise experienced educators, administrators and support personnel aligned with the school’s mission of balanced, rigorous, and nurturing academic environments. The campus is led by Head of School Ms. Sheila Pereira, who has over 28 years of experience in education and has been part of the Stratford community for many years. (Stratford School) Other key leadership includes directors for early childhood, lower school and middle school, as well as a robust admissions team, counseling staff and extended‑day program leaders. Teaching staff hold credentials across grade levels and subject areas, and work collaboratively within small class settings and interdisciplinary teams. This collaborative structure fosters consistency in curriculum, closely monitored student progress and strong relationships between educators and families.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty profiles at Stratford School – Palo Alto showcase a range of expertise and achievements. For example, Head of School Sheila Pereira brings deep instructional leadership experience across grade levels and emphasizes student agency and character growth. (Stratford School) Director of Lower School Erica Coye has over fifteen years of elementary education experience and leads the K‑5 program with an emphasis on learner collaboration. (Stratford School) The Faculty Listing includes early childhood teachers, extended day leads, Mandarin teachers, computer science teacher, science and math teachers for middle school, and support roles such as counselor and librarian. This comprehensive team is structured to deliver the school’s STEAM curriculum, language programs and enrichment activities, and to sustain meaningful student‑teacher relationships. The staff’s diverse backgrounds—particularly in language instruction, computer science and education technology—reflect the school’s commitment to future‑oriented learning. Through ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty continue to refine teaching practices, implement research‑based pedagogy and ensure each student is known, supported and challenged.
Stratford School – Palo Alto Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Stratford School – Palo Alto is a day‑school campus and does not offer on‑campus housing, as its programs serve preschool through grade eight and cater to local families in the Palo Alto region. The campus grounds include modern classrooms, STEAM labs, art and music studios, outdoor play areas, and extended‑day enrichment facilities. Student life is rich with opportunity: from art, music and theater to robotics, coding, Spanish and Mandarin clubs, and summer camp programs offering academic and specialty experiences. The school organizes assemblies, community service projects, family engagement events and enrichment clubs that build camaraderie and leadership among students. Housing is not applicable; rather, the campus creates a structured yet flexible learning environment fostering independence, collaboration and student agency in a safe, welcoming setting.
Transportation
Families commuting to Stratford School – Palo Alto benefit from its convenient location in the Leland Manor/Old Palo Alto neighborhood. The campus address at 870 North California Avenue is accessible by local roads and public transportation options in the area. Although the school predominantly serves families who drive or walk from nearby neighborhoods, drop‑off and pick‑up routines are managed with safety in mind. For families using public transportation, local bus routes serve the Palo Alto region and nearby transit hubs. Additionally, the campus supports extended‑day and enrichment programs that accommodate after‑school schedules, easing scheduling challenges for working families. The school’s traffic flow and community coordination help maintain smooth access before and after the academic day, enhancing the overall student and family experience.