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www.ParentingOC.com 24 Parenting OC Magazine | March 2017 Openings By Michelle Thompson Goddard School Lake Forest Its Ladera Ranch sister is considered to be among the best in Orange County – and now a new Goddard chapter in Lake Forest is hoping to reach similar heights. The new school, which opened last summer, features a large, outdoor gated space that suits the center's play-based approach to learning. This philosophy is based on research showing children learn best while hav- ing fun. The Lake Forest Goddard already home to over 150 students, offers enrichment programs, art classes and teaches students Spanish and Mandarin. "The reaction to our opening has been overwhelmingly positive," says Pa- rina Mehta, owner of Goddard's Lake Forest campus. "Many of the families enrolled have expressed gratitude for the impact that The Goddard School has made on their children's lives by not only improving their academic skills, but also their social, emotional, creative and physical capacities." www.goddardschools.com Stratford School Mission Viejo A prestigious new private school is opening in Mission Viejo, thanks to a partnership between Stratford School and Carden Academy. The new Stratford school is scheduled to open for the 2017/2018 school year. It will offer "a strong education opportunity aimed at providing outstanding academic achievement in a safe, supportive environment," officials said while announcing the school's grand opening. The school will provide a well-rounded and comprehensive education for children from preschoolers through Grade 8, says P.L. de Avila, director of the Mission Viejo campus. "Stratford School provides an unparalleled education where children are inspired to be creative problem solvers, innovators, and confident, compas- sionate leaders," says de Avila. "Our balanced approach in and out of the classroom ensures both academic success and personal development." www.stratfordschools.com Guidepost Montessori Foothill Ranch South Orange County is home to a new Montessori with the opening of Guidepost, which began welcoming students in early January. Though it's been in business just a short while, the school is approaching capacity will full-time enrolment. Its sunny classrooms serve babies through students in Grade Six. Guidepost Montessori is a project of Higher Ground Education, which is dedicated to expanding the reach of Montessori education. "We offer authentic Montessori education at every level, drawing on the child's natural, joyful exploration of the world to promote indepen- dence, concentration and logical thinking, leading ultimately to advanced academics," says Rebecca Girn, a Guidepost cofounder. www.foothill.guidepostmontessori.com