Stratford School, a beacon of educational innovation, was co-founded in 1999 by Sherry Adams. The very first Stratford campus opened in Danville, CA, on September 6, 1999. It was a modest beginning, with only four classrooms located at the back of a church and a small, devoted group of educators. To spread the word, Sherry, with her warm smile and personable nature, knocked on doors and invited neighbors for coffee, tea, and cookies in order to share the excitement about a new school she was opening in their neighborhood. The word spread quickly, and the school was soon full. Responding to demand, Stratford added a second campus in Sunnyvale, CA, the next year. This trend continued, followed by new campuses continuing to open throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California, all driven by the same innovative spirit and desire to give children a transformative education in a safe and caring environment.
Our first campus: Stratford Danville Blackhawk
The vision for Stratford was simple: to provide an exceptional education with a balanced approach to learning in a nurturing environment. As such, the goal was to be the premiere school, academically and artistically, inspiring children to think critically, reach their full potential, and find success in their unique futures. Careful consideration was placed on tapping into a child’s inquisitive and creative nature within a nurturing and positive learning environment. It is embedded in the culture that children learn and laugh at school. An emphasis on social, emotional, and character development combined with the “fun factor” created by the staff creates a welcoming learning atmosphere where children feel safe to flourish and grow.
Stratford Prep performs “Matilda the Musical”
Stratford’s commitment to high academic outcomes, as well as the fine arts and character education, is evident within the hallways of Stratford School. Sherry’s passion for music and art ensured that all students would learn an “artist of the month” and “composer of the month,” even at the preschool level. In preschool, there is a piano in every classroom, and students have music classes, with singing and dancing every day. Sherry also places a high value on character education and learning the value of contributing to their community.
“We want Stratford students to know they are part of something bigger than themselves. It’s important to help our children develop into confident, caring, and compassionate leaders who understand values like kindness and empathy.”
What sets us apart? The advanced STEAM-infused Stratford curriculum provides students with a broad base of knowledge, rich in vocabulary, math, science, arts, and engineering, to build student confidence and learn at a higher level. The curriculum is specifically sequenced with the idea of knowledge building upon knowledge to reinforce learning. It is akin to a house being built. You must first have the foundation before adding the walls and roof. Most notably, the combination of academic rigor with an infusion of fine arts, hands-on activities, physical fitness, and music creates a fun and challenging learning experience for each child. After all, life is about balance, and here is the formula for student success:
“An innovative sequential and rigorous curriculum, plus high academic standards, combined with premier music, art, foreign language, and physical education, equals a balanced, bright, and creative student.”
Stratford is a school that aims to instill a love for learning, with a focus on STEAM and the fine arts, in children. Additionally, we strive to provide exceptional customer service both internally and externally, with the goal of becoming an employer of choice and a school that partners with parents. As a true “learning organization,” we value feedback from both employees and parents, which is a hallmark of our Stratford culture.
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Preschool Scientists
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Mighty Orator Festival at Stratford Milpitas Great Mall
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Stratford Fremont Middle School Students at the Alameda County Science Fair
We are family here at Stratford School. A family that sets high hopes of success for its members. Families talk to each other and discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and future plans. Whether you are a student, parent, or staff member, you are treated with respect. Each member of the family is important at Stratford, and each role is interrelated. We believe that lasting rewards cannot be motivated by money but by the impact that you have on the lives of people. For this reason, every Stratford campus supports local community outreach. Our students are encouraged to lead and organize the giving efforts in their community. With over 1 million dollars given to the American Heart Association plus countless dollars, hours, toys, and food given throughout our history, we are proud of the impact we have made. Learning and caring happen at Stratford.
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Stratford’s first class in 1999
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Stratford School Leaders
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Almaden Campus Ribbon Cutting
Today, Stratford continues to touch the lives of over 9,000 students at 30+ campuses serving preschool through high school students across California. The spirit of Stratford is embodied in our philosophy of “Highest Hopes, Highest Things.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a significant role in shaping Stratford’s past, present, and future. We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated teachers, who make magic happen in the classroom every day, and our passionate school leaders, who carry the vision, inspire and care for our students, teachers, and staff. Most importantly, we thank our families, who have supported us and inspired us to continue striving for excellence. You are family to us, and we are truly grateful.
Stratford School – From Then to Now
- Number of Students
1999: 34
2024: 9308
- Number of Staff
1999: 9
2024: 1367
- First day of school: September 6, 1999
- Number of programs (grade levels) offered
1999: Three programs – Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
2024: 24 programs (PS- 11G + Mandarin Bilingual + Early Preschool)
- The first year we began offering summer camp
2000
- Number of schools
1999: 1
2024: Now with over 30 campus locations
Stratford School Celebrates 25 Years of Academic Excellence, Community Building, and Growth
Stratford School, a beacon of educational innovation, was co-founded in 1999 by Sherry Adams. The very first Stratford campus opened in Danville, CA, on September 6, 1999. It was a modest beginning, with only four classrooms located at the back of a church and a small, devoted group of educators. To spread the word, Sherry, with her warm smile and personable nature, knocked on doors and invited neighbors for coffee, tea, and cookies in order to share the excitement about a new school she was opening in their neighborhood. The word spread quickly, and the school was soon full. Responding to demand, Stratford added a second campus in Sunnyvale, CA, the next year. This trend continued, followed by new campuses continuing to open throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California, all driven by the same innovative spirit and desire to give children a transformative education in a safe and caring environment.
Our first campus: Stratford Danville Blackhawk
The vision for Stratford was simple: to provide an exceptional education with a balanced approach to learning in a nurturing environment. As such, the goal was to be the premiere school, academically and artistically, inspiring children to think critically, reach their full potential, and find success in their unique futures. Careful consideration was placed on tapping into a child’s inquisitive and creative nature within a nurturing and positive learning environment. It is embedded in the culture that children learn and laugh at school. An emphasis on social, emotional, and character development combined with the “fun factor” created by the staff creates a welcoming learning atmosphere where children feel safe to flourish and grow.
Stratford Prep performs “Matilda the Musical”
Stratford’s commitment to high academic outcomes, as well as the fine arts and character education, is evident within the hallways of Stratford School. Sherry’s passion for music and art ensured that all students would learn an “artist of the month” and “composer of the month,” even at the preschool level. In preschool, there is a piano in every classroom, and students have music classes, with singing and dancing every day. Sherry also places a high value on character education and learning the value of contributing to their community.
“We want Stratford students to know they are part of something bigger than themselves. It’s important to help our children develop into confident, caring, and compassionate leaders who understand values like kindness and empathy.”
What sets us apart? The advanced STEAM-infused Stratford curriculum provides students with a broad base of knowledge, rich in vocabulary, math, science, arts, and engineering, to build student confidence and learn at a higher level. The curriculum is specifically sequenced with the idea of knowledge building upon knowledge to reinforce learning. It is akin to a house being built. You must first have the foundation before adding the walls and roof. Most notably, the combination of academic rigor with an infusion of fine arts, hands-on activities, physical fitness, and music creates a fun and challenging learning experience for each child. After all, life is about balance, and here is the formula for student success:
“An innovative sequential and rigorous curriculum, plus high academic standards, combined with premier music, art, foreign language, and physical education, equals a balanced, bright, and creative student.”
Stratford is a school that aims to instill a love for learning, with a focus on STEAM and the fine arts, in children. Additionally, we strive to provide exceptional customer service both internally and externally, with the goal of becoming an employer of choice and a school that partners with parents. As a true “learning organization,” we value feedback from both employees and parents, which is a hallmark of our Stratford culture.
We are family here at Stratford School. A family that sets high hopes of success for its members. Families talk to each other and discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and future plans. Whether you are a student, parent, or staff member, you are treated with respect. Each member of the family is important at Stratford, and each role is interrelated. We believe that lasting rewards cannot be motivated by money but by the impact that you have on the lives of people. For this reason, every Stratford campus supports local community outreach. Our students are encouraged to lead and organize the giving efforts in their community. With over 1 million dollars given to the American Heart Association plus countless dollars, hours, toys, and food given throughout our history, we are proud of the impact we have made. Learning and caring happen at Stratford.
Today, Stratford continues to touch the lives of over 9,000 students at 30+ campuses serving preschool through high school students across California. The spirit of Stratford is embodied in our philosophy of “Highest Hopes, Highest Things.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has played a significant role in shaping Stratford’s past, present, and future. We owe a debt of gratitude to our dedicated teachers, who make magic happen in the classroom every day, and our passionate school leaders, who carry the vision, inspire and care for our students, teachers, and staff. Most importantly, we thank our families, who have supported us and inspired us to continue striving for excellence. You are family to us, and we are truly grateful.
Stratford School – From Then to Now
1999: 34
2024: 9308
1999: 9
2024: 1367
1999: Three programs – Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
2024: 24 programs (PS- 11G + Mandarin Bilingual + Early Preschool)
2000
1999: 1
2024: Now with over 30 campus locations