Stratford School Altadena Launches Mandarin Bilingual Kindergarten for 2025

Stratford School Altadena is pleased to announce the launch of a Mandarin Bilingual Kindergarten program for the 2025-2026 school year. This program will build upon the enriched language learning offered in their Mandarin Bilingual Preschool and Pre-K classrooms. Like the Preschool and Pre-K programs, the Kindergarten Bilingual program will feature two teachers, one instructing in Mandarin and the other in English, to build a solid foundation for both languages. Additionally, it will incorporate all of the innovative hands-on STEAM learning that is part of the traditional Stratford Kindergarten curriculum. “We are excited to provide our students with the opportunity to further advance their language skills at this crucial stage in their development when language acquisition is at its peak,” says Judy Burbank, Head of School.

To enhance the bilingual education offered in Preschool through Kindergarten, students in Grades TK through 4 can also take Mandarin as a specialty language class, with the option to choose between studying Mandarin or Spanish. Additionally, Stratford provides after-school language clubs for both Spanish and Mandarin. These clubs allow students to practice their language skills and increase their cultural awareness in a fun and engaging environment with their peers.

Since the opening of Stratford School Altadena in 2015, the school has grown into a flourishing campus, now serving Early Preschool (age two and no potty training required) through Grade 8. Stratford’s innovative and advanced curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and inspire self-confidence in young learners, giving students a strong foundation to ensure their future success in our global world. Their approach to learning cultivates students who are adept critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, inspired innovators, and thoughtful leaders. The Altadena campus has three distinct buildings for the Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School, two playgrounds, a field, a multi-purpose room with a stage for performances, and many outside common areas.

Families are invited to visit the campus to meet the school leaders and teachers, learn more about specific programming, and observe class instruction during the following events. To sign up for an event, please visit stratfordschools.com/altadena/events.

• TK/K Overview and Classroom Previews at 9:00 a.m.
• Grades 1-4 Overview and Classroom Previews at 10:00 a.m.
• Grades 5-8 Overview and Classroom Previews at 11:00 a.m.

Stratford School Altadena offers rolling enrollment where space is available. Learn more about their Early Preschool through Middle School programs at www.stratfordaltadena.com or schedule a personalized tour at tours@stratfordschools.com.