Stratford School

220 Kensington Way

Los Gatos, CA 95032

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 21, 2021

I wish I could give zero star to this particular location of Stratford. Teachers, principal and management does not cooperate et all towards your child's overall learning and development, rather they force you to follow their illogical and incorrect methods. They made our kids life miserable by butchering her name in front of other kids. We finally had to pull her out and put her in catholic school. She is doing much better in catholic school and bringing A+ grades. Stay away from Kensington way, Los Gatos location.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2021

They will not take pain in bringing your child up to a good level. They will always criticize your child and point out negatives in your child. They will not understand you and will make you use their bad school policies. This is not an education institution where learning is a Gift to be cherished but rather the more money you spend, the better they will make your child. This is a money making business not a school. There are other much better schools in the area who will listen to you towards your child's learning.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2020

Fror the money they collect, they are not responsive at all. I think it is better spending money on other schools
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2017

My husband and I were EXTREMELY HAPPY with our experience at Stratford this past year. The teachers were amazing, the lesson plans were so well thought out and thorough, the winter and spring performances were so creative and the artwork the students did was very impressive.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2017

It’s really unfortunate that a school system that focuses only book learning, with no effort to set up the students or staff for success, is so bent on growing their franchise, with no effort to foster the students that are currently enrolled to become good citizens or community leaders. I also tend to see quite a bit of favoritism when it comes to the teachers. I have requested from my child’s teacher her weekly plan, which she was kind enough to show me. After coming for the open house this past weekend, there are simply not enough hours in the day for her to get everything done and expect quality – My child’s class has many disruptive students (my child has told me on numerous occasions that it is hard to learn because of other kids in the class), and I’m sure it’s not just in my child’s class. I have also seen on numerous occasions a rather tall, very inappropriately dressed (kindergarten?) teacher at pick up – long brown hair wearing, on more than one occasion, mini-skirts or a long maxi skirt with a nice view of her undergarments and sandals – really? I didn’t’ want to wait until parent surveys come out because nothing will change until next school year, and since I am currently enrolled, I’d like to see changes made more quickly.It seems the management, because let’s face it, this is a business, is focused only on the bottom line. I will be considering another education option in the future. I encourage any parent to drop in and see for themselves. Or better yet, sit in the drive through line as said (inappropriately-dressed teacher) yells and screams and runs toward a small child while he stands there with eyes wide open, unsure what to do.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2016

My son has been going to Stratford LG since 2014. He went to Stratford Winchester from 2012-2014. We love the way Stratford builds the foundation for learning. Besides learning the basics, they study coding, music, sports, Spanish and they have a fantastic STEAM program. Every Friday they have STEAM. My son is at the end of his second grade year. He is learning pre algebra, can tell you all about the different Greek gods, the anatomy of a plant, how to spell hypothesis and how to code. The curriculum used is Saxon Math and Shurley English. You can get an idea by reading "What My Second Grader Should Know". He loves learning. My son has challenges with controlling his energy and his teacher's out of the box thinking has helped him a ton. As a parent, I am able to volunteer as much as I want. The parent committee has a lot of say, when it comes to the events. The teachers share pictures on the online class bulletin, so you can see what they are doing. I love the teachers here! I think there maybe a little disorganization with management, but they don't show it. The principal and assistant are great with the kids. The after school clubs are amazing! The clubs range from golf, dance, drama, chess, soccer, basketball, etc. The school grounds are pretty. You can see the Los Gatos Hills. Overall, I am VERY happy with this school. The cost is higher, but worth it. I wish they had Financial Aid.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2016

Stratford is a terrible school system. Focus is far more on growing and making money than on serving children. -No selectivity: If you can pay, your child is in. Doesn't matter how much of a problem the child is or how disruptive they are to the rest of the class. They are a revenue source, so they stay. I have observed students who are terribly disruptive, but management will not do anything no matter what other parents say. At most, they tell the teacher to just "handle it" and tell parents whatever they need to hear to be quiet and sign up for another year. I noticed a lot of children of foreigners at the school. I think we immigrants (especially from South Asia and the middle east) have the perception that a private school must be better. Stratford just isn't. They know how to say the right words to make us feel good, but the results are not great. For example, if you ask about a standardized test or program, Stratford leadership will say they have it - whether they do or not. They will even show you a letter to teachers saying they have to do the program. I compared notes with another parent about promised programs - I was told they had certain programs i had inquired about. He was told they had programs he had inquired about. Stratford can't be doing both programs - they are alternatives to each other. Turned out Stratford actually did neither program - they just promised it and told the teacher to say they were doing it. I also had a talk with the teacher about all of the activities/classes management had said my child would attend. I couldn't figure out how she could squeeze in all of those things into the school day. I finally asked the teacher show me her weekly plan. It was packed full (and I am impressed she could do so much), but there simply weren't enough hours in a week to do all the programs that were committed. She finally admitted she just tried to do the best she could and had to let a lot slide (unless someone was asking about it specifically). I really felt sorry for the teacher. Management had set her up so there was no way to win. I think the underlying problem is Stratford's key focus is on growth. They add campuses far faster than they can manage. As soon as they get more kids signed up, they open a new school. It is all about making money from foreigners.
Submitted by other on April 16, 2016

We love this school! The teachers are wonderful and totally care for the children. The principals and office assistants are so helpful, warm and caring.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2016

My son has been with Stratford Los Gatos campus for almost two years, and right now he is at pre-k with Ms. Rita and Ms. Regina. He was very shy and did not speak English very well in the beginning, so he often begged me to stay with him in the morning intially. However, very soon he started making friends with quite a few boys, and he also started talking about his school everyday. Every morning, he can't wait to go to school and every night, he wants to stay until the closing time. As our beloved son, we think he is very smart and learns very fast, but It is also because the teachers at Stratford are so caring, nurturing and hard working. My son is extremely lucky to have Ms. Rita and Ms. Regina, who treat every student like their own child. They always have ways to encourage my son making friends with other kids, guiding him to be a part of their pre-k family, teaching him the right manner, and even making sure he finish all of his lunch. It is such a great relief everyday when I can drop off my kid at Stratford knowing he is in right hand and pick him up with a lot of crafts and wonderful stories.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2013

My child attended Preschool at the Los Gatos campus and this year as a 1/2 day kindergartner at the San Jose/Winchester campus. We've been so pleased with the schools and teachers. Ms Beezie and Ms Lina were amazing and Ms Brugstrom and Ms Preston/Parker have been amazing. The kids learn so much and have so much fun while learning. It's amazing how they learn Spanish, music, art, PE, of course reading, writing and math so young. My favorite has been public speaking (recitation) each week they stand in front of their class and recite a reading. It's amazing.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

Stratford's high expectations and nurturing environment make for a wonderful experience for students. My preschooler loves school and is learning Spanish, Science, Math, Phonics, Music, Art and more! The staff is supportive, positive and enthusiastic about what they do. I am so happy with Stratford School in Los Gatos!
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2012

Our son is in Pre-K. He simply loves his school. He really enjoys both his teachers and he looks forward to school each of the three days he attends. I really appreciate the mixture of fun with the academics.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2012

This is our first year at Stratford. WE have friends whose kids have gone to this school and we heard wonderful stories of their experience here. Now we can share ours. Our daughter is on the shy side and usually it takes her some time to get used to a new environment. She loves the school and her two teachers and we have had a great experience so far. What strikes me the most is the academics here, of course. My daughter has exposure to another language (Spanish), music, art, science, which is not a typical experience with most Pre-K grades. We love it here - the teachers and staff are very warm and kind, welcoming and helpful. I feel blessed that we can have our child at such wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2012

My daughter, a three-year old, joined Stratford this fall and I have to say, what a life saver! I enrolled her in a different school earlier this year and she hated going to school in the morning, made no friend and came home crying every day. We are so stressed out and had to pull her out of that school. We were hesitant to send her to any school after that experience. Well, Stratford/Los Gatos and Ms. Kim completely solved our problem. My daughter stopped crying on day 4 after she joined Ms Kim's class. And it just got better and better from there. Within two weeks, she told me "Mommy, I don't want to go home" when I was picking her up. What a difference! They have the most caring and experienced teachers at this location. Ms Kim has being working here for 10+ years I believe. The overall environment is fun and academic-focused. The site is open, safe and clean. Student demo mix is good too. I'd recommend this school without any reservation and plan to send my second kid to Ms. Kim's (hopefully) class too!!!
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2012

I have been a parent at Stratford school for almost 8 years. My older son completed his pre-school and pre-k here at Los Gatos campus and it s my 4 year old s second year at this campus. I love this school! It s well rounded and provides a lot of fun learning experiences. The kids learn from many hands-on activities. The teachers and staff are nice and caring! I was delighted to find out that over the past years, the curriculum has been developed in such an amazing way. Now they have Spanish and science in the pre-school programs and are taught by great specialty teachers. The principal is great and always there to help out and gives great advice. My son is a late talker and the teachers are great in coaching an encouraging him! I was amazed to see how much he has learned during the past year!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2012

I personally love the Los Gatos campus. The principals are warm and caring and my daughter is always so excited to go to school every morning. It's truly a parents dream come true to see their child so happy and having a great time learning. When I enrolled my daughter, I asked about their elementary, middle school, and even if a high school was in their plans! Sure enough, it is! Things like these take a lot of time to plan and I know that Stratford has high expectations even for themselves. Whenever they do open a high school, I am confident it will be the very best. Worth waiting for in my opinion! I am a proud Stratford parent and I really value the quality of education my daughter receives. Thanks Stratford!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2012

I used to think very highly of Stratford, unfortunately, I think the "quality" of school had been degraded in the last past couple years. One of the biggest concerns is the high teacher turnover rate. The inconsistency among the campuses. The school is expanding in Bay Area, however, lack of vision of high school is a concerns.. Where ar the kids going to go after 8th grade ?
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2012

You must love Stratford school because it's giving so much to your child.Warm,loving,caring,Excelent academics,music,art,great teachers,staff....My daughter is proud to be a Stratford kid ! Thank you Stratford !
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2012

I love this school. The teachers are AMAZING! They all care about each and every child. The Preschool Principal is one of the Best. She really takes time to say, "Hello" and see how my child is doing. She is friendly, warm, and loving. My daughter is in PreK. and she loves to go to school. She always comes home with wonderful information about the science she learned for the day. She also loves to share her Spanish with me and she corrects the way I pronounce it. Her art projects are really fun and creative as well. I coulnd't have picked a better school for both my children. Thank you Stratford!! If you are a concerned, parent I would advice you to do a walk through and watch the classes in action. It will amaze you!!!
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2012

This has been a great experience for my daughter. My review is only of the Pre-K/Pre-S program. We love it here. I have seen my child blossom socially, academically and become quite a performer. I have to mention Ms. Kim, Ms. Denise, Ms. Sarita and Ms. Rita: wonderful teachers who work very hard for the kids. They go an extra mile with the school performances. The Music/Spanish/Science programs are great. The school has satisfied my expectations with social development, discipline, academics and cultivating the love of learning. I feel safe with my child here. My oldest was in another campus that does not hold a candle in any way to this one. The subject and extended care teachers are wonderful. There is much creative work in extended care and the "Imaginative Play" session in the morning makes my daughter want to be the first one through the door. If they continued till High School, we would have stayed, but they don't have it yet. My only gripe here is the playground equipment - we spend a lot of evenings removing splinters from my daughter's hands. The teachers and the balanced curriculum is what makes this a great school and I am so happy for the 2 years my child spent here.