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Capistrano Unified School District

Orange County63 Schools~46,048 Students Enrolled

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PublicGrades: 9-12

Aliso Niguel High School

Aliso Viejo

2563

PublicGrades: 6-8

Aliso Viejo Middle School

Aliso Viejo

803

PublicGrades: K-5

Arroyo Vista Elementary School

Rancho Santa Margarita

508

PublicGrades: 6-8

Arroyo Vista Middle School

Rancho Santa Margarita

329

PublicGrades: K-5

Bathgate Elementary School

Mission Viejo

570

PublicGrades: 6-8

Bernice Ayer Middle School

San Clemente

919

PublicGrades: 6-12

Bridges Community Day School

San Juan Capistrano

12

PublicCharterGrades: K-12

California Online Public Schools Southern California

San Juan Capistrano

3933

PublicGrades: K-5

Canyon Vista Elementary School

Aliso Viejo

533

PublicGrades: 9-12

Capistrano Union High School

San Juan Capistrano

103

PublicGrades: 9-12

Capistrano Valley High School

Mission Viejo

1991

PublicGrades: K-5

Carl Hankey Elementary School

Mission Viejo

284

PublicGrades: 6-8

Carl Hankey Middle School

Mission Viejo

181

PublicGrades: K-5

Castille Elementary School

Mission Viejo

482

PublicGrades: K-5

Chaparral Elementary School

Ladera Ranch

604

PublicGrades: K-5

Clarence Lobo Elementary School

San Clemente

328

PublicCharterGrades: K-8

Community Roots Academy

Laguna Niguel

780

PublicGrades: K-5

Concordia Elementary School

San Clemente

533

PublicGrades: 9-12

Dana Hills High School

Dana Point

1725

PublicGrades: K-5

Don Juan Avila Elementary School

Aliso Viejo

672

PublicGrades: 6-8

Don Juan Avila Middle School

Aliso Viejo

863

PublicGrades: P

Early Childhood Center School

San Juan Capistrano

0
PublicGrades: 6-8

Esencia Middle School

Rancho Mission Viejo

349

PublicGrades: K-5

Esencia School

Rancho Mission Viejo

996

PublicGrades: 6-8

Fred Newhart Middle School

Mission Viejo

1105

PublicGrades: K-5

George White Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

378

PublicGrades: K-5

Harold Ambuehl Elementary School

San Juan Capistrano

324

PublicGrades: K-5

Hidden Hills Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

330

PublicGrades: K-5

John Malcom Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

553

PublicCharterGrades: K-8

Journey School

Aliso Viejo

617

PublicGrades: K-5

Kinoshita Elementary School

San Juan Capistrano

302

PublicGrades: K-5

Ladera Ranch Elementary School

Ladera Ranch

580

PublicGrades: 6-8

Ladera Ranch Middle School

Ladera Ranch

1064

PublicGrades: K-5

Laguna Niguel Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

456

PublicGrades: K-5

Las Flores Elementary School

Rancho Santa Margarita

328

PublicGrades: 6-8

Las Flores Middle School

Las Flores

593

PublicGrades: K-5

Las Palmas Elementary School

San Clemente

743

PublicGrades: 6-8

Marco Forster Middle School

San Juan Capistrano

930

PublicGrades: K-5

Marian Bergeson Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

423

PublicGrades: K-5

Moulton Elementary School

Laguna Niguel

538

PublicGrades: 6-8

Niguel Hills Middle School

Laguna Niguel

693

PublicCharterGrades: 6-12

OCASA College Prep School

San Juan Capistrano

83

PublicGrades: K-5

Oak Grove Elementary School

Aliso Viejo

569

PublicCharterGrades: 7-12

Opportunities for Learning - Capistrano School

San Juan Capistrano

185

PublicGrades: K-5

Oso Grande Elementary School

Ladera Ranch

867

PublicCharterGrades: K-5

Oxford Preparatory Academy - South Orange County

Mission Viejo

704

PublicGrades: K-5

Palisades Elementary School

Capistrano Beach

332

PublicGrades: K-5

Philip J. Reilly Elementary School

Mission Viejo

421

PublicGrades: K-5

Richard Henry Dana Elementary School

Dana Point

461

PublicGrades: 9-12

San Clemente High School

San Clemente

2740

PublicGrades: K-5

San Juan Elementary School

San Juan Capistrano

662

PublicGrades: 9-12

San Juan Hills High School

San Juan Capistrano

2641

PublicGrades: 6-8

Shorecliffs Middle School

San Clemente

634

PublicGrades: 9-12

South County Virtual High School

Mission Viejo

198

PublicGrades: K-8

South County Virtual Middle School

San Juan Capistrano

82

PublicGrades: 9-12

Tesoro High School

Las Flores

2030

PublicGrades: K-5

Tijeras Creek Elementary School

Rancho Santa Margarita

315

PublicGrades: K-5

Truman Benedict Elementary School

San Clemente

602

PublicGrades: K-5

Viejo Elementary School

Mission Viejo

447

PublicGrades: K-5

Vista del Mar Elementary School

San Clemente

692

PublicGrades: 6-8

Vista del Mar Middle School

San Clemente

499

PublicGrades: K-5

Wagon Wheel Elementary School

Coto De Caza

441

PublicGrades: K-5

Wood Canyon Elementary School

Aliso Viejo

425

Academic Calendar

Holidays & Events2026-2027
  • Jul03

    Independence Day Observed Holiday

    Jul 3, 2026

  • Aug12

    New Teacher Pre-Service Day

    Aug 12, 2026

  • Aug13

    Professional Development / Pre-Service Days

    Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026

  • Aug18

    Opening Day of School Minimum Day

    Aug 18, 2026

  • Aug25

    Back-to-School Night Middle School Minimum Days

    Aug 25, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026

  • Sep01

    Back-to-School Night High School Minimum Days

    Sep 1, 2026 - Sep 3, 2026

  • Sep07

    Labor Day Holiday

    Sep 7, 2026

  • Sep08

    Back-to-School Night Elementary Minimum Days

    Sep 8, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026

  • Oct16

    End of First Quarter Middle School

    Oct 16, 2026

  • Nov02

    K-12 Pupil-Free Day

    Nov 2, 2026

  • Nov03

    Elementary Parent Conferences Minimum Days

    Nov 3, 2026 - Nov 6, 2026

  • Nov11

    Veterans Day Holiday

    Nov 11, 2026

  • Nov23

    Fall Recess Break

    Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026

  • Nov26

    Thanksgiving Holidays

    Nov 26, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026

  • Dec15

    High School Final Exam Minimum Days

    Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 17, 2026

  • Dec17

    End of First Semester High School

    Dec 17, 2026

  • Dec17

    End of Second Quarter Middle School

    Dec 17, 2026

  • Dec18

    K-12 Pupil-Free Day

    Dec 18, 2026

  • Dec21

    Winter Recess

    Dec 21, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027

  • Dec24

    Christmas Holiday

    Dec 24, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026

  • Dec31

    Holiday to Replace Admission Day

    Dec 31, 2026

  • Jan01

    New Year's Day Holiday

    Jan 1, 2027

  • Jan04

    Second Semester Begins

    Jan 4, 2027

  • Jan18

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday

    Jan 18, 2027

  • Feb12

    Lincoln Day Holiday

    Feb 12, 2027

  • Feb15

    Washington Day Holiday

    Feb 15, 2027

  • Mar01

    Elementary Parent Conferences Minimum Days

    Mar 1, 2027 - Mar 4, 2027

  • Mar12

    End of Third Quarter Middle School

    Mar 12, 2027

  • Apr05

    Spring Recess Break

    Apr 5, 2027 - Apr 9, 2027

  • Apr09

    Spring Holiday

    Apr 9, 2027

  • May31

    Memorial Day Holiday

    May 31, 2027

  • Jun01

    High School Final Exam Minimum Days

    Jun 1, 2027 - Jun 3, 2027

  • Jun03

    End of Second Semester High School

    Jun 3, 2027

  • Jun03

    End of Fourth Quarter Middle School

    Jun 3, 2027

  • Jun03

    Last Day of School Minimum Day

    Jun 3, 2027

  • Jun04

    Last Day Of School For All Teachers

    Jun 4, 2027

  • Jun18

    Juneteenth Observed Holiday

    Jun 18, 2027

Area & Neighborhood Coverage

The Capistrano Unified School District spans a significant portion of South Orange County, California, encompassing a rich mosaic of coastal cities, established suburban communities, and newer master-planned developments. From the historic charm of San Juan Capistrano to the vibrant beaches of Dana Point and the family-friendly neighborhoods of Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo, the district’s reach extends across a diverse landscape. It also serves the thriving communities of Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo, blending the serene beauty of the California coastline with the dynamic energy of inland growth.

Community Tapestry & Local Connections

Nestled within the picturesque backdrop of South Orange County, the Capistrano Unified School District is deeply interwoven with the fabric of its local communities. This region is characterized by its distinct blend of outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a strong sense of local pride. The district plays an integral role in fostering these community connections, often serving as a gathering point for families and residents who value the Southern California lifestyle, marked by its sunny climate and access to both natural beauty and modern conveniences. Local events, from seasonal festivals in San Juan Capistrano to coastal celebrations in Dana Point, frequently see district families participating and contributing to the vibrant local spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Capistrano Unified School District's geographic area unique within Orange County?

The district's extensive coverage in South Orange County is unique for its blend of diverse environments. It includes historic areas like San Juan Capistrano, coastal cities such as Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, and modern master-planned communities like Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo, offering a wide array of lifestyles from beach-adjacent living to expansive inland open spaces.

How does Capistrano Unified School District connect with its surrounding communities?

Capistrano Unified School District is deeply integrated into the local community fabric of South Orange County. It frequently collaborates with local city councils, community organizations, and parent groups, serving as a central hub for various neighborhood activities and fostering a strong sense of local pride and collective well-being across its many distinct areas.

What natural features are prominent in the Capistrano Unified School District's region?

The district's region in South Orange County boasts an abundance of natural beauty. Residents enjoy close proximity to stunning Pacific Ocean beaches and coastal bluffs, as well as numerous regional parks, hiking trails, and open spaces that provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, reflecting the quintessential Southern California environment.