Irvine Montessori Preschool Open House
Irvine – Spectrum | 1 Technology Drive, Building A, Irvine, CA 92618 | IrvineSpectrum@LePortSchools.com | (949) 544-1047
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Irvine Spectrum Campus
Opening Fall 2012
Montessori Infant – Preschool
Private Elementary and Middle School
LePort Schools has outgrown the current school site in Mission Viejo! That’s why we are moving into a brand new campus in south Irvine for the fall 2012 school year.
- Convenient location right off the I-5, the I-405 and the 133 toll road.
- State-of-the-art, high-tech facility with beautiful outside spaces shaded by old-growth trees.
- Spacious, bright classrooms, and low student-teacher ratios: 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:12 in preschool and no more than 1:16 in elementary school.
- Established team of administrators, teachers and students transferring from LePort’s renowned Mission Viejo LePort School
Montessori Infant to Preschool/Kindergarten
Ages 3 months – 6 years
- Much more than day care, the authentic Montessori preschool program provides your child with nurturing care and stimulation during the important early years.
- Infants enjoy lots of attention, with a 1:3 teacher-student ratio, and a carefully designed, engaging classroom set up.
- Preschoolers benefit from a prepared environment. Enticing Montessori materials invite preschool students to master skills, from fine motor activities to reading, writing and arithmetic.
- Expert infant and preschool Montessori teachers nurture and guide, leveraging their specialized Montessori training.
Elementary & Junior High Private School
1st through 8th grade
- Our private school program keeps alive your child’s love of learning through strong, engaging academics, while also developing life skills, from organization and time management.
- Small class sizes of no more than 16 students per class and lots of individualized attention.
- Knowledgeable, caring teachers, who are passionate about their subjects set our private school apart.
- A challenging, sequential curriculum that ties academically rigorous learning to children’s interests.
- A nurturing environment that values learning and personal growth in ways not found in other private schools.
Read what our parents say about LePort:
I am thrilled to have my two children attending the Mission Viejo Campus of LePort Schools. My kids, a daughter (6th grade) and a son (8th grade), have truly enjoyed the distinctive and unique teaching styles exhibited by your teachers, and the personalized attention that such a wonderful school has provided them. When I first visited LePort over three years ago, I thought it was impressive. However, I was initially skeptical, as I often told myself that “what appears too good to be true most likely is too good to be true.” I can’t tell you how shocked I have been to find this philosophy completely incorrect in the case of LePort. After the past few years that my kids have attended the middle school, I can say that what appeared to be ‘too good to be true’ has actually turned out to be better!
What makes LePort better? First and foremost, I must credit the warmth, empathy and astounding teaching techniques of the Mission Viejo campus teachers. Between my two kids, I have had experience with just about all the middle school teachers, and all have been amazing. I can not believe that my teens can actually come home from school excited to discuss what they learned that day, and truly are energized about the learning process. The hands-on learning methods have kept both my children engaged in class discussions, and most importantly, inspired to achieve academic excellence.
My oldest son, now a high school senior, has been in the local public school system since Kindergarten. Through his experiences, I have witnessed, first hand, the continual degradation of the public school education. I used to be a strong proponent of the public school system, but I (and many of my friends and neighbors) have felt the need to pursue private schools to get back the positive learning methods for our subsequent children. It was this search that eventually led me to find LePort. In the end, size and glitz of school don't matter if the environment does not breed quality learning experiences for children. Over the past three years, I have come to see that LePort's personalized teaching methods and incredible staff create a superior work environment that is unmatched by both private and public school competitors.
Kathy C., parent at LePort’s Mission Viejo campus, in a letter to LePort
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Staff
Our passionate, professional staff looks forward to meeting you and your child.
Administrative Staff
Monica MacDonald
Head of School, Lower School
Ms. Monica MacDonald joined the LePort team with over two decades of experience as a Montessori Guide, Trainer, Head of School and Parent Educator. She was introduced to Dr. Montessori’s work while on a trip to India and it changed her entire life. She earned her AMI diploma from the St. Louis Training Center in 1987. Ever since, she has been dedicated to bringing Montessori education to as many children as possible.
Ms. MacDonald is committed to learning and following the needs of each individual child to create the very best “prepared environment” for each of them. Ms. MacDonald also loves bringing her many years of experience to bear in coaching other Montessori teachers. She pushes her staff to grow professionally and to realize their goals for their students as fully as possible.
As Head of the Lower School, Ms. MacDonald looks forward each day to creating a holistic learning environment that is filled with joy. In her free time, Ms. MacDonald spends time with her daughter, practices yoga and ayurveda, and plays her mandolin.
Wendy Bana
Head of School, Upper School
Ms. Wendy Bana received her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Fresno, her MS from the University of Oregon, and her MA in Teaching from Oregon State University. Prior to joining the LePort Schools team, Ms. Bana was a Signal Officer in the US Army, a teacher for the Department of Defense Schools, a web developer/manager for several high tech companies, and an elementary school teacher. Her rich, real-world experience allows her to bring a problem-solving mentality and genuine leadership to her position with LePort.
When she isn’t working, Ms. Bana enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and visiting her two grown children. Ms. Bana is thrilled to be a part of LePort Schools, and finds nothing to be quite so rewarding as fostering a love of learning in children and watching them grow and develop to their full potential.
Cornelia Lockitch
Montessori Curriculum Coordinator
Mrs. Lockitch has been fortunate to have the opportunity to teach children from ages two through fourteen in a variety of settings. In 1995, she earned her Honors B.A. in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia, and, soon after, her AMI Primary diploma. After several years of leading a Primary class, Mrs. Lockitch earned her AMI Elementary diploma as well as her Masters of Education. Thereafter, she taught in both Montessori and private schools, guiding children and developing curriculum in a range of subject areas.
In 2005, Mrs. Lockitch stepped away from classroom teaching so that she could devote time to her own young children. During this period, she remained active as an educator through tutoring, consulting, and publishing a parenting newsletter that applied Montessori ideas to the home setting.
As LePort’s Montessori Curriculum Coordinator since 2010, Mrs. Lockitch guides curriculum projects, develops parent education materials, and works with the Montessori staff at all campuses to help make LePort an outstanding school.
Susan Miscione
Administrative Director
Ms. Miscione received her B.A. Degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Child Psychology from Chapman University in 1993. Shortly after graduation, she decided to work with her husband as a Bookkeeper and Client Relations Coordinator within his construction company. While she worked to build their company, Mrs. Miscione also spent a great deal of time immersed in supportive roles within her own children’s education. She spent over 11 years volunteering for several grade levels as an instructional aide, and performed various fundraising roles for their school. She also worked in a Language Learning Center, where she assessed students of all ages in language development. As part of the LePort team, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the educational environment by supporting the parents, primary educators, and other staff who share her love for the holistic development of their students.
When not working, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband and two children at the beach or watching their favorite sporting events. She also loves movies, hiking, reading, and cooking. She is an active member of her parish church community.
Rayda Simmons
Administrative Support
Mrs. Simmons received her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Hope International University while on academic and volleyball scholarships. Prior to working with LePort, Mrs. Simmons worked with the City of Fullerton and the Fullerton School District in directing all of their youth and summer programs. In past years she has also opened up and run her own preschool/daycare program from her own home. In her free time, Mrs. Simmons enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading, and playing sports. Mrs. Simmons possesses years of experience and a passion for children that make her a great asset to the Mission Viejo campus!
Wendy Taylor
Administrative Support
Ms. Wendy Taylor received her B.S. from California State University, Fullerton in Child and Adolescent Studies. Prior to joining the LePort team, Ms. Taylor worked at a Montessori school as an Assistant Teacher for six years, then transitioned into administration with the same school. Her passion is working with children, and she is grateful for the opportunity to support students and their families here at LePort.
When she isn’t working, Wendy loves spending time with her family and her dog, Rusty. She also enjoys going to Angels games, playing soccer, snowboarding, and camping.
Stacie Cooper, Psy.D.
Academic Coordinator
Dr. Stacie Cooper grew up in Orange County and received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Communications from the University of Southern California. While working toward her master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she offered support to hundreds of children and young adults as a mental health, outreach, and career counselor for 8 years. She also served as a mentor, teaching assistant, and tutor to younger graduate students in her psychology program. Dr. Cooper has lectured and written on the topics of positive psychology, prevention, and career/identity development in youth.
In addition to these experiences, Dr. Cooper is a published author and has been a professional editor/proofreader for an international editing company since 2009. Dr. Cooper explains why she was drawn to LePort: “It’s wonderful to see an educational environment where students are genuinely engaged, can see the connections between what they are learning and their daily lives, and have the opportunity to flourish!” She is thrilled to incorporate her passion for empowering and engaging youth in a meaningful, holistic way with her enthusiasm for reading, writing, and editing. Personally, Dr. Cooper enjoys hiking with her husband and two energetic dogs, biking along the beach, traveling to new places, reading, cooking, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
Montessori Teachers
Kristen Carlin
Infant Program Coordinator & Head Infant Teacher
Ms. Carlin received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1988 and her Infant/Toddler American Montessori Society Teaching Credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies & University of Colorado in 1997. In 2010, she earned her Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ms. Carlin has extensive experience with both the Montessori Method and with infants as an age group. Prior to joining LePort Schools, she was charged with the responsibility of creating from scratch and running a state-of-the-art Montessori infant learning environment in Arizona. Ms. Carlin has also run her own in-home Montessori infant program. Ms. Carlin is a strong proponent of the Montessori Method, and her own two daughters have always attended Montessori schools.
Ms. Carlin is passionate about sharing her love of Maria Montessori's vision for infancy. She has made it her life's work to foster healthy child development and to prepare young children, from the very beginning, for lifelong learning. In her personal life, Ms. Carlin loves swimming, hiking & long beach walks - anything that lets her play outside! In addition, she supports her daughters' acting & musical interests and has been a Girl Scout leader for over 6 years.
Stacey Dee
Montessori Preprimary Head Teacher
Miss Dee’s love for teaching began during her senior year of high school while assisting in a toddler classroom and teaching gymnastics. She attended California State University, San Marcos and received a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Spanish. She received her Early Childhood Teaching Certificate from Riverside Community College in 2008.
Miss Dee taught at a private preschool in Norco for one year and then joined LePort in the fall of 2009. She studied the Montessori philosophy under the direction of Miss Amy Kwong. Miss Dee finds the “Ah-ha!” moment most rewarding part of teaching. She loves to see children master the materials and take pride in their work.
In her spare time Miss Dee loves spending time with her daughter, who is also a LePort Schools student.
Brittany Beisner
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Brittany Beisner joined the LePort team in 2010. Prior to becoming the Assistant Pre-Primary Teacher in our Pre-Primary classroom, Ms. Beisner taught acting to children in an after school program in Anaheim Hills. She has also been involved in many volunteer programs revolving around children. Some of these programs include volunteering at Orangewood Children's Center, Shea Therapeutic Riding Center for Mentally/Physically Handicapped, CSUF Camp Titan counselor for underprivileged and group home children and traveling to El Hongo, Mexico with Flying Samaritans providing free healthcare to needy families with her EMT-B license.
Ms. Beisner received her Early Childhood Education Permit Certificate from the Saddleback College in 2009, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from California State University Fullerton. Her love for children and her extensive volunteer work lead her to the LePort family.
Ms. Beisner is enjoying working with Ms. Dee and everyone involved with the Pre-Primary classroom at Mission Viejo.
Andrea Magistrado
Montessori Primary Head Teacher
Ms. Magistrado has been a Montessori teacher for 15 years. She received her AMI primary diploma in 1991 in Toronto, Canada. In addition, she has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, from the University of the Philippines. She earned this credential from the Foundation for Montessori Education under the direction of Mrs. Renilde Montessori, the granddaughter of Dr. Maria Montessori.
Ms. Magistrado enjoys working with children. It is her primary goal to create a classroom where your child can explore, make independent decisions, develop self control, and use his or her creative imagination to make each school day a joyful discovery.
Prajakta Katti
Assistant Teacher
Originally from India, Ms. Prajakta Katti received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pune and also earned her diploma in Business Management. Ms. Katti began her educational career working in a traditional preschool. Later, she discovered Montessori through a friend, and quickly became convinced of the value of the Montessori approach in fostering a child's development. Ms. Katti joined LePort Schools in 2009, simultaneously working to earn her AMS primary diploma. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, painting, and reading.
Monica Alvidrez
Assistant Teacher Floater, Primary and Preprimary
Ms. Monica Alvidrez received her Early Childhood Education Permit from Irvine Valley College in 2003. She joined the LePort team in 2010 with over ten years of experience teaching in private preschools, as well experience with second language learners.
Stacy Blailock
Montessori Lower Elementary Head Teacher
Mrs. Blailock began her teaching career in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. Upon graduation she worked in a primary summer program for a Montessori school and was amazed with the individualized education that each child received, and the various materials that helped each child understand core lessons. It was these experiences that lead her to take her Montessori training through CMTE in Phoenix, Arizona to attain a 6-12 years old certificate and her M.A.
Mrs. Blailock's teaching experience since 1996 has ranged from primary through sixth grade. Mrs. Blailock is honored and excited to be a Head Lower Elementary Teacher at our Mission Viejo Campus.
Amy Smith
Montessori Lower Elementary Junior Teacher
Ms. Smith joined the LePort team in 2009. Prior to becoming a Junior Teacher in our Lower Elementary classroom, Ms. Smith taught Primary Montessori in Ventura County for five years. She was first drawn to the Montessori philosophy because of its unique approach and the individualized attention it gives to each child. She was also quickly impressed by the Montessori teaching materials and the emphasis placed on building a sense of community in the classroom through social graces and courtesies.
Ms. Smith received her Montessori Teaching Diploma from the North American Montessori Center in 2006, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Moody Bible Institute. Her love for children and her interest in engendering their self-esteem has led Ms. Smith to dedicated work for several non-profit organizations, helping a wide variety of children ranging in age from infants through high school. Her experiences have brought her to AIDS orphanages in South Africa, Aboriginal Territories in Australia, and recreational camps in Japan.
Ms. Smith thoroughly enjoys working with Ms. Blailock and the Lower Elementary students at LePort, and she is honored to be part of such an excellent team.
Jennifer Clark
LE Curriculum Support
Jennifer Clark joined LePort Schools in 2011 with 12 years of teaching experience. She has worked in Montessori and private schools all over the world, including in Asia and Canada. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Carleton University in Canada, and has many additional teaching certifications, including a TEFL Certificate from Toronto, Canada, an Elementary Montessori Diploma from the AMI training center in Bergamo, Italy, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education Certificate from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Clark has also developed and presented both a Montessori and a Literacy workshop for the Education Bureau in Hong Kong.
Ms. Clark's goal is to help LePort staff provide a caring atmosphere which is conducive to learning, and one in which children are encouraged to be independent and to assume responsibility. She strives to ensure that each child reaches his or her own potential and to instill a lifelong love of learning.
Ajah White
Assistant Teacher Floater
Ms. Ajah White received her Early Child Education training from Saddleback College, and is working toward her Associate Degree in Child Development. She first started working with children through her church, where she volunteered to care for toddlers. She loves the Montessori Method for its effectiveness in assisting children to gain independence. Ms. White spends all of the free time she can get with her young daughter, Amaya.
Upper Elementary and Junior High Teachers
Serenity Fisher
Upper Elementary Math Teacher
Mrs. Fisher grew up in Orange County and received her B.S. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials from California State University, Fullerton. Her previous teaching assignments have included elementary classes in both private and public schools, as well as pre-algebra through Algebra II in a junior high setting.
Mrs. Fisher's extensive background in mathematics has offered excellent preparation for teaching the enriched curriculum LePort Schools offers our students. She strives to utilize her creativity in the classroom, so that each and every child becomes curious and confident in the field of mathematics. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, and relaxing by the beach.
Amanda Holiday
Upper Elementary Math & Vocabulary Teacher
Ms. Amanda Holiday graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a B.S. in Middle Grades Education concentrations in math and social studies. Before joining LePort Schools, Ms. Holiday worked as a middle school math teacher at a college preparatory charter school in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Ms. Holiday has extensive experience tutoring a broad range of subjects to children of different ages; she worked as a Summer Intervention Program Tutor helping fourth and fifth grade students develop skills in reading, writing, math, and technology; she worked as a public speaking tutor in the Center for Student Learning at the College of Charleston; and she tutored middle school students struggling in math, both privately while in college, and in weekly small group sessions held at her previous school.
Ms. Holiday is passionate about creating an environment for students in which they develop an appreciation of, and interest in, the many ways that math can be used to enhance their lives.
Andy Robles
Upper Elementary Math, Science & Geography Teacher
Andy has been with LePort since January of 2009. Before joining LePort schools, Andy worked in the non-profit sector for three years assisting developmentally disabled adults and other underserved populations with career placement and job training. Andy holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. In his spare time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife, playing sports, attending sporting events and concerts, reading, exercising, and cooking various foods on his BBQ grill. Andy is thrilled to be a part of the LePort Schools family and is excited to see what the future will bring as the school continues to grow.
Zev Barnett
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher
Mr. Barnett received an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto double majoring in history and literature. It was during his undergraduate career that Mr. Barnett first came to appreciate, among others, the likes of Emily Dickenson, William Shakespeare, and Victor Hugo. A first introduction to these literary giants only served to whet his appetite, and he subsequently went on to complete an M.A. at George Mason University. Given his passion for literature, Mr. Barnett found the prospect of beginning a teaching career at LePort to be an irresistible opportunity. When asked why, he said: "At LePort Schools English class not only focuses on teaching the content of a book or poem, but also focuses on communicating an enthusiasm for writing and reading. What benefit is it if a student is taught the plot of Romeo and Juliet, but learns to dislike Shakespeare? What I want to impart, more than anything else, is a love of literature."
Sarah Biddle
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Biddle received her Honors B.A. in History from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. Before moving to California, she was a registered nurse and worked part-time as an assistant teacher in a Montessori school. Mrs. Biddle spent two and a half years teaching at a private school in Aliso Viejo, where she taught literature, language arts and math, before joining LePort.
Mrs. Biddle is proud to be a teacher at LePort Schools because of its commitment to excellence, high standards and continual improvement. When asked why she changed to a career in teaching, Mrs. Biddle replied: "I love to watch children's minds blossom and grow. I love to see them discovering truths, making connections, and applying new knowledge to their daily lives. I especially love to see their faces shine with pride after succeeding in grasping a new idea or mastering a difficult skill." In addition to teaching, Mrs. Biddle enjoys ballroom, country and Latin dancing, reading great literature, and spending time with her family
Tiffany Bithell
Upper Elementary Literature, Language Arts & History Teacher
Mrs. Bithell has lived in Orange County her whole life. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Long Beach, with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a concentration in History/Social Science. As part of her degree program she also earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Prior to joining LePort in 2008, Mrs. Bithell has had the opportunity as a substitute teacher to teach a wide range of subjects to students in grades K-8. As well, her long-term placements have given her the opportunity to develop curriculum that is engaging and challenging for students. Mrs. Bithell particularly enjoys LePort Schools' private school setting because of its close-knit environment and stimulating curriculum. In addition to teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, doing crafts, and hiking with her husband and dogs.
Lauren Donahoo
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher
Orange County native, Ms. Donahoo, has been teaching almost as far back as she can remember, starting with teaching her younger brother shapes and colors when she was only a preschooler. She received her B.A. from Cal Poly Pomona University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was actively involved in the University Honors Program. It was in college that Ms. Donahoo's teaching adventure formally began, as she worked to design and teach a variety of theater classes for children in the local community.
Ms. Donahoo has extensive experience in private tutoring, having tutored in subjects ranging from primary reading to high school geometry. She has also developed and taught classes for several different summer drama camp programs. Prior to teaching at LePort, Ms. Donahoo worked as a teacher's aide at a private school in Laguna Niguel. In addition to the joy she receives from teaching and learning, Ms. Donahoo takes pleasure in reading, baking, playing games of all varieties, surfing, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Jillian Longley
Upper Elementary Literature & Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Longley graduated from Sonoma State University with a B.A in English and a minor in Psychology. She is a trained reading and language specialist, who has taught students with language-based learning disabilities for over five years using both the Lindamood Bell and Kumon methods.
Before joining LePort, Ms. Longley worked at the Logan School for Gifted and Talented Learning in Denver, Colorado, where she taught third and fourth grade. Ms. Longley is honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the incredible education that LePort imparts. In addition to teaching, Ms. Longley also has a passion for writing young adult fiction. She is a published author and is currently seeking representation for her second novel.
Naomi Benjamin
Upper Elementary Language Arts Teacher
Ms Benjamin graduated cum laude from the Honours College at College of Charleston with an A.B. in Classics and a B.A. in English. Writing and language have always been important to her, both in her own creative projects and in her professional experiences, such as her semester as a certified ‘Writing Lab’ tutor. She especially enjoys examining the way language is expressed through art and film. During her time at college, she spent six months studying abroad just outside of London, UK, an experience which saw her as a member of the university’s cross-country team and Chamber Choir (with which she sang on tour in Europe). Ms Benjamin has also always enjoyed interacting with children, especially during the four years she spent as a day-camp counsellor for 5-8 year olds. She hopes to instil in her pupils the same love for literature and language that have been a central part of her own life.
In her spare time, Ms Benjamin enjoys playing the piano, singing, running and working on her own creative writing projects.
Jesse McCarthy
Upper Elementary History Department Head
Mr. McCarthy received his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied psychology and political science.
Shortly after graduation in 2003, he began working in Administration at LePort Schools in Irvine (Lake), where he became familiar with the Montessori Method and realized just what heights were possible for the field of education, for every child’s cognitive and emotional development. He discovered that the love of learning present in the early years of life does not have to fade as children progress through their schooling. In fact, he came to believe that the opposite can and should occur: that the excited, natural love of learning—toddlers searching every corner of their new world for thrilling discoveries, young children asking “Why?” about everything in sight—should only get stronger and deeper throughout life, from age 1 to 100 and beyond!
Mr. McCarthy eventually joined LePort's elementary program in Mission Viejo, where he taught vocabulary and history, developing curriculum for both subjects. In 2008, he became the History Department Head, taking on the challenge of creating a comprehensive elementary and junior high history curriculum. In 2010, Mr. McCarthy stepped in as the Acting Head of School at our Mission Viejo campus, where he currently oversees operations as a whole while continuing to teach history and head the History Department.
“At LePort we’ve created a program, from 18 months to 8th grade, in which kids gain an incredible wealth of knowledge at each successive stage of development—and love every moment of the ascending journey. Each child is challenged at his individual ability level and joyously experiences each and every day. Whether in the Toddler room learning to button his bib, or on a Lower-Elementary nature walk identifying birds by their calls, or in 8th-grade math striving to master Pythagoras’ theorem—every moment counts at LePort, every new bit of knowledge and every step of growth is exciting. And that’s why students, parents, and teachers alike love their experience at LePort. That’s why every September when our kids return to their classes full of happiness, literally proclaiming, ‘I couldn’t wait to get back to school!’ I can honestly and earnestly reply: I couldn’t either!”
Matt Ballin
Upper Elementary History & Vocabulary Teacher
Mr. Ballin graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University, where he received his B.A. in philosophy and took courses in political science and the history of ideas. Planning to pursue a career in education, he also studied theories of learning and knowledge.
After learning about the innovative curriculum and individualized attention offered to students at LePort Schools, Mr. Ballin decided that it was, unquestionably, the setting for his future career. Since relocating from New Hampshire, he has enjoyed working with the staff and children at our Mission Viejo Campus and is proud to be a LePort teacher. Mr. Ballin is delighted by the opportunity to help students learn about the past and how it can help them live more fulfilling and enjoyable lives in the present. In his spare time, Mr. Ballin enjoys watching history documentaries and teacher movies, and enjoying the physical beauty and rich cultural life of Southern California.
Doug Peltz
Upper Elementary Science Department Head
Mr. Peltz received a B.A. in history from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), where he took courses in the sciences and the humanities, with a focus on the history of science. Mr. Peltz has had a lifelong passion for science. He is an amateur naturalist who takes great pleasure in getting outdoors to study flora, fauna, earth, and sky. Prior to joining LePort Schools, he taught in a Montessori-based environment at a private school in Illinois. Mr. Peltz loves working with kids, and relishes the opportunity to instill in them an enduring love of science, technology, and the natural world.
Mr. Peltz says of teaching at LePort Schools: "What first attracted me to teaching at LePort were the teachers and the students. Here are teachers who are driven, and whose driving purpose is to give their students the skills crucial to maturing into thinking, happy, successful adults. Here are students who are experiencing real enchantment with their education--it is, in my opinion, exactly what a school should be."
Sarah Jenevein
Upper Elementary Science & Geography Teacher
Ms. Jenevein graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California, where she studied philosophy and neuroscience. She comes from a family of doctors and has been interested in science from a very young age, when she used to follow her parents around the hospital.
Prior to joining LePort Schools, Ms. Jenevein worked with children in many capacities, from tutoring elementary and high school students, to training as a mediator for middle school, high school, and university students, to working at an academic summer camp for gifted students, assisting with the forensic science and neuroscience programs.
Ms. Jenevein knew she wanted to work for LePort from the moment she first observed Mr. Peltz’s science class! She strives every day to foster her students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and observational skills, and to impart to them the fundamental concepts necessary for scientific literacy.
Testimonials
LePort parents rave about our school!
Montessori Testimonials
Guide the student to see their full potential, and equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose.
"While my daughter has been enrolled at LePort, I have observed exponential development in her, both intellectually and socially. LePort Montessori provides her with a vibrant center of academic achievement, collective service and fun. The school presses for excellence with great teachers and the administration's responsiveness to parent concerns. By not asking how smart is the child but how is the child smart, LePort is able to guide the student to see their full potential, and equip them to pursue it with passion and purpose."
We owe our daughter's maturity, independence and intellect to the one-in-a-million teacher
"When our daughter turned 2, we needed to find a school for her. Living in Irvine, if you didn't have your child on a wait list at birth, you don't have any chance in attending a school in Irvine. We looked in OC Family and found LePort in Mission Viejo. It seemed like a commute, but after meeting the administration and facilities, we enrolled her that day. The administration is still as wonderful as the first day when we attended our tour. Our daughter attends the preschool class and loves going to school everyday. She can't wait to tell me about her day at school. Her teacher is everything the last parent's post mentions. She IS truly one-in-a-million. We really owe the growth in our daughter's maturity, independence and intellect to her. I would not hesitate in recommending the LePort to other parents."
Students can mature into independent and responsible individuals.
"My son started preschool at LePort, MV at 4. The AMI-certified teacher is not only extremely experienced, loving, and perceptive to each student's abilities and personality, she is attuned to the student's needs and develop his/her potential accordingly. When I asked my child what he did at school, he always said that he played all day long. As my son grew older, the teacher is able to individualize the curriculum to further challenge him. The staff and administration is organized and responsive. They are constantly implementing field trips and a variety of events. The school also offers different after-school classes like chess club, art classes, etc. Finally, the schools is focused on providing a good education so that the students can thrive and mature into independent and responsible individuals."
Elementary and Junior High Testimonials
Students think about what they learn. LePort teaches organization
"LePort Schools Mission Viejo campus is amazing! The environment is safe, warm, and caring. The staff is exceptionally trained, organized, excellent at communication, and deeply committed to providing the best education possible. Students are taught to think about what they learn--making all the difference in the world. The teachers take the time to review the student's work and everything (and I mean everything) is marked. No busy work is done here--and students learn quickly to finish what they start. Another great thing LePort teaches is organization--which was something that has tremendously helped my children at school, and has greatly benefited our family at home. Where else could an 11-year-old read Shakespeare--and love it? The tutoring they offer is great--truly targeting areas of need. The only problem I have with LePort is that they don't have a high school program...yet!"
Miracle. Dedicated teachers & small class rooms
"When we discovered Le Port, it truly felt like a miracle. Finally a place where not only could our son get excellent help in the areas he was struggling but also a school that would encourage and celebrate his areas of strength. We have been at Le Port for four years now and every year has been wonderful and what our son needed. Of all the exceptional things at Le Port, two stand out as critically important to our son's success. First the excellent faculty. These teachers are bright, warm and deeply insightful to the needs of their classes. Their passion for learning is contagious to the kids. Secondly the small classroom size allows a teacher student connection that allows kids to never get 'lost between the cracks' and to find their own strengths and soar."
From almost drop out – changed his outlook and life
"LePort has cherished my child, helping him to find his confidence and challenging his intellect. My son was close to dropping out of public school due to persecution and boredom. In the two wonderful years we've been at LePort, his outlook, his options, and his life have undergone an incredible turnaround. The team of staff and teachers at this school have the passion, and the TIME, to care for each individual child. I feel truly blessed that our family found LePort."
Great length on how to best teach each child
"I have a four year old and a ten year old at the LePort Mission Viejo campus. After extensive experience with other schools, I am confident that my kids are finally in the right educational home. The curriculum is incredibly thorough, exciting and challenging. My fourth grader is always expected to do her personal best, a first for her. I can't rave enough about the quality of the teachers. They are incredibly dedicated to meeting the needs of each child. My children have only been at LePort for four months, yet the teachers deeply understand their individual needs, learning styles and personalities. They go to great lengths to evaluate how to best teach each child. I wish more children could experience the level of learning the LePort students receive. Heck, my husband and I wish we could go too!"
Consistency – a fantastic system in place
"A good friend of ours who actually visited our school recommended LePort to us. We were trying to recruit this family to our school but instead she recruited us to LePort. I cannot say enough about the organizational & administration of this school. Consistency in everything they do is a major factor which they have mastered. The teachers are phenomenal in both education as well as relationship with kids. My son who absolutely hated history from the first day he was introduced to it, is now saying it's his favorite subject. I did not think this was possible as I hated this subject as well. Parent / teacher communication is outstanding. One low grade & you are informed by e-mail or a notice that must be signed otherwise the child will lose recess. They basically have figured it all out & have a fantastic system in place. Bravo!"
Read more independent parent reviews at www.greatschools.org
Campus Events
Upcoming Educational Events
Irvine Montessori Preschool Open House at the Lake Campus
Infant day care, toddler and Montessori preschool/kindergarten. Preschool open house held at the Irvine Lake campus. Irvine Spectrum campus staff will also be available to discuss our newest Irvine preschool campus, including the new child care option for infants!
Saturday, May 19th, 10 am – 1 pm
Irvine Lake Campus, 26 Lake Road, Irvine
Irvine, near Woodbridge shopping Center
Visit our Montessori preschool classrooms, and discover the playgrounds with your child. Meet Montessori preschool teachers and other LePort Montessori staff. Learn about the Montessori Method, as teachers explain how they make the magic happen in their preschool classrooms. Get your questions answered, and leave with a lot of food for thought as you research child care, preschool or elementary school programs for your child.
RSVP is requested, but not required.
Enroll
Welcome! We Are Eager To See You Join Our School!
Dear Family,
Thank you for your interest in LePort's Irvine Spectrum Campus. As LePort’s Vice President of Operations, I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our school.
We love to show parents and students how we teach Knowledge for Life at LePort: please do visit us. When you tour one of our campuses, we will spend time with you—to understand your goals for your child's education, to educate you about our program, and to explore whether LePort is a good fit for your child. We will show you our facilities, and let you take a peek into one or several classrooms. If you are interested, you are welcome to come back: we invite you to spend an hour or an entire day observing the type of classes your child or children would join.
If you are interested in learning more about our school, please make sure to contact us, either online or by calling me at (949) 544-1047. We are accepting waitlist placements now for the fall. If you think you might be interested in LePort for your child, I encourage you to apply soon, as our spaces are quite limited and interest is high. We will be filling the school on a first-come, first-served basis from our waitlist.
If your employer leases its offices in the Irvine Spectrum area from The Irvine Company, makes sure to complete your research by March or April, to take advantage of the exclusive priority enrollment period for Irvine Company tenants. Click here to learn more.
If you are ready to enroll your child, our enrollment process is simple: Start by visiting the school so that we can meet with you (and, for an elementary age student, bring him or her in for an orientation visit and assessment). Then submit your waitlist form with a $150 waitlist payment to secure your enrollment position. Once LePort schools collects and verifies all waitlist requests, and after we receive final approvals from the City of Irvine for the new school (expected in May), we will send out enrollment offers. You then have two weeks to return your completed enrollment application and pay the enrollment deposit.
We look forward to meeting you—and to welcoming your entire family to our school.
Monica LePort, Vice President of Operations
Click here for a detailed description of our application & enrollment process
Irvine Company Info
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. HR professionals: interested in securing priority enrollment opportunities for your employees? Contact Monica LePort at (714) 660-4136 and ask about corporate sponsorships for LePort Irvine Spectrum, exclusively available to tenants of The Irvine Company. Or click here to request more information online.
LePort Irvine Spectrum: An Amenity for Tenants of The Irvine Company
Are you working in the Irvine Spectrum area, at a company that leases its facilities from The Irvine Company? If so, you have an opportunity to receive priority enrollment for your child at LePort Irvine Spectrum.
Here's how:
- Register online, so we can send you information about the school, invite you to upcoming information sessions, and let you know about key enrollment deadlines.
- Attend an information session right in the Irvine Spectrum area. These information sessions are set up specifically for tenants of The Irvine Company, to answer your questions. For upcoming date, see the Campus Events page. On this page, you’ll also find information about other events, including open house events and
- Visit one of our other campuses, to see what the Irvine Spectrum school will look like when it is all built out and we have moved in.
- Elementary school. Please contact Susan Miscione, the Admissions Director at the Mission Viejo campus to set up a tour. You can reach her at (949) 544-1047. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to speak with the Head of School, Wendy Bana, get your questions answered by one of our lead educators, and observe in one or several classrooms.
- Preschool/Kindergarten. Please contact Susan Miscione, the Admissions Director at the Mission Viejo campus to set up a tour. You can reach her at (949) 544-1047. You can reach her at (714) 660-4136. She’ll arrange for you to tour at one of our Irvine preschools, so you can see the facilities and meet with one of the Head of Schools to get all your questions answered.
- For prospective elementary students, come in for an orientation and assessment. Before we enroll your child, we invite him to spend a half day or full day in his future class. During this day, your child will interact with peers and teachers, meet with the Head of School, and esp. for the higher grades, complete a written assessment.
- Complete a waitlist form. As a tenant of The Irvine Company, you have priority enrollment at LePort Schools Irvine Spectrum.
- Elementary school: March 31, 2012 deadline. To secure your child’s priority spot, we need to receive a waitlist form along with a $150 waitlist fee by March 31st, 2012.
- Infant – preschool: April 30th, 2012 deadline. To secure your child’s priority spot, we need to receive a waitlist form along with a $150 waitlist fee by March 31st, 2012.
- Complete an enrollment application & submit a one-month tuition deposit. Once LePort schools reviews all waitlist requests, and after we receive all necessary approvals from the City of Irvine for the new school (expected in May), we will send out enrollment offers. You then have two weeks to return your completed enrollment application and pay the enrollment deposit.
Still have questions? Call us at (949) 544-1047. Or click here to download FAQs about the Irvine Spectrum campus.
