Why choose Fairmont Anaheim Hills?

In 1953, Kenneth Holt recognized that traditional education wasn’t meeting students’ needs, so he opened his Anaheim home for a summer program that put students in charge of their learning. By encouraging autonomy and deeper exploration, Holt sparked curiosity and real-world understanding.

The response was overwhelming - by September, his commitment to student-led learning had transformed into a vibrant school, where students experienced greater independence and meaningful growth since day one.

In 1955, Fairmont Historic Anaheim welcomed its first 65 students, spanning Kindergarten through Middle School. Kenneth Holt saw growing interest in Fairmont’s fresh approach and purchased the Carroll Estate on Mable Street, launching the school’s first campus.

The Holt family was all-in - Kenneth balanced roles from principal to janitor, Helen supported as secretary, nurse, and an accountant, and everyone pitched in. Together, they built a school where students felt supported, connected, and ready to thrive. From the start, Fairmont put students first, shaping a community where every learner could grow and succeed.

In 1979, David R. Jackson stepped in with big ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit. He expanded Fairmont’s reach, opening new campuses in Anaheim and North Tustin, and extending grade levels from Preschool all the way through Grade 12.

Mr. Jackson also launched a robust language program that saw a surge in international enrollments, creating a welcoming, inclusive and diverse school community. Students experienced more opportunities to connect, collaborate and thrive in a vibrant environment where every learner was supported to grow and succeed.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills opened as a Preschool–8 campus designed around connection, care, and high expectations. From the beginning, the school served families in North Orange County who were looking for strong academics in a warm, community-focused environment.

Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a welcoming campus culture quickly became hallmarks of the Anaheim Hills experience.

Anaheim Hills relocated to its current campus in the heart of Anaheim Hills, gaining larger classrooms, dedicated outdoor areas, and flexible spaces for collaboration. The move made room for expanded programs, more robust athletics and arts, and a stronger sense of community. 

Students benefited from an environment intentionally designed for curiosity, movement, and connection in a convenient North Orange County location.

In 1993, Fairmont Preparatory Academy opened its doors to high school students. Here, students set their own goals, excel with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and collaborate with teachers who know when to step in and when to let students shine.

Prep students drive discussions, own their progress, and push boundaries through hands-on projects and real-world challenges. With ninety percent of graduates heading to four-year colleges, students set the standard for achievement and future success. Every day, Prep Academy is where ambition meets opportunity, and students grow into confident leaders.

With the graduation of its first 8th grade class, Anaheim Hills offered a complete Preschool–8 pathway. Students were able to grow up on one campus with consistent expectations, strong relationships, and aligned academics. 

This continuity supported deeper learning, confident transitions between divisions, and thoughtful preparation for top high schools.

In 2020, Fairmont expanded into South Orange County, opening the San Juan Capistrano campus and giving local families a new choice for student-led learning. Jackson realized his vision by introducing Fairmont’s academically focused, secular approach to a region known for faith-based private schools.

The campus launched with a high school program, where students experienced small classes, individual attention, and the chance to take charge of their learning. Today, learners from Preschool through Grade 8 build strong academic foundations and creative skills, ready to excel at top local high schools. 

This was a transformative milestone for Fairmont schools as they became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.

As a member of ISP, Fairmont maintained its unique ethos while also reaping the rewards of being part of one of the world’s largest and most respected school groups.

These benefits included a variety of international learning opportunities for our students, such as cultural exchange programs, and global collaboration projects and competitions, which provide students with experiences and connections that span borders and cultures. The world just became our classroom.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills expanded Mandarin language learning across grade levels, joining Spanish in giving students a strong multilingual foundation. By increasing access to world languages, the school helped learners build communication skills, cultural understanding, and cognitive flexibility.

This investment in global learning aligned with ISP’s competencies and better prepared students to connect confidently beyond their local community.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills invested in active learning by adding a multi-use athletic court for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. With this new space, the school supported PE classes, after-school sports, and community events, giving students more ways to stay active and compete.

The court strengthened teamwork and Cougar pride and reflected the school’s commitment to balancing rigorous academics with physical wellness and character-building athletics.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills transformed its elementary outdoor spaces with a purpose-built playground that encouraged climbing, collaboration, and creative play. By redesigning recess, the school created more opportunities for students to practice social skills, build confidence, and recharge for learning.

The new playground showcased Anaheim Hills’ belief that play is essential to healthy development and academic success.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills deepened its STEM pathways by launching Middle School Design and FIRST Robotics. In these programs, the school invited students to prototype, code, test, and iterate as they tackled real-world challenges.

By weaving hands-on projects into the curriculum, Anaheim Hills helped learners build resilience, collaboration, and technical skills, while also giving them a clear window into future-focused fields.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills expanded its Performing Arts offering with Drama for grades 2–8, opening the door for more students to discover the joy of live performance.

Through acting, collaboration, and stagecraft, learners find their voice, express ideas, and build the confidence to thrive - in the classroom, on stage, and beyond.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills doubled its dedicated creative space by opening a bespoke visual arts studio, giving students room to explore new media, techniques, and modes of expression.

Purpose-built for creativity, the studio invites students to experiment, take risks, and develop confidence in their artistic voice - skills that carry into every aspect of school life.

The legacy of Anaheim Hills is not just in its accolades, but in its stories. It's a community where the student you drop off today becomes the teacher inspiring your grandchild tomorrow. Generations have trusted this campus, creating a cycle of excellence where alumni return, weaving tradition and innovation into the very fabric of every classroom.

Accreditation by WASC, recognition as Orange County Register – Best Private Day School, and membership in the National Association of Independent Schools reflect our commitment to the highest standards. Here, families find stability and a vibrant sense of belonging, while learners discover their place in a story of success that continues to unfold year after year.

Students at Fairmont Anaheim Hills thrive because they lead, explore, and create across Academics, Athletics, and the Arts - the Three A’s that shape every day here. 
From day one, students engage in an accelerated American curriculum that’s a full grade level ahead, driven by Fairmont

Standards that exceed California State Standards. They challenge themselves in every arena - academic, athletic, and artistic - and their results speak for themselves. With Math and Reading scores that surpass grade level, they consistently exceed state and national benchmarks.

With a balanced approach, students pursue all their passions - without compromise. Every day, students step up, own their progress, and build the confidence to lead, innovate, and achieve - ready to shape their future in a supportive, student-led environment.

Across STAR and CTP Reading and Math assessments, 82% of Anaheim Hills students scored at or above the national average, demonstrating strong core skills and consistent achievement.

Teachers use multiple measures - including standardized assessments, classroom performance, and writing benchmarks - to understand each student’s learning profile and adjust instruction. This data-informed approach supports both high-achieving students and those building foundational skills, ensuring every child is challenged, supported, and prepared for increasingly advanced coursework.

Anaheim Hills students participate in a range of prestigious academic competitions that showcase their skills on regional and national stages. In math, the campus has earned AMC 8 School Merit Roll recognition for the second year in a row, with one student placed in the top 1% nationally on the AMC 8 exam. Students have also earned silver and gold pins in MOEMS® (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools), highlighting strong performance in non-routine problem-solving.

Students compete in Science Olympiad and MATHCOUNTS, gaining experience with complex, real-world STEM challenges and collaborative team problem-solving. Through the Fairmont Speech & Debate program, Anaheim Hills debaters regularly earn top speaker, top team, and top school awards at Orange County Debate League tournaments, with many students progressing to high levels of state and national rankings.

At our private school in Anaheim, California, students grow as confident performers and visual artists through a clear arts pathway from Preschool to Grade 8. They explore music, drama, dance, musical theatre, and visual art in joyful, age-appropriate ways, so creative expression feels natural.

In the early years, students sing, move, and play with rhythm while experimenting with line, colour, and shape. As they move into upper grades, they deepen vocal and instrumental skills, learn harmonies, and refine drawing, painting, and mixed-media techniques with specialist educators.

Through drama and musical theatre, students explore character and storytelling, culminating in the annual Spring Musical. In the art studio, they work across media, take creative risks, and take pride in craftsmanship. Performances, community events, and juried art exhibitions show them that the arts are a powerful way to connect and communicate with others.

At Fairmont Anaheim Hills, life skills are woven into every lesson and experience. Inspired by ISP’s Learning.First™ approach, we focus on each student’s growth - helping them build confidence, independence, and resilience.

Students are encouraged to question, reflect, and lead, supported by teachers who know when to guide and when to let them take charge. Across all grades, learners track progress through differentiated lessons, MAP testing, and regular benchmarks, receiving personalized, data-driven support in math, reading, and core subjects.

Through academics, arts, athletics, and community life, students develop the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive as global citizens - ready for success in school and beyond.

Fairmont Private School in Orange County is where students grow curious and confident in a truly international community. More than 20 nationalities are represented on campus, so students hear different languages, stories, and perspectives every day - and learn that their own voice matters too.

From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, Spanish and Mandarin are part of the regular timetable, not an after‑school extra. Students build listening, speaking, and reading skills step by step, connecting language to real cultures, celebrations, and daily life. By the end of Grade 8, they complete the equivalent of a High School Level 1 course in Spanish or Mandarin, so many move straight into Level 2 and work toward advanced or AP study.

Along the way, students build memory, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility while gaining the confidence to connect, collaborate, and form friendships across cultures.

At Fairmont Anaheim Hills, STEM is emphasized from Preschool, with dedicated labs and project-based learning preparing students for AP and High School success. Collaborative STEAM projects are woven into every grade, bridging technology and the arts while nurturing creativity and critical thinking.

Our partnership with Apple Educators and First Robotics fuels innovation, while iPads, Chromebooks and Google for Education empower students to explore, connect and create. They don’t just learn about technology - they use it to shape ideas, solve problems and lead in a connected world.

Fairmont Anaheim Hills provides a vibrant campus designed to spark curiosity, collaboration and joy. As the largest campus, with more than 650 students, learners thrive in inspiring spaces like science labs, the computer and robotics lab, art studio, and library - each one fostering exploration and innovation.

Beyond the classroom, the athletic courts and open areas encourage movement, teamwork, and creativity, creating a balanced environment for both academic and personal growth. The campus is nestled in the heart of the family-oriented Anaheim Hills neighborhood, surrounded by parks, scenic trails and outstanding local amenities.

With safety, community, and connection at its core, Fairmont Anaheim Hills offers a welcoming environment where students learn confidently, explore boldly and grow into compassionate, capable leaders.

Students lead with confidence at Fairmont Anaheim Hills. From Elementary, they step up in student council, and campus ambassador programs - driving projects, inspiring peers, and making real impact.

Students build character in the classroom and beyond. Starting from Middle School, they take charge in leading assemblies, spearheading service projects and shaping the school community through student government and the National Junior Honor Society.

Students step up and shine at Anaheim Hills - excelling in robotics, speech & debate, and regional competitions. They discover passions in clubs, performing arts, sports, and athletics, building teamwork and resilience every day. But learning doesn’t stop there.

Learning extends beyond the classroom as students participate in real-world journeys, from Catalina Island marine labs to the state capital and Washington D.C. Each experience connects classroom knowledge to hands-on exploration, sparking curiosity and independence.

At Fairmont Private School in Anaheim Hills Campus, every student receives individualized support. Programs include family and mental health counseling, personalized academic assistance, and English language support for international learners.

SEL-trained teachers guide students socially and emotionally, while on-site Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and counselors are always available. Flex Period gives students time to focus on homework, tutoring, connecting with counselors, or recharging.

Through ASSIST and International ASSIST, students receive one-on-one or small-group instruction for up to three hours weekly. Regular assessments ensure every learner is placed where they can grow most efficiently, building confidence, fluency, and a sense of belonging.

From Grade 5 onwards, international students immerse in American culture through Fairmont’s Homestay Program, living with carefully screened host families who offer real support and guidance every step of the way.

Students enjoy a private bedroom with a dresser, desk and closet, plus access to a shared bathroom and high-speed internet. They connect with host families over meals, join in special activities and build lasting friendships.

Our dedicated team is available 24/7, and every host family completes thorough training and background checks. Students grow their confidence, independence and English skills while forming real bonds and making the most of school life. It’s a safe, welcoming environment where students thrive and feel at home.

In Middle School, students start shaping their future by building a curriculum of core and elective subjects that match their interests and ambitions. They meet with Prep counselors early to create personalized Four-Year Plans, guiding their final years of study and helping them set clear goals.

95% of students transition smoothly from Middle School to High School, with many continuing at Fairmont Prep Academy. Our students consistently earn spots at leading US colleges - including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, UCLA, USC, NYU, The University of Chicago, Penn, Duke, Vanderbilt, Cornell and Claremont McKenna College.

Students drive their own progress, supported by expert counselors and a student-led environment that grows curiosity and builds confidence.

ISP schools are a shared ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic and personalized learning journey, guided by the transformative Learning.First™ approach, unique only to the ISP family of schools. They learn through 5 pillars enriched by worldwide collaborations, solving real-world problems with peers across continents.

This powerful combination of academic achievement, multilingual learning and international opportunities creates unparalleled future pathways, preparing students for top universities and global careers.