Why choose us

n 1953, Kenneth Holt recognized the limits of traditional schooling and decided to take action. He launched a summer program at his Anaheim home, giving students more freedom, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences.

The response was overwhelming. By September, Holt’s passion had grown into a thriving school.

Word spread quickly about Fairmont’s fresh approach to education. Kenneth Holt acted fast, purchasing the Carroll Estate on Mable Street and launching Fairmont’s first campus, dedicated to 65 students from Kindergarten through Middle School.

The Holts were fully hands-on - Kenneth wore every hat from principal to janitor, while Helen served as secretary, nurse, and accountant. The whole family pitched in, building a nurturing community where student success always came first.

In 1979, David R. Jackson, Kenneth Hold's son, brought bold ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit to Fairmont. He expanded the school with new campuses in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, and North Tustin, extending programs from Preschool through Grade 12.

At the same time, he launched a dynamic language program, attracting international students and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse school community.

Fairmont Preparatory Academy opened its doors in 1993, welcoming high school students in Grades 9–12 to a campus designed for academic excellence and ambition. Here, students take the lead in their learning, selecting from a wide array of AP and IB courses, engaging in hands-on projects, and collaborating with expert teachers who know when to challenge and when to support them.

Prep students don’t just study, they drive discussions, set goals, and take ownership of their progress. With 95% of graduates going on to four-year colleges, Fairmont Prep sets the standard for achievement and future success.

Mr. Jackson realized his vision for South Orange County by bringing Fairmont’s rigorous, secular academic model to San Juan Capistrano.

Today, the campus serves students from Preschool through Grade 8, fostering strong academic foundations, creativity, and confidence to excel at top local high schools.

Fairmont San Juan Capistrano received its initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - a strong endorsement of the school’s academic quality and commitment to continuous improvement.

Fairmont SJC launched the Fairmont Athletic Academy, an innovative program providing elite-level training for Middle School student-athletes during the regular school day. The Academy combines top-tier coaching, sport-specific training, and academic rigor to prepare students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

In just its second year of operation, Fairmont San Juan Capistrano was named a finalist for Business of the Year in San Juan Capistrano - recognition of its growing reputation for educational excellence and community engagement.

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.

The year marked several milestones for Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, including the induction of its first middle schoolers into the National Junior Honor Society, state and national recognition in STEM competitions, and a transformative student exchange in Costa Rica through the ISP ILOS program - all reflecting the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and global learning.

Fairmont San Juan Capistrano continued to shine, fielding a “Distinguished Team” at the Modified Parliamentary Debate National Championship, while also taking top honors at both the Holiday Tournament and Spring Classic.

These accomplishments showcase Fairmont’s dedication to cultivating articulate, confident, and globally aware student leaders.

Since opening its doors in 2020, Fairmont San Juan Capistrano campus has quickly become a destination for families seeking strong academics, elite athletics, and a close-knit community where every student is known, valued, and loved.

Here, joyful learning thrives under the guidance of exceptional teachers and caring administrators who see each child’s potential and nurture it with purpose. Students are challenged to think deeply, act compassionately, and pursue their passions - whether in the classroom or on the playing field.

Fairmont San Juan Capistrano upholds the highest standards of global education while maintaining the personal warmth of a small, connected community. It’s a place where excellence isn’t just achieved - it’s lived every day.

At our private Middle School in Orange County, students in Fairmont San Juan Capistrano’s Athletic Academy balance rigorous academics with elite athletic training. They strengthen sport-specific skills during the school day, developing speed, agility, and resilience while working with top-tier coaches.

Students train in tennis, volleyball, soccer, football, basketball, hockey, baseball, swimming, diving, and more while keeping up with a challenging academic curriculum.

By integrating academics and athletics, students grow as both learners and athletes, mastering discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in a program designed exclusively for Middle School athletes. 

Students at our school in Orange County thrive in a close-knit community where they are known, valued, and supported. They build meaningful friendships, collaborate with caring peers, and engage with teachers and staff who maintain open, personal relationships with families.

Students feel a genuine sense of belonging, participating in a warm, welcoming environment where communication is direct and everyone shares common values. Here, students grow academically, socially, and personally, knowing they are part of something meaningful.

Teachers trained in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) challenge and support students, while on-campus Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mental health counselor are available to listen and provide guidance.

International students can fast-track English fluency through personalized instruction from the International Foundation Center, building skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

Academically, students are supported through the ASSIST program, receiving one-on-one and small-group instruction from dedicated specialist teachers for up to three hours each week. Regular assessments ensure every student is placed where they can make the fastest progress.

Through Fairmont Schools’ Homestay Program, international students from Grade 5 onwards are paired with supportive, pre-screened, and thoroughly trained American host families - or they may choose our externally provided boarding option.

Students enjoy a private bedroom with a dresser, desk, and closet, access to a shared bathroom, and high-speed internet. Shared meals foster meaningful connections, and special events help students fully integrate into school life and make the most of their experience.

Once students enter Middle School, they begin actively exploring their future pathways, building a curriculum of core and elective courses that align with their goals.

Most students choose to continue at Fairmont Prep Academy for their High School studies, meeting with Prep counselors early to develop personalized Four-Year Plans that guide their final years of schooling.

ISP schools are a collaborative ecosystem of innovation and ambition. Students embark on a dynamic, personalized learning journey guided by the transformative Learning.First™ approach, exclusive to the ISP family of schools. They engage with five pillars of learning, enriched through global collaborations, tackling real-world challenges alongside peers from around the world.

This unique combination of academic excellence, multilingual education, and international experiences opens extraordinary future opportunities, preparing students for top universities and successful global careers.