Discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics integration transforms young learners in Orange County.

Serving

Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel & Laguna Hills

2025-26 Enrollment Open

As 

Aliso Viejo 

and 

Laguna Niguel 

families research preschool options for 2025-26 enrollment, many parents wonder: What’s the difference between traditional preschool programs and STEAM-focused early education? At Academy on the Hills, we’ve seen firsthand how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics integration transforms young learners in ways that prepare them not just for kindergarten, but for a lifetime of innovative thinking.

Located in the heart of Orange County, we’ve been pioneering early childhood STEAM education while maintaining the nurturing, play-based approach that young children need to thrive.

What Makes STEAM Different from Traditional Preschool

Traditional Preschool Approach

• Subject-based learning in isolation
• Teacher-directed activities
• Focus on academic readiness skills
• Limited hands-on exploration

STEAM at Academy on the Hills

• Integrated, project-based learning
• Child-led inquiry and discovery
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Extensive hands-on experimentation

Age-Appropriate STEAM Activities at Academy on the Hills :

• Science Exploration: Nature walks, simple experiments, weather observation
• Engineering Challenges: Building with blocks, creating structures, problem-solving, coding with robots, and hands on experience with dynamic virtual learning
• Arts Integration: Creative expression, design thinking, visual representation

Real-World Problem Solving Skills

At Academy on the Hills, we believe that even our youngest learners can tackle meaningful challenges. Our Aliso Viejo families consistently report seeing their children apply problem-solving skills at home in unexpected ways.

The Bridge Building Challenge

Our 4-year-olds recently tackled the challenge of helping our classroom robot, “Dash”, cross a “river” (blue paper). Using various materials, they tested different bridge designs, learning about stability, weight distribution, and engineering principles as well as coding and remote control of classroom robotics.

Garden Growth Project

Students observed plant growth under different conditions, documenting changes and hypothesizing about optimal growing conditions. This project integrated science, math (measuring growth), and art (botanical drawings).

Skills Developed Through STEAM Projects :

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Observation and data collection
• Communication and presentation
• Iterative thinking and improvement

Creative Arts Integration : The “A” in STEAM

Unlike other Orange County preschools that treat arts as a separate subject, Academy on the Hills integrates creative expression into every learning experience. This approach helps Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo children develop both analytical and creative thinking skills simultaneously.

• Science + Art: Children create scientific drawings of their observations, design experiment displays, and use art to communicate scientific concepts.
• Math + Art: Pattern creation, geometric art projects, and visual representations of mathematical concepts make abstract ideas concrete.
• Engineering + Art: Design thinking processes where children sketch their ideas before building and create aesthetically pleasing solutions to engineering challenges.

Monthly Theme Integration Example : “Community Helpers”

STEAM Activities :

• Build a fire station (Engineering)
• Measure rescue ladders (Math)
• Study fire safety science (Science)
• Use technology tools to research (Technology)

Arts Integration :

• Design firefighter badges and uniforms
• Create thank-you cards for local heroes
• Dramatic play and storytelling
• Community helper songs and performances

Technology in Age-Appropriate Ways

What We DON’T Do :

• Excessive screen time or passive consumption
• Age-inappropriate software or apps
• Technology as entertainment or babysitting
• Isolated individual computer time

Our Approach to Technology :

• Hands-on exploration with simple machines
• Coding concepts through movement and games
• Digital cameras for documentation
• Collaborative technology problem-solving

Preparing for Elementary School Technology

As children transition to Capistrano Unified School District elementary schools, they’ll encounter more formal technology requirements. Our program bridges this gap by building technological literacy through:

• Basic computer navigation skills
• Research and information gathering
• Understanding cause and effect relationships
• Sequential thinking and basic programming logic

What Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel Families Say

“My daughter started at Academy on the Hills as a shy 3-year-old. The STEAM approach helped her find her voice through hands-on projects. Now she’s designing and building things at home, asking ‘why’ and ‘how’ about everything. Her kindergarten teacher at Wood Canyon Elementary said she’s never seen such strong problem-solving skills in a 5-year-old.”

Sarah M. – Aliso Viejo Parent

“What impressed us most was how the teachers integrated everything. During their space unit, our son wasn’t just learning about planets – he was measuring distances, creating rocket ships, painting solar systems, and even ‘coding’ a path to Mars using floor tiles. It’s learning that sticks because it’s meaningful and fun.”

Mike & Jennifer T. – Laguna Niguel Parents

“We chose Academy on the Hills over other Laguna Hills preschools specifically for their STEAM program. Our twins are now in first grade and consistently score above grade level in both math and reading. More importantly, they approach challenges with confidence and creativity.”

Lisa and David R. – Laguna Hills Parents

“The monthly themes are incredible. Last month’s ‘Community Helpers’ theme had our daughter interviewing our neighbor who’s a nurse, building a hospital with blocks, and calculating how many band-aids the ‘patients’ needed. It’s real-world learning that prepares them for life, not just school.”

Amanda K. – Aliso Viejo Parent

Why Academy on the Hills Stands Out in Orange County

• Proven Academic Results: 95% of our graduates exceed kindergarten readiness benchmarks in both CUSD and surrounding districts.
• Nurturing Environment: Small class sizes and individualized attention ensure every child feels valued and supported.
• Convenient Location: Easily accessible from Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Hills with flexible scheduling options.

What Sets Us Apart from Other Orange County Preschools :

• Comprehensive STEAM integration across all subjects and activities
• Monthly thematic learning that connects concepts meaningfully
• Outdoor science programs and nature-based learning
• Dual-language opportunities for cognitive development
• Enrichment programs included at no additional cost
• Kindergarten transition support for elementary school success

Ready to Experience the Academy on the Hills Difference?

Join the growing number of Aliso Viejo, 

Laguna Niguel

, and 

Laguna Hills 

families who have chosen innovative STEAM education for their children.

• Schedule a Campus Tour
• Speak with Our Director
• 2025-26 Enrollment Open
• Call Today
• Email Us