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Dear Teachers, Parents and Administrators,

Thank you for choosing Mission San Juan Capistrano as a favored field trip destination for you and your students. Each year, thousands of 4th grade students visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, and we are hoping yours will join us this new school year.  

The Mission’s education program is proudly called: “Remember the Builders: Mission San Juan Capistrano Student Education Program.” This name reflects our committed focus on sharing the many facets of history and ensures that we are celebrating the contributions of our builders. We are always proud that our education programs continue to meet, or exceed, the State of California’s curriculum standards for learning about history, social sciences, and some science.

With the name and our effort, we are proud to offer our self-guided tour experience designed just for students. The tour, entitled, “If These Walls Could Talk” was designed especially for California students working on their Mission studies. The audio tour takes learners to 23 stops to learn about the varied 250-year-old history of the Mission hearing from the “Grandmotherly Mission Wall” who introduces the listeners to indigenous builders, soldiers, padres, and more. We believe the students will truly enjoy this special learning experience and learn more about the multiple facets of history and the contributions of many. Surveys from last year’s teacher and students are overwhelmingly positive about our self-guided student audio tour. 

To further facilitate learning, we are extremely proud to announce Mission San Juan Capistrano will offer free funding for up to 300 students per day in most months of the school year as funding allows. This funding opportunity has been underwritten by grants and donations from generous donors from all backgrounds. As a result, everyday more students will be able to enjoy our audio tour and experience our Mission Matters adobe brick making class at no expense. This combined experience is valued at $19 per student. We are pleased to share there are no fee or price increases this year.

Every student receives our special commemorative bracelet that reads “Remember the Builders” so they can take home a memento to remember their field trip. Finally, any teacher that books their school or class for a field trip to the Mission also receives access to our FREE bonus video library, an extended classroom learning experience ($150 Value).

In school year 2025-2026 Mission San Juan Capistrano will celebrate its 250^th Anniversary. Planning a field trip here during such a key milestone is also a milestone.  We hope we will be welcoming your students back to Mission San Juan Capistrano in 2025-2026 to Remember the Builders so they can gain greater respect and appreciation for the past. We are grateful to teachers for the outstanding work they do to educate our youth. The Mission team is proud to support your efforts. Thank you for choosing Mission San Juan Capistrano as your field trip destination. You are the magic that brings learning to life. 

Sincerely,

Mechelle Lawrence-Adams
Executive Director

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Content Standards

Mission San Juan Capistrano provides students with the highest quality, standards-based field trip experience. All our learning programs support the California History-Social Science Content Standards and Framework (CA HSS). In addition to this, many of our education programs also align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). While educational experiences are geared toward 3rd and 4th grades, they can be adjusted for any grade level. To learn more about our standards-based field trips please look at the chart below:

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OC Superintendent of Schools Endorses Mission Programming

“With its rare artifacts and treasures, Mission San Juan Capistrano serves as a connection to Orange County’s historic past and a symbol of its enduring and multicultural character. Year after year, this venerable landmark presents our students with rich educational experiences and memories that will last throughout their lives.”

Al Mija​res, Ph.D.
Orange County Superintendent of Schools​

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Educational Staff

KENDRA FLUHR Group Bookings Manager
Phone: (949) 234-1306
Email: kfluhr@missionsjc.com

JANE TACKETT Group Bookings Coordinator and Educational Outreach
Phone: (949) 234-1358
Email: jtackett@missionsjc.com

GUEST SERVICES Gate House and Field Staff, Education Assistants
Our friendly and knowledgable staff help facilitate a positive field trip experience, welcome students and review safety expectations.  They will be available to help you find your way around the Mission, and have an inspired learning experience. Our staff is committed to ensuring an excellent guest experience through service, stewardship and safety.

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