Capistrano Unified Breaks Ground on New Rienda School

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The construction site for Rienda School in Rancho Mission Viejo, designed to accommodate 1,600 students

News Summary

The Capistrano Unified School District has commenced construction of Rienda School in Rancho Mission Viejo, set to serve 1,600 students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. This $78.5 million project, emphasizing STEAM education, aims to meet the educational needs of the growing population in South Orange County, with an anticipated opening in the fall of 2027. The new campus will feature innovative learning spaces and will complement a joint-use park, providing both educational and recreational opportunities for the community.

Rancho Mission Viejo, California – The Capistrano Unified School District has officially initiated construction on the new Rienda School, which is anticipated to accommodate up to 1,600 students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. This $78.5 million project is set to open its doors in the fall of 2027, addressing the increasing educational demands of the rapidly expanding population in South Orange County.

The nearly 15-acre campus will prioritize STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and is designed to foster a modern learning environment. Features of the new school include an innovation center equipped with a robotics lab, as well as areas specifically designated for performing arts and outdoor learning.

As the second campus in Rancho Mission Viejo, following the establishment of Esencia School in 2018, Rienda School will strategically position itself between Coyotes and Pablo Way, in the latest village development of Rienda. Capistrano Unified’s spokesperson has highlighted that classrooms will incorporate movable furniture to support flexible teaching methodologies aimed at enhancing student engagement.

The total project budget is funded through developer fees along with matching state dollars, demonstrating a collaborative approach to meeting educational needs. Additionally, a six-acre joint-use park will be constructed adjacent to the school, providing youth athletic fields, picnic areas, and walking trails, further enhancing the community’s recreational offerings.

The Rienda community, once fully developed, is projected to encompass approximately 14,000 homes, reflecting significant residential growth in the area. In response to an uptick in enrollment driven by this development, Capistrano Unified had previously added 400 temporary seats at Esencia TK-8 to accommodate students from the Rienda vicinity. With Esencia TK-8 expected to reach full capacity by the time Rienda School opens, the new facility is deemed essential for ensuring adequate educational spaces are available.

Similar to Esencia TK-8, Rienda School will continue the tradition of serving students who will ultimately transition to Tesoro High School. This strategic planning is crucial for maintaining continuity in education throughout the Capistrano Unified School District, which is the largest school district in Orange County, comprising over 47,000 students across 63 campuses.

This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in Capistrano Unified’s efforts to adapt to the growing population and changing educational needs in South Orange County. The emphasis on innovative teaching methods and the integration of technology in the new school aligns with contemporary educational goals, aiming to prepare students for future success in an increasingly dynamic world.