We use a curated curriculum that brings innovative and engaging learning to our students and integrates spiritual knowledge. The doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-saints are integrated through the concept of Restoration Education -all things come from God, and all knowledge is based around Him and His revealed truths. We include works from LDS and Christian authors, including Providence and Patriots, My Roots of Knowledge Series, Line Upon Line Grammar Series, A Believing People, Threads of Liberty, and Wise Men Raised Up.

We follow the guidelines to the point that we are required to teach certain classes for our students to graduate accredited.

Liahona follows the guidance of Elder Holland by taking a “distinctly LDS approach to education,” which we call Restoration Education. Scriptures may be used in class to show that God’s prophesies were fulfilled in history class or as an example of rhetoric in an English class. We pray often, and invite the Spirit to be a part of classes to help us learn the purpose of the “secular” subjects. Restoration Education demonstrates how academics and restored knowledge are combined to increase student learning and understanding as they become relevant to their purposes here on earth.

The new location has not been determined yet, but the campus will likely be in the Mission Viejo/San Juan Capistrano area.

Our campus size will be dependent on enrollments, but we will always maintain our small class sizes.

No. Liahona will be registered as a private learning center. Though this puts some limitations on us, it allows us more flexibility regarding mandates guiding private schools. Because we allow for flexibility, we do not adhere to California’s compulsory attendance laws. You will need to declare your own “private school” at home by completing the private school affidavit through the California Department of Education. You will be able to supplement your child’s learning experience at Liahona with additional learning at home through Liahona’s at-home program with no additional charge.

Through years of research and experience, we have learned that students learn quickly and effectively when students meet with other students close to their age but not limited to their grades. For example, Kindergarten and first graders could meet together in one room with second and third in another.

Although we cap our elementary classes at 20 students, we average about 12-15 kids per classroom. Jr. High classes may have students into the 20s.

In elementary, the teacher-to-student ratio is about 1:7. In Jr. High, it is around 1:12.

We will not be offering high-school courses at the learning center in the 2022-2023 school year though we hope to be able to add classes once the demand is high enough and would offer full accreditation through our campus in Utah.

Pre-K/Kindergarten: $7,020 or $585 a month for 12 months

Grades 1-8: $8,580 or $715 a month for 12 months

Because of the small class sizes and how we teach, Liahona is a natural fit for students with learning disabilities. With that being said, we do not have a separate special needs program (i.e., separate special needs classes).

We do not use uniforms at Liahona. We do, however, enforce a business casual dress code. We think dress is an important way for children to express themselves, and we want to lean into and celebrate each unique student.

Liahona Preparatory Academy offers many student group activities each year, including a week-long youth conference each October in Utah, an international Super Service Trip in the summer, and monthly activities for on-campus students. Additionally, Liahona offers a Disney Break trip each February to a different Disney location around the world. Liahona invites all high school students to attend Prom and graduation in the spring. Liahona in Utah boasts a nationally award-winning theatre department that travels to compete 2-3 times a year. California students would be able to participate in the program.

No! Liahoana will be a safe environment for students of any faith.

Following the twelfth article of faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints— we believe in being subject to our leaders through obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We also affirm that families have the right to make their own decisions regarding their children’s health. We will always respect the parents’ right to manage their children’s health. As a private learning center, we are not required to enforce California’s mandates. At the same time, our Utah base still allows full accreditation through campus hours.

We will have five total classrooms where students will be grouped accordingly: Preschool and kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade, and two classrooms for 5th-8th grade. Parents will have the option to allow their children to participate in daily chaperoned recess trips to the local park, located a half-block from the center, or choose for their students to stay in the facility or in outside accommodating areas during their breaks.

Our students thrive when learning with students close in age but not limited to the curriculum dictated by their grades. Younger students are exposed to challenging curricula that allow for an accelerated rate of learning in areas that fit their natural aptitudes; older students benefit from the reinforced curriculum in areas they need additional instruction while simultaneously building mentorship skills interacting with younger students. Our small classroom sizes also allow staff members to give students individualized attention to ensure strong secular, emotional, and spiritual development.

The Liahona school year will begin September 6th and end May 25th. Our classes are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Core to our principles, we allow for flexibility so parents can enrich their student’s education with their own home teaching or specialized programs.

The location is central to those who have already committed to joining our California community. The facility will also allow us to adapt the space to fit the needs of the programs we will offer. 

We have signed a two-year lease, but as our community grows, we will adapt to accommodate our students’ needs by increasing our capacity, programs, staff, and specialties. This may include adjusting our space or finding new/additional facilities.

We will be offering both half-day and full-day pre-school options. Half-day schedules will run 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, and full-day schedules will run 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM.