Strong Partnership with Parents
We maintain open, consistent communication with guardians through regular updates and progress insights—so families feel informed, supported, and involved.
Our Approach to Learning
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Personalize learning to meet each child’s needs
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Keep students engaged through hands-on, meaningful activities
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Teach clearly and intentionally for strong understanding
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Make learning joyful, effective, and confidence-building
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Partner closely with families for consistent support
All Your Child’s Needs — One Trusted Place
Beyond Alphabets offers a wide range of programs designed to support busy families and diverse learners:
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Fine Art & Pottery Classes
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Spanish & French Language and Cultural Enrichment
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Afterschool Care with Transportation
All programs are designed to keep children actively engaged through hands-on learning, creativity, and meaningful experiences.
School Pick-Up, Enrichment & Academic Support — All in One Place
Beyond Alphabets offers after-school pick-up from local Saddleback Valley schools and nearby schools, based on route availability. Families can save time and reduce busy afternoon driving while children enjoy homework support, creative activities, hands-on enrichment, and a safe place to relax and connect with friends.
With multiple programs in one convenient location, children can receive academic support, enrichment, and care all in one place.
Homeschool Charter Funds & Subsidy Programs Accepted
Beyond Alphabets is:
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Approved by homeschool charter schools
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A participating provider for Children’s Home Society and the Orange County Regional Center.
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A vendor with the Orange County Department of Education subsidy program
We work closely with families to make high-quality education and enrichment accessible and flexible for our diverse community.
Where Learning Builds Confidence
Beyond Alphabets is more than a learning center—it’s a community where children feel confident, inspired, and excited to learn, and where families feel supported every step of the way.
Mission Viejo’s After-School & Homeschool Enrichment Academy
Where Children Receive Academic Support, Creative Enrichment, and Real Personal Attention
At Beyond Alphabets, our experienced and caring educators make learning accessible, meaningful, and fun. We are a one-of-a-kind California learning center dedicated to nurturing curiosity and confidence by combining:
Strong Academics • Creative Expression • Hands-On Learning
Every child is supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
Why Local Families Trust Beyond Alphabets
Small group settings, targeted one-on-one support, and individualized learning approaches ensure each child receives the attention they need to thrive academically and socially.
Structured Academic Leadership with a Nurturing Approach
Our teachers bring years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Through hands-on, immersive instruction, they turn learning into an engaging experience that builds confidence and skills.
Mrs. Rad
Founder & Educator of
Beyond Alphabets
I founded Beyond Alphabets to provide Mission Viejo families with structured academic support, creative enrichment, and a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow with confidence. Our center was intentionally designed to combine strong academic foundations with hands-on learning—offering after-school programs with school pick-up, homeschool enrichment, tutoring, and seasonal camps all in one trusted location.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Art with a concentration in Painting and Ceramics, along with formal education in Early Childhood Education. I am a permitted teacher and CPR and First Aid certified, with years of experience teaching core academic subjects and art in elementary and mixed-age classrooms.
In addition to my classroom experience, I have worked extensively with students who have diverse learning needs, including children with dyslexia and other learning differences. I use structured, multisensory reading strategies and art-based engagement techniques to help students strengthen foundational skills while building confidence and motivation. My approach focuses on meeting each child at their individual level—providing intentional instruction, patience, and consistent support.
As both an educator and a parent, I understand the importance of strong communication, individualized attention, and an environment where children feel supported and challenged. At Beyond Alphabets, we emphasize small-group instruction, academic structure, creative exploration, and whole-child development—helping students build independence, resilience, and long-term academic success.
I measure success by the growth, confidence, and progress of every student we serve. My commitment is to ensure that each child who walks through our doors feels capable, inspired, and prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Jenna Darey
Jenna is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) who is dedicated to helping children build the communication skills they need to grow and succeed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University.
Jenna is the owner of TwoLips Therapy, a private speech therapy practice serving children of all ages with a wide range of communication needs. She has experience evaluating and treating speech, language, and social communication disorders. She creates individualized and engaging therapy plans that support each child’s unique strengths and goals.
Jenna values close partnerships with families and collaboration with educators. She is excited to join the Beyond Alphabets community and looks forward to helping children strengthen their communication skills in a fun, supportive, and nurturing environment.
Giselle Aldana
Giselle Aldana is an experienced certified Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP) who is passionate about helping clients focus on progress over perfection while building meaningful communication skills. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from California State University, Fullerton, and her master’s degree from Emerson College.
Giselle has more than 10 years of experience working with early childhood, school-age, and adult populations. She also specializes in teletherapy and provides accessible, high-quality services to clients with a wide range of communication needs.
She is passionate about empowering families with practical strategies and helpful knowledge that support progress beyond therapy sessions. Giselle is excited to join the Beyond Alphabets community and help create an inclusive, supportive, and neurodiversity-affirming environment.
Mrs. Erika Ruano
Core and SpanishTeacher
Mrs. Erika brings more than eight years of homeschooling and educational experience, beginning with her commitment to creating a learning environment that supported her son’s individual needs. This journey inspired her passion for personalized education and strengthened her belief that every child deserves the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities needed to succeed.
She has experience teaching and supporting students from preschool through eighth grade. Her background includes planning engaging lessons, assisting credentialed teachers, participating in educational training, and helping students build skills in core subjects such as English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies. She adapts instruction to each student’s academic level, learning style, developmental needs, and personal strengths.
Mrs. Erika creates student-centered learning experiences that support academic growth, confidence, independence, and a positive attitude toward learning. She values hands-on activities, clear instruction, creativity, and a warm classroom environment where every child feels supported.
She also stays active in her community by volunteering in children’s karate, softball, baseball, music, and art programs. Outside the classroom, she enjoys fitness, Pilates, art, and reading. Mrs. Erika is committed to making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children and families she supports.
Ms. Aurore Stalder
French Teacher
Aurore Stadler was born and raised with the French language and culture, Aurore is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor's in French (and Dance). She previously earned the International Baccalaureate Diploma, passing both French and English in the Higher Level Exams, and also obtained a 5 for both the French and Spanish AP Exams. Aurore has experience teaching French to a diverse range of ages, from elementary students to adults. Her teaching philosophy centers around creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and taking risks. Aurore's goal is to build her lessons in a challenging and fun environment, guiding students in acquiring, retaining, and applying knowledge in ways that resonate with their goals and inspire curiosity. She prioritizes explaining the "why" behind learning to foster engagement, deeper understanding, and practical application. In addition, Aurore is also a dance teacher, specializing in bringing the grace and artistry of ballet to students of all ages, and a professional dancer and choreographer. Aurore's unique blend of expertise allows her not only to equip her students with tools for success but also to inspire them to continue learning with curiosity and confidence.
Miss. Karen Rojas
Spanish Teacher
Miss Karen Rojas is a native speaker and a dedicated Spanish educator who creates a warm, engaging learning environment where students feel confident and excited to participate. She teaches through songs, interactive games, and meaningful hands-on projects that make language learning natural and enjoyable.
Karen’s goal is to build confidence, curiosity, and practical language skills while introducing students to the richness of Spanish-speaking cultures. She believes children learn best when they are actively involved and supported in a positive classroom setting.
She has experience working with students from kindergarten through high school, with a strong focus on differentiated instruction, classroom structure, and measurable growth in language and literacy development.
Karen completed her studies in child development and pedagogy in Mexico and received additional training in educational guidance. Her background prepares her to support assessment, individualized learning plans, and student growth at every level.
At Beyond Alphabets, Karen helps students develop strong academic foundations while building confidence and a love for learning Spanish.
Hours of Operation
🕓 Monday - Friday
8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Holidays
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Labor Day – First Monday in September
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Veterans Day
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Thanksgiving Break – Fourth Thursday in November + following Friday
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Winter Break – Last two weeks of December through January 2
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Presidents’ Day
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Memorial Day
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Summer Break (dates subject to change; Beyond Alphabets will notify families in advance if adjustments are made)
5-Star Rated by Local Families
Proudly rated ★★★★★ on Google — Parents trust Beyond Alphabets for flexible care, academic growth, and creative enrichment in a safe, nurturing space.
What Parents Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This place has everything a child loves!”
“My kids did pottery, painting, slime, STEM,and more — they absolutely loved it. Mrs. Rad is so kind and flexible.
My daughter is already begging to have her birthday party here!
A special gift to our community.”
— Jennifer M., Local Parent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A godsend for our family.”
“My son has blossomed here. He’s talking more, making friends,and growing socially and academically.
The environment is fun, clean, and so well run.
The staff truly care — I couldn’t be more grateful.”
— Deborah F., Parent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Exceeded all expectations!”
“The homeschool program is amazing.My daughter grew in every subject —
art, Spanish, math — and her STAR test scores improved dramatically.
We’re beyond thankful to Ms. Rad and her team!”
— Michelle V., Homeschooling Parent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Truly exceptional in every way.”
“Beyond Alphabets supports the whole child —academically, emotionally, and socially.
The teachers are attentive and dedicated. We feel so supported here.”
— Nazanin N., Parent
