Rancho Mission Viejo and Capistrano Unified School District officially celebrated the groundbreaking for Rienda School, Orange County’s newest school serving students from transitional kindergarten to eighth grade, located in the heart of Rancho Mission Viejo, southern California’s largest master planned community.
The groundbreaking celebration at the nearly 15-acre construction site, located between Coyotes and Pablo Way in Rancho Mission Viejo’s newest Village of Rienda, was attended by senior executives from Rancho Mission Viejo and Capistrano Unified, local elected officials, members of the media, and students from the district, who received commemorative hard hats.
“As the community of Rancho Mission Viejo continues to grow and we build out future phases, it’s essential to support the wellbeing of the next generations by providing access to top-rated schools close to home,” said Jeremy Laster, President of Rancho Mission Viejo. “We are grateful to be partnering with Capistrano Unified to bring Rienda School to life over the next couple of years and look forward to providing exceptional learning opportunities for those families who call Rancho Mission Viejo home.”
The school is expected to be completed in time for the fall 2027 school year and will serve up to 1,600 students. Classrooms will be flexible in nature, offering learning environments that prioritize student adaptability and will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art teaching technology.
“The launch of Rienda School represents more than just new classrooms—it’s an extraordinary investment in our students, families, and the future of education in Capistrano Unified. This campus will be a hub of innovation, community, and academic excellence, and we’re proud to work alongside Rancho Mission Viejo to bring this vision to life,” said Dr. Chris Brown, Superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District.
A cutting-edge Innovation Center will be constructed, equipped with a robotic lab, makerspace, wireless technology, and flexible seating designed to support progressive education that places emphasis on S.T.E.A.M curriculum. The Innovation Center concept was originally constructed at Rancho Mission Viejo’s Escencia School, where it has enhanced student engagement, fostered creativity, and supported academic success. Additional spaces for the performing arts, outdoor learning, and lockers will be constructed.
Capistrano Unified is the largest school district in Orange County, with more than 47,000 students and 63 campuses.
“Capistrano Unified is committed to ensuring every student has access to an inspiring and supportive learning environment. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Rancho Mission Viejo for their partnership to create beautiful, modern learning facilities for the expanding population in South Orange County. Together, we’re laying the foundation for generations of student success,” said Lisa Davis, President of Capistrano Unified School District.
Rancho Mission Viejo is also developing Rienda Park, a 6-acre joint use park adjacent to Rienda School, complete with a youth soccer field, a softball field with full backstop, dugouts and fencing, along with a large tot lot, a covered picnic area, perimeter walking trail, and restroom building.