A new private school set to open this fall in Pleasanton, the first standalone middle school campus in the Tri-Valley for Stratford School.

Stratford Pleasanton Middle School on Stoneridge will be the third Tri-Valley location for the Saratoga-based company, joining one in Danville and another in Pleasanton at 4576 Willow Road currently serving preschool through eighth grade.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our campuses serving families in the Tri-Valley area," said Stratford founder Sherry Adams in a statement. "Stratford's new Pleasanton Middle School has been designed to provide our students with a campus tailored just for them -- a high-quality learning environment with first-class facilities and expansive outdoor grounds."

Less than three miles from the current Stratford site, the new school located at 3800 Stoneridge Drive has six fully renovated classrooms and a multipurpose room, as well as an outdoor basketball court and fields, "with ample room to grow." The Willow Road site was expanded to make room for secondary students in 2017.

"In this new setting, Stratford's middle school program will continue to focus on fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity to prepare students for admission to private high school or advanced placement in public high school," officials said.

Sanny Figueroa, head of Stratford's elementary site in Pleasanton, will also bring more than 25 years of experience to lead the new middle school. The lifelong educator said he is "thrilled to be a part of Stratford's expansion and growth in the Pleasanton community."

"As educators, it is our collective goal to provide a sense of community for our students, and a place where they can learn and grow into the leaders of tomorrow," Figueroa said.

The Willow Road location will transition to serving just preschool through elementary school.

Stratford held its first open house last weekend for families to learn more about enrollment options and educational programming for the 2021-22 academic year. Additional sessions are expected before the school's scheduled opening this fall.