Teachers Appreciation Day!
Free Admission for Teachers on the Second Saturday of the Month
In order to receive free admission, teachers must provide their email address on the sign in sheet and show valid ID as active educator.

Teacher Incentives (Learn More)

Take the Train!
Kids 'n' Trains Program enables schools to experience train travel at significantly reduced rates. Learn More


Dear Teachers:

Every year, over 50,000 students visit Orange County’s only historic mission to learn about California history and all of California’s missions. Your support of the Mission’s education programming helps to keep the Mission around for the next generation of students, so thank you!

Mission San Juan Capistrano offers award winning audio tours in multiple languages and also provides educational “passport” booklets, engaging exhibits, and Living History day featuring volunteers dressing in period attire. Students and parents will also find information about all of the missions in the California Missions Resource Studio, free with admission. There are “free with admission“ weekend and summer time student activities, as well as numerous free resources on the website, all designed to extend the class room learning beyond the field trip experience. All of this educational programming with the 4th grade California Social Science Content Standards, (4.2 #5).

As a proud supporter who believes that education takes place every day, all day long, I hope to run into you at Mission San Juan Capistrano and invite you to experience inspired learning right here in Orange County.

William M. Habermehl
Orange County Superintendent of Schools

 

 

PLANNING A FIELD TRIP TO THE MISSION

Download Mission Handbook (pdf)
(Teacher’s planner for students visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano)

Spotlight on Education
Experience the "hands on" learning programs the Mission has to offer



The Perfect Teachers Guide: All 21 California Missions Report Workbook
Recommended for students, parents and teachers studying any of the 21 California missions for their school mission report.
Available for purchase at Mission San Juan Capistrano or immediately at our online gift shop.

The Perfect Teachers Guide: Mission San Juan Capistrano Report Workbook
Recommended for students, parents and teachers studying Mission San Juan Capistrano for their school mission report.
Available for purchase at Mission San Juan Capistrano or immediately at our online gift shop.


On behalf of Mission San Juan Capistrano, we welcome you.

We want to provide your students with an authentic place for inspired learning about California history. Each year, thousands of fourth grade students visit Mission San Juan Capistrano to learn about the State, its indigenous people, and its past. Our volunteers and staff work hard to make your experience the best possible. To better inform you and ensure your visit is a success, you are invited to read through the Mission Educational Handbook, which details the Mission's programs and processes designed for a positive field trip experience. There are tips and suggestions noted throughout the brochure. We hope you will consider them as you plan your tour.

First, book and take your tour early. 

The grounds are quieter, and there is more room to enjoy the field trip because rooms are not crowded. To encourage this we're introducing a discounted rate for Fall student tours, so take advantage!

Secondly, arrive on time, or a few minutes early to allow enough time for travel and traffic when booking your tour. Our docents are 100% volunteer, and they are ready to teach, tour and inspire, on time!

Third, please be patient when booking a tour. 
We're hard to reach because we are returning teacher calls. Teachers are hard to reach because they are often in the classroom. For that reason, we suggest that you call early, call once or fax/email your tour request. Our staff will return your call within 72 hours to schedule your tour.

Fourth, let us know how we are doing. 
When you have completed your tour, be sure to complete our performance survey. We are dedicated to providing you and your students with the best experience possible.

Thank you for selecting Mission San Juan Capistrano as your destination for fourth grade learning about California history and the missions.

Sincerely,
Mechelle Lawrence-Adams

Executive Director