Our Story & Foundation
A Legacy of Faith, Cultivated Through Community, and Carried Forward With Purpose
On what was once a quiet stretch of Tustin farmland, surrounded by citrus groves and dirt roads, a small preschool opened its doors in 1961. At the time, Orange County was a region in transition, a mix of agricultural roots and the beginnings of suburban growth. Families lived amid orange groves and avocado orchards, children played in open fields rather than on asphalt playgrounds, and life followed the slower, seasonal rhythms of farm life. The county was dotted with small towns, local markets, and tight-knit communities where neighbors knew each other by name.
Education in the area was expanding, but opportunities for faith-based, values-driven schooling were limited. The opening of the preschool marked a pioneering step for Catholic education in Tustin, offering families a place where children could grow academically while being nurtured spiritually and morally. In a time before widespread suburban development, the school served as a beacon of community, grounding families in faith and forming early bonds that would shape the growing city around it. Few could have imagined that this modest beginning, set against a backdrop of orchards and open fields, would evolve into the vibrant, faith-filled campus that today spans 14 acres and forms the heart of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School.
More than six decades later, the mission that began in the orchards continues to flourish, shaped by a rich spiritual heritage, the dedication of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, and the unwavering support of families who believe in forming children not only as scholars, but as people of purpose and character.
History of the School
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Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School began its preschool program with seventeen pupils. Sister Mary Salud Estrada was the first principal and Sister Raphael Garcia was the first teacher.
The school started its first kindergarten class. Thereafter, growth continued and enrollment expanded. A new grade was added each year.
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The Home and School Association provided a cash allocation to begin the first phase of the school library.Since then the library has grown to become one of the most modern, well-equipped elementary school library media centers in Orange County.
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Mrs. Marian Huhn became the first lay teacher on the faculty.
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Saint Jeanne's proudly opened its junior high building which included an expanded library, and an impressively equipped science laboratory.
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In commemoration of Saint Jeanne's first chaplain, Father Jerome Denk, the Denk Memorial Field was dedicated.
A new four-classroom building that could be converted into an auditorium was completed.
First May Festival Fundraiser
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- A state of the art office, theater, and gymnasium complex opened its doors.
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- Expanded the computer lab to accommodate an entire class by adding eight additional computers
- Purchased additional educational software for the computer lab
- Designed and installed an audio-visual control booth in theater
- Added initial theater sound equipment
- Enhanced elementary classroom instruction by providing Apple computers for classrooms
- Purchased emergency earthquake supply bin
- Contributed to the Marilyn C. Davis Scholarship Fund
- Provided lights for the parking lot
- Bought benches for the preschool yard
- Acquired lights for the locker area
- Repaired the roof on the Library Media Center
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- Initiated Rainbows support group program
- Purchased additional computers for IBM computer lab
- Founded Alumni Association
- Formed "Moms in Touch" prayer group
- Purchased three additional stereo systems for the classrooms
- Initiated the Elly Young Living Memorial Library fund
- Replaced windows in back building with earthquake-safe glass
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- Remodeled the snack shack
- Installed energy-saving devices on air conditioning units
- Resurfaced gym and theater floors
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- Planted trees around campus
- Replaced louvered windows
- Replaced science lab stools
- Purchased gym matting
- Refurbished faculty room
- Re-carpeted and re-painted preschool and kindergarten classrooms, the elementary building, and the "Writing to Read" Computer Lab
- Refurbished the Library Media Center
- Remodeled the audio/visual control console in the theater
- Enhanced theater sound system and purchased a video projector
- Built shelves for the art closet
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- Installed an initial phase security system for select buildings
- Initiated the S.T.A.R. Reading Program
- Completed re-accreditation process for W.A.S.C.
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- Purchased new exterior benches and lunch tables
- Purchased new lockers for the fifth through eighth-grade students
- Upgraded and networked existing computer system
- Completed first phase of T3 for enhanced technology integration including a Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School online website page
- Installed computer automation of the library's holdings
- Planted additional shade trees on the perimeter of the playground
- Secured a new wide-screen television for the science lab
- Purchased an additional set of bulletin board cutting blocks for the teachers
- Installed electronic security gates for entrance and exit to the school
- Installed additional wrought iron gates for security
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- Refinished the floor of the gymnasium
- Painted the office, theater, gym, cafeteria building exterior
- Erected a twelve foot high wrought iron fence along the back of school
- Completed final phase of T3 project for enhanced technology integration
- Installed security system for kindergarten and preschool building
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- Painted the inside of the gymnasium, the door of the elementary, the Library Media Center, and the junior high buildings.
- Replaced vertical and venetian blinds
- Resurfaced classroom shelves with formica
- Replanted trees
- Installed preschool/kindergarten gate
- Repaired all roofs
- Cleared all drains in preparation for “El Niño”
- Initiated the Enrichment Program for accelerated students