San Jose High School Celebrates First-Ever Graduating Class with Impressive Results

San Jose, CA - A major milestone is being marked in Silicon Valley as Stratford School celebrates the first graduating class in its history.

This spring, 65 seniors from Stratford Preparatory Blackford will receive their diplomas, representing the inaugural graduating class for the network’s first high school campus. The school, which opened in fall 2022 on Blackford Avenue in San Jose, has quickly grown into a campus serving more than 900 students in grades 6–12.

Members of the Class of 2026 are heading to a wide range of top colleges and universities, including Princeton, Cornell, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Cambridge. Many students will also attend University of California campuses such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Davis.

School leaders say the results reflect both strong academics and a focus on preparing students for future careers. Graduates plan to study fields like computer science, engineering, business, neuroscience, and public health.

The class has also earned national recognition, with 14% of seniors named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, well above the national average of less than 1%.

“What began as our founder, Sherry Adam’s, dream to build an exceptional Stratford high school has grown into a successful, vibrant, engaged, and inspiring learning community,” said Phil Dolan, head of Stratford Preparatory Blackford. “We are thrilled to see our first class of students receive their diplomas this spring and go on to pursue their higher education dreams in this next chapter. We look forward to witnessing their continued success."

Founded in 1999, Stratford School has expanded across the Bay Area and Southern California, offering a STEAM-focused curriculum and early college counseling beginning in ninth grade.

Beyond academics, the Blackford campus emphasizes student involvement, with nearly all students participating in clubs or activities and many taking on leadership roles.

School officials say the success of the first graduating class signals a strong future for the young high school as it continues to grow in San Jose.