Saddleback Valley
Unified School District

On a bright and celebratory afternoon, the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and Lake Forest Elementary welcomed students, families, staff, and special guests for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking a major milestone—the unveiling of the school’s newly modernized campus. The event celebrated the completion of a transformative project designed to enhance both learning environments and community spaces.

The event opened with remarks from Principal Caryn McGrew, who emphasized the school’s longstanding commitment to innovation and STEM education. “This project is more than just new buildings—it’s an investment in the future of our students and community,” she shared.

Guests in attendance included members of the SVUSD Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner, and several district leaders and department representatives. Also in attendance were key partners from PBK Architects, Balfour Beatty, American Modular Systems, and the City of Lake Forest.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Robert Craven provided an overview of the project, which was made possible through SVUSD’s collaboration with the City of Lake Forest and developer The Toll Brothers as part of a new master-planned community—The Meadows. Rather than building a new school, the district made a strategic decision to expand and enhance its existing schools—Lake Forest Elementary, Serrano Intermediate, and El Toro High School—to meet the needs of a growing population.

At Lake Forest Elementary, the campus now features:

• A redesigned Innovation Lab with an adjacent outdoor learning space
• Seven modern classrooms equipped with flexible furniture and technology
• A refreshed food services building
• A new playground and outdoor amphitheater

Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner closed the program by reflecting on the impact of these upgrades. “These vibrant, modern spaces reflect our district’s unwavering commitment to innovation, equity, and student success,” she said. “From the reimagined Innovation Lab to the upgraded classrooms and food services facility, every detail supports learning that is dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”

The celebration concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in front of the new Innovation Lab—signaling the start of an exciting new chapter for the Lake Forest Dolphins.