Hogwarts on the Hill in Aliso Viejo

docent and student, Merlynn Yurika Tulen, began her Monday tour by comparing the Aliso Viejo campus to Hogwarts—the school of witchcraft and wizardry from the Harry Potter series.

Students often joke and pretend that mystical creatures will find their way onto campus, Tulen said.

The students are half right.

They may not be mystical, but with the edge of campus leading into a canyon, deer, bobcats and a sneaky raccoon have all been spotted.

Soka University of America opened in 2001 on 103 acres in Aliso Viejo. According to Tulen, more than half of the students are from 40 countries around the globe. Soka operates on the Buddhist principals of peace and human rights.

“Peace is the way to overcome hardships in the world,” Tulen said as she spoke about the university’s motivations.

During the 10 a.m. tour the campus was peaceful and quiet. Only about three students were seen. Tulen said that campus remains very mellow during early morning classes. Students are either tucked away in a classroom or still asleep in their room, she said.

The community is welcome on campus to walk the grounds and use some of the campus facilities, including the library, track and the art gallery.

“I think that was Soka’s way of thanking Aliso Viejo for letting us build a school right here,” Tulen said.

The new performing arts center has attracted more of the community to the campus, Tueln said, with its variety of shows and seminars.

Interesting Soka fact:

A drought tolerant grass mixture was placed on top of the new performing arts center—creating natural insulation. Don’t believe it? Check out the photo slideshow above for a Google maps overhead image of the grassy building.

The campus, which is capable of housing and teaching a maximum of 1,200 students, currently has about 400 enrolled.

“Class size now is really small, which helps teachers connect to every student,” Tulen said.

Campus tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“For people to really understand what Soka is, they should really come for a visit to get a first hand experience,” Tulen said. “It is different reading about it and seeing it.”

Check out the photo slideshow above to see the Italian-style architecture and unique features at Soka University.