It WAS a wonderful school but Jim Carruthers the new president CLOSED it! Original Rancho, had been there over 50 years. Beware, not all the Rancho campuses are the same, he pulled a bait and switch after taking people's registration money and saying they could apply it to the other campuses...
—Submitted by a parent
Our daughter has been at RSPS Missouri for four years and we couldn't be happier with how much she's learned and how happy she is to be a student there. We have looked at other schools in the Phoenix area and not one could compare to Rancho Missouri's superb academics, small class sizes, nurturing environment, or helpful and caring teachers/administrators. RSPS Missouri is hands down the best private school in Phoenix.
—Submitted by a parent
We have been an RSPS family for 7years. WE LOVE IT. The small campus of MIssouri is truly a family environment. Parents know kids and kids know the parents. Lots of interaction with the awesome teaching staff. Our kids stand out solidly against any other school including other Rancho schools. Our kids are polite, eager to learn, and HAPPY. There is NOT a bully problem at this school - everyone knows everyone and accepts everyone. This will always be our home. Curriculum is challenging and the opportunities are endless!
—Submitted by a parent
Best of the best! Our family has been at Rancho for 3 years and we love it.
—Submitted by a parent
My sons have attended this school for two years. We were at various schools (both public and private) and we were fortunate enough to stumble up the Rancho Solano Missouri Campus a true gem. This school cultivates critical thinking skills in academics and the fine arts while in a nurturing, non-competitive small school setting. Because of the small setting the administration and all the teachers know every student. Students do not get lost or left behind. Most students seem to learn without realizing they are learning because of the teachers approach to the material. Students are taught to be kind, respectful, and compassionate to their peers. There is a zero tolerance for bullying that is strictly enforced. Every morning when I drop my sons off at school and go to work I leave knowing that they are in a safe school environment that fosters learning and friendship.
—Submitted by a parent
Our daughter has attended Rancho Solano Missouri campus for several years. The curriculum is strong and the students receive an excellent education. However, it s not just about the curriculum. Rancho teaches the students the why behind the learning and instills critical thinking. I m not sure you get that additional skill set at many schools in Phoenix. Don t be fooled by the strong academics. These kids play hard and enjoy each other as friends as well. With the small campus the students interact at every grade level. They provide support, encouragement and friendship to one another. The teachers have high expectations of the students, but are nurturing as well. We feel very blessed to be able to send our daughter to Rancho.
—Submitted by a parent
This school has excellent teachers and does an extraordinary job educating the students. I have two children at the school (5th and 8th grade). They are two years above the publich school system. The children arae pushed hard by the teachers and the curriculum and supported well by the parents and the administration. The school has a top track record of placement of students into the best high school programs in the state and ultimately the top universities in the country. It has fairly small class size and a real community atmosphere fostering very positive role models and peer pressure.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is really a well kept secret! Rancho Solano is known for academics and happy well rounded children but there really is a difference between the campuses which people do not realize. I have 2 children attending currently and my oldest has been to 4 of the Rancho campuses and I can honestly tell you this one is the best! Only 2 factors have consistently shown to benefit children's education the most and those are small class sizes (14 students/15 students in my children's classes) and # of years of teaching experience. Most of the teachers at this campus have been teaching 15 years + and many have been teaching at Rancho for 10+ years. There is even a teacher at this campus that had started teaching when I was in 8th grade (27 years ago). The principal is very involved, all of the students just love her and she has been with Rancho 25 years. Where else can my 1st grader learn violin several days a week as part of the school curriculum and my middle schooler learn flute/be in band during the school day? There is homework but rarely has it taken my children more than an hour. School is small so everyone is encouraged to participate in sports. Excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent
This school is truly exceptional! The academics are great, but the small, family-like environment is what really makes this school stand out. The older students mentor and befriend the younger students creating a unique learning environment. The students are incredibly supportive of one another. There is none of the bullying or teasing that you might see at a larger school. I would highly recommend this school to anyone considering sending their child here.
My daugter has been going to the missouri campus for 6 years now and is currently in the 7th grade. She loves the missouri campus it is like a second home to her. The teachers take great care of the kids greatly. I wouldn't of choosen any school better than this. The upper school teachers are strict but not mean and they teach very well. This school is small but it is cozy. My daughter love this schhol any says that it's the best school ever!!!
—Submitted by a parent
Excellent education in a small, friendly environment. My daughter started there last year in 6th and has really flourished. We really appreciate the teachers and staff, as well as the other students. Highly recommended!
—Submitted by a parent
The cozy, original Missouri campus is showing its age, but dont let that obscure its people strengths: terrific core academics(science, math, english)and warm, experienced staff nurturing self-confident, progressively responsible kids in a familial, schoolhouse environment - disruptive kids and the rare subpar teacher typically get weeded out by EOY. Third grade was a bracer (typed papers, projects, time management) & parents should be prepared to facilitate that challenging transition. Older students are typically engaged in interschool sports, class government and a well run community service program(Ms Marlier). Some services have decreased(art, music,after school hours).
—Submitted by a parent
My son just finished the 3s program there and will begin the 4s. My daughter is starting the the 3s program there this academic year. There's no doubt that any private school will benefit from creaming--but then that's what we pay for. There are too many great things about this school to mention. As someone already wrote...a great school if one can [continue] to afford it. Not every child makes the cut...which is good. Disruptive children (even 3 year olds) are given a few chances and then removed from the program. -Jack K. (
—Submitted by a parent
We are very please with the education our children are getting at Rancho Solano. They are very happy there. The teachers are caring and really help and encourage the children to learn.
—Submitted by deborah porter, a parent
Rancho solano private schools is a great pre school.Regarding academics, my 3 and half yr old daughter learnt a lot...She develped interest in reading and writing. They also have volunteer programs during the year to get parents involved. They encourage parent-teacher conversations regarding any thing pertaining to the kids behaviour to academics and extra curricular activities. I love this school myself and the best part is my daughter loves her school and her teachers.
—Submitted by a parent
Fine institution. Safe environment. Quality teachers.
—Submitted by a parent
Excellent academic focus. My daughter learned a great deal in the 2 years she attended. Family-like, small school atmosphere is a huge plus. The school is highly successful, but the ultimate deciding factor should be your child's ability to handle stress and a very structured learning environment. My 4-year old daughter dreaded going to school because it was 'too hard' and in the end we decided on a more nurturing, relaxed environment for her. As I said though, I cannot fault the school - they are very clear on their academic mission and discipline and have great staff and administration.
—Submitted by a parent
Wonderful family environment. Small teacher to child ratios. The academic programs at top notch. When I compare my childs academice ability to that of other child attending public schools the difference is astonishing. I can't say enough good things about Rancho. My son has been attending since he was three (he is now 10). And this is my daughters second year. This truly is the best environment for any child.
—Submitted by Stacey, a parent
Academic Program-Excellent. Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities-all available mostly after school for a fee. Level of parent involvment-minimal
—Submitted by a parent
The academic structure of this school is strong. The extracurricular activities are not the reason to attend this school. The parking lot drop off and pick up is a mess. The teachers are good at communication and the front office staff is wonderful. My daughter has been there 3 years now and really enjoys the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent
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