Rancho Solano Private Schools - Greenway Campus

Rancho has it all! We have 2 children who have been with Rancho for 6 years. As a parent, it is very important for us to have our children in an environment that offers so much. Our children work a grade level above, academics being first priority. They are taught to be responsible and respectful young beings. They are given the option to explore their skills and interests with band, art, sports, and technology. I feel as though Rancho has truly had a huge part in making my children who they are today- polite (to a point where they stand out from the rest), hard working (our kids are usually doing homework/projects/studying for tests while neighborhood kids are outside playing), athletically and musically inclined (my children are in all sports while playing instruments as well), and best of all, happy! They love going to school each day, they love their teachers, and they LOVE LEARNING! We love you Rancho! Thank you for all you do!
--Submitted by a parent

LOVE THIS SCHOOL - No other school like it. I have never commented on one of these sites before, but felt the need to after the last post. As you can see, most are very positive. My son has attended here ever since he was in the 4th grade. There is no way that song was playing. In PE they learn dances for coordination and exercise, but they are like electric slide and such. This school wont even allow PG-13 movies for 8th graders, they take content of all that stuff very seriously. It is a very loving and protective environment. My son attended a different private school up until 3rd grade. This is by far the best there is in Scottsdale. All about character first, and high academics. I can't get over how eloquent, polite, and smart these kids are. You do have to test in, but your kids will work hard, but LOVE IT!
--Submitted by a parent

I toured this school and I was very disappointed. The lady giving the tour, who worked for the school, appeared either new or not in tune with the school as she did not know anything that was going on and felt uncomfortable. For the tutition you pay I would like my child to eat either in the classroom or in a cafeteria not outside on filthy tables. On the way out from our tour the middle school was blasting from the speakers Ni**a in Paris from Jay Z and Kanya West. I found this to be really inappropriate considering I was on the elementary school side and coming from a school.

Our family has been attending Rancho Solano Greenway campus for 10 years. When our final child graduates 8th grade we will have been there for 16 straight years. We have watched great teachers leave, and also been privileged to have great teachers replace them. As with any school, there have been mediocre teachers and staff. As with any business, when the school came under new ownership, they wanted to change to their way of doing business. People don't like change, parents, teachers and staff alike. But for our family the focus is the long term benefits for our children. The curriculum has remained strong, and they continue to strive for excellence. In speaking with the Admissions director of a notable private high school in the area, his comment was, we love Rancho kids because they come to us with a balanced school experience, with strong academics, sports, fine arts as well as a sense of community. No school is perfect for everyone, but if you are looking for a well balanced, structured cirriuclum you would be remiss in not looking at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

All successful companies will experience growth and change. It may be difficult for some to accept and it's nearly impossible to make everyone happy. Yes, tuition may increase, students and teachers may leave to find the right place for themselves. There are many options in the valley to choose from. Overall, Rancho Solano is a wonderful learning environment for my children, it is a family community. The school provides an accelerated education, instills quality behavior and character, fine arts, athletics, foreign language and technology for the opportunity to create a well rounded person. The various school/class celebrations through out the year offers cherished childhood memories and fun. I highly recommend Rancho Solano, it has been exactly what I want to provide for my children and what I hope their school experience to be like. The schools future is postitve and exciting for parents and students. Submitted by a parent
--Submitted by a parent

I find this school to be one of the best schools. It has pretty good education, and the absolute best opportunities. They offer choir, band, strings, dance, cheer, visual and media arts, a variety of sports, and school trips. The best part of this school is the experience. You travel around the country. However, when Meritas bought it, this school lacked a bit. I am now transferring schools because I am frankly disappointed. Teachers are leaving and so are students. The new campus is a plus, but for some it's just too much. I do rate this school a four because this school has the best enviroment. They are a family there, but who knows in the future with the new campus. If you are now disappointed with Rancho and are looking for a new school, I suggest All Saints. They are a better version of Rancho, and guarentee admission into Xavier, a wonder high school. Rancho used to be the top, but they have sunk.

The last two postings are exactly what the new location is looking for....parents sold on the fluff of a new facility. It's all about money and the zip code to get it. The greatest assets at Rancho are teachers and students not new science labs. I will miss the great music program though..funny that can be accomplished in any old building.
--Submitted by a parent

Ok disgruntled people, you cant bash this school and maintain any credibility if you are not more realistic and objective. While I do agree that there has been some teacher turnover that has caused some disruption this year in especially in the middle school. You cant negate the positives- the level of education is pretty hard to beat and no comparison to the majority of public schools. The extra curricular and sports program- which is amazing and well balanced even if your child is not a star athlethe combined with fine arts - I challenge you to find a school that can come close. Prospective parents will notice the manners and character that have been instilled and insisted upon and you wont find a hip hop culture anywhere on campuds. All in all the children are succeeding ahead of the majority of kids in the valley. I will say that the new administration has not been giving in as in the past to the few families that liked to throw their money and influence around. So to those so sad but glad to see you go. Lets talk after college :)
--Submitted by a parent

Thank you prior poster- I too believe in being objective even when I don't get my way. The new campus - that is what has so many parents upset and its ludicrous! There aare some families whom have made their spoiled lives conveniently located so close to the current middle school location and they are upset because they will have to drive an extra ten minutes to and from school. Forget the fact that the proposed new facility will have unsurpassed advantages including indoor sports courts and high school level science labs. No school is perfect but one should expect educated parents to be able to be objective instead of trying to cast a negative shadow on the school since they have chosen not to return next year in favor of getting to their gym class ten minutes early!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous two reviews. The school is a total mess and administration has no clue what they are doing. Teacher turnover during the school year is out of control. Some classes have had 3 different teachers in one school year. Not all teachers are certified so you can get a more qualified teacher at the local public school. They will tell you what you want to hear to get you to enroll and then you find out that the place is really poorly run.
--Submitted by a parent