El Rancho School

We have enjoyed having our son attend El Rancho. I love the smaller class sizes and the ability to have my child learn at his own pace and if my child is struggling on a concept the teachers notice and provide extra assistance. The children in second grade and higher are required to go to study hall after school. I love this concept. Teaching children good study habits. We have our two children at this school and have been in the preschool and elementary programs. The teachers are fabulous. The pros: small class sizes, caring and nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, spanish and music classes, family outings/dinners, swim lessons in the summer. The cons: The school needs to provide better communication on staffing changes.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children attended El Rancho. One from pre school to 6th, the other from 3rd to 6th. I must say that El Rancho really prepared them for middle and high school. One graduated with honors at public high school,the other went to private high school and graduated with above 4.0 GPA. The foundation was set in early for both of them at El Rancho School. You can not go wrong by enrolling your child. You will understand when your children have friends from other shcools and you see first hand the differences in quality education.
--Submitted by a parent

We chose this school for it's emphasis on reading, academics and music. It offers diversity and individual attention you just don't get anymore. This is our daughter's second year and we all love the school. We feel comfortable and safe and we know that our child is receiving attention that other schools just don't offer. Our child is advanced for her age and the school has been on top of keeping her stimulated and interested. The principal and her daughter have the best interests of each child and they deal with each child's needs individually. The holiday program is so sweet and Anne Richie puts her heart and sole into making the most elaborate and darling costumes. The music teacher is extremely talented and he loves to teach the children. El Rancho and the parents are lucky to have such a wonderful influnece in their children's lives. We love this school!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My Son has been here since preschool.He has loved his teachers. I love the diverse education with spanish,piano,music all part of the core curriculum.We have also opted into the Gymnastics,swimming and golf lessons too. He has blossomed this year thanks to the persistence and patience of his teacher. I also like the charachter development aspects they care about the whole child and reinforce good life skills. I have been thrilled with what my son has gotten out of his time here.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience has been good. There is more focus on reading than math in which I dont agree with. Awesome extracurricular activities such as golf lessons, on premise summer swim lessons, private music lessons and a few others. Spanish is taught in class so my child speaks better spanish than I. The staff can be a little militant and the children cant run except on the small sawdust area due to the campus size. If you can look past that, then its great academically.
--Submitted by a parent

I have put three children through this school. I would not have them go anywhere else. If you can afford it, I would send your child there
--Submitted by a parent

El Rancho is an excellent pre-school and kindergarten. The lack of facilities such as a multi-purpose/lunch room, very limited physical education program and theatre program limit the school's ability to full-fill requirments for older students. The classes for older students are mixed grades.
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the the older children comments. My child attended from preschool through 6th grade and is now at a State University. I feel that the foundation was El Rancho and appreciate them for focusing on academics. HMy child is a boy and didn't have any problems with individuality or blowing off steam.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is family run. It excells at teaching children until they reach about fourth grade. Older children will not have the physical space they need to play. There is also not much understanding of older children's needs. This is especially true in the holiday and summer camps, and in the language instruction. It is a good school for young children. They learn a lot academically, and they learn manners. The schoolis very strict however, and young boys may not be provided the physical space to 'blow off steam'. Overall a very good school for children under 10.
--Submitted by a parent

The school concentrates on acamdemic performance and in the lower grades excels in teaching reading, writing and math, especially in preschool and Kindergarten. El Rancho does offer a good starting point for a child, but the leadership is weak and doesn't place any emphasis on growth and development as an individual. The academic experience didn't outweigh the other concerns, so we had to move on. The school is fine as a starting point for young children but work needs to be done to maintain the same strength in the higher grades.
--Submitted by a parent