Rancho San Joaquin Middle School

Socially I wouldn't recommend this school for black children. Racial slurs are a regular thing here. For two years my child was teased about not being black enough and called many names. Also one of teacher's here disclosed my child's grades to the entire class. Because of this teacher's action my child was teased. I'm beyond saddened by these events. All children deserve to have a safe environment to learn. Also there needs to be more supervision as the kids do fight at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves this school. All my worries or concerns went by the waste side after the first month. The administration at this school is great. I can't say enough good things about Rancho!
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience has been mixed. Some great teachers and some very poor teachers. Academics would be better if some of the teachers spent more time on organization and communication. Strong P.E. and fitness program (if you care).
—Submitted by a parent

We relocated to So Cal this summer. We were told wonderful things about this school. However, we are very disappointed. It is very difficult to get contact with our childs teachers. When we asked for a conference to discuss our childs progress we were told staff only has time for children with D or F's. Our child in in the Gate classes and has always been an A student. We feel that our childs academic success has been a colaboration beween the Student, Parent, & Teachers. We do not see this unity here. We hope to transfer in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

I haven't been to this school yet but I've heard it's a great school.I do have to say I'm scared of being bullied because,of course,it's going to be my first year of middle school.I checked out the school's website and they have a strict "dress code" for students to follow and they have a great schedule.Since I've never had periods at school before,I'm kind of scared of that too.I've been trying to find a map of the school to print out so I wouldn't get lost,but I can't find one.I totally think they should put one up.I'm looking forward to going to Rancho!Wish me luck!-Oh and I have like 2 years to go before I go into middle school because I'm in 4th grade.-

This school is amazing. My daughter loves to come to school every day, she's challenged in GATE-level classes, the teachers are communicative when you require it and are welcome to parent queries when appropriate. There's lots of activities to get invoved in and the kids know about all of them. The Principal and AP are visible and and firm when necessary. I hope University High School is like this too.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school for my child. The academics are challenging and the principal and vice-principal are on top of things, even socially with the kids! I am glad my child loves to go to school everyday. We do not see much bullying in the school but certain children just love 'hugging' a bit too much!
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the greatest schools i have ever been in
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school...not much else to say about it. Principal and vice principal are always under control of things...even if they don't seem like it...and they've got plenty of work to keep your mind active.
—Submitted by a student

Have to say I am not a fan. The teachers overall are adequate. The Humanities teachers are subpar. A few should retire. Ms. Driscol the science teacher is absolutely the best as is Mr. Compton. There is a very serious bullying issue. The principal is a great guy but the attitude is 'boys will be boys'. If I had to do it over again I would probably send my child to private school during the middle school years as this is my neighborhood school and the other middle schools are impacted.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 7th grader at Rancho and I have to say I love this school. It's a wonderful school and there are so many fun things going on every month. The teachers are really nice and help you learn- especially the librarian. I love this school!
—Submitted by a student

good education, poor social environment
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from rancho in 2007 and i have to say it is the best middle school in irvine. However, I do believe that this school doesn't prepare students for University High School very well. Uni excels in Irvine, but Rancho is on par with other middle schools thats leads up to woodbridge northwood irvine etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school Good music program
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the teaching staff is good - they seem to have a group of very dedicated teachers. However, the support staff specially the counseling staff leaves a lot to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent

Rancho is a large middle school (+350 per grade level), but has some good teachers in its GATE program.
—Submitted by a parent

This school helps the students to get ready for high school well. The assistant principal gets along with the kids very well and make it a very healthy and fun environment. With Gate Humanities and variety of courses, it's super.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school. My cousin stayed with me and began her 7th grade in this school. She barely knows her ABCs. During discussion with her teacher, she found my student's weakness in speech. The teacher then recommended District speech therapist to conduct session with my student to improve her pronounciation in 's' and 'sh' sounds. A remarkable improvement was seen over the past year and she even speaks better in her native language because of the practices in these sounds. The teachers are devoted and loving. It is truly an outstanding school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers, Excellent Student support program. There are numerous awards and all students feel recognized and appreciated.
—Submitted by a former student

Rancho is a great school because students find a suportive and safe environment. The principal, vice principal and school counselor are always there to listen to students. Unlike other schools, Rancho listens to their school population. Students, regardless of the level of involvement of the parents, have the oportunity to be heard and represent the school. This is not the case at other schools where only the childern of the most active PTA parents are selected over and over again to represent the school! Rancho's school environment allows learners to show their full potential. When students struggle, they are made to realice that there is nothing personaly wrong with them. The message is clear, just keep on trying and you can make it. I am proud to say my child attends Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, the school with excellent academics and a heart!
—Submitted by a parent