Rancho Bernardo High School

I am a student at RBHS and I feel that some of the safety mesures here are not quite taken seriously...Also the teachers can tend to pick out favorites from their classes and they would mostly just be mean to the other students

As a former RB student, I would honestly have to say there school is nothing to special or anything remotely close to brag about. I grew up in the area and was very excited to go to RBHS after getting an inner-district transfer just to attend the school instead of another PUSD school that I now attend. However, I was greatly disspapointed with RB. The academics are subpar, as RB goes by the traditional semester schedule in which you take 12 courses a year, 3 less than the PUSD's other high school's Mt. Carmel and Del Norte, and 4 less than Westview. The decelerated learning pace could help kids who struggle in school, but with one 30 minute after-school tutorial through the course of one week, not much help is given. The teachers (who were also coaches) at times seemed to care about RB's sports more than the actual class itself, as RB has a very heavy sports reputation. The school campus seems a bit more outdated than it should be considering it opened in 1990, but it's not a major problem. The upsides about RB are definitely the sports and school pride. RB's school spirit is a huge thing that I enjoyed during my time there. Overall RBHS is decent, but look elsewhere if you can.
--Submitted by a student

The review that starts "This school does not have a funding problem,..." is so off base that I had to comment. I have 2 kids in RB High and have been extremely impressed with the school, staff, and programs. RBHS is ranked very high on greatschools.org for a reason. They have top notch teachers and administrators that really care for students and want them to succeed in school and in life. One pearl is the RBHS band program. This is one of the top programs in CA and wins most of the major competitions. College music programs all know about RBHS. My son is receiving a scholarship because of his involvement in the band program. The school also has a premier sports program and wins championships every year. The baseball program is nationally known and received a national championship several years ago. Overall, it is all about the education, though, and I feel my kids will be completely prepared for college. As a parent, I am thrilled my kids were able to attend RBHS.
--Submitted by a parent

Coming from a student at RB High, i have a different perspective. Rancho Bernardo is not the prettiest high school, nor is it the cleanest. Yeah its "an old school" but most students forget the layout of the school during their time at RB. Rancho Bernardo is a very competitive high school when it comes to both athletics and academics and our music program consistantly beats all the other schools. Thats the reason RB is #1 against all other PUSD schools, it has heart & pride. Some of the most challenging AP and honors classes out there are at RB. It is true though that if your child is an average student or has trouble in school, i wouldn't pick Rancho Bernardo. From what i've seen most students who don't do well here are usually the un-motivated ones, teachers don't hold your hands here but thats true for most schools. This is a very famous high school for a reason, Broncos are #1!
--Submitted by a student

I have had children in RBHS since 1999 and I believe that the school has provided an excellent education and has enriched their lives. My oldest is now finishing his PhD at a major university. My other son is attending a UC school on scholarship which the guidance counselors helped him get. My child that is currently enrolled at RBHS finds the academic program challenging and the environment satisfying. The athletic and music programs at the school are the best in the state, if not the nation. Parental participation as volunteers is encouraged and is one of the best things you can do for your child. The teachers at RB do assign homework and as a parent you must encourage your child to do the assignments. The principal Paul Robinson has proven to be an effective leader. The grim reality is that the state's financial crisis is killing public education everywhere.
--Submitted by a parent

This school does not have a funding problem, it has a management problem. The class schedules, rotations and outrageous holiday schedules combined with a 'do the minimum' faculty put learning in the backseat. The priority is to fill the seats and perform on the standardized tests. They actually took classroom time out last year for an assembly to remind students to get to bed early and be prepared for the testing the next week. The teachers do not expect much out of the students. I can't say RB is any worse than other schools in the area. Its not a war zone and if your child is motivated and on the honors track they can thrive. If they need help, structure, expectation etc, go private or don't expect much.
--Submitted by a parent

Although we are very familiar with RBH's reputation, that is a past reputation. Moving to the area it was obvious that the district has cut way, way back due to funding. The grounds we only 'maintained' if a bit run down for a school that age. We could not get into guidance to discuss our childs needs, and when we finally we able to, we were met with incredible crassness, and uncaring guidance office. Class after class gone due to the budget crisis. Yes, they kept AP courses so was signed up. But there is no depth to education anymore and it was clear that 'caring' was gone when the school lost funding. My kid who is very bright will sink it that cesspool. We are going private. Hopefully, funding will improve and attitudes will adjust.
--Submitted by a parent

This school used to be an amazing school for just about anything. But because of the budget cuts, the 2009-2010 school year is not going to have many good programs. They are cutting or trimming some of the best and most popular classes. They dont offer summer school unless you got a D or F in the class, or need special education. If the year was 2006, I would say this is one of the best schools in the USA, but because of the budget cuts, it wont be anymore. I'm finishing my freshmen year.
--Submitted by a student

Best school in all of San Diego. Excellent teachers, responsive administration stellar scores, but atmosphere is not at all competitive. Teachers are always extremely helpful and open to parents. My sons and daughters have prospered here.
--Submitted by a parent

one of the best schools in san diego i enjoy going here
--Submitted by a student