Rancho Bernardo High School

i went to this school and the only thing good about it is their music program. Its haaaaaaaaaaard baby. they prepare you for your music career really well. We have won tournaments for like the past decade now. If you are going there for the music, let me give you some advice. If you arent in it to win it.... get out. nothing else about this school is worth talking about. i gave it 5 out 5 just because of their music program

My three kids attended RBHS. All three were accepted by major universities including UCLA, Univ of Texas, Univ of Michigan just to name a few. They also received merit and talent based scholarships. RBHS teachers and staff prepared them well (along with parental motivation!) My 2 sons loved the school, but my daughter felt like she didn't quite fit into the social circles there. Her senior year was a little out of the ordinary, and the principal and counselors worked with her to help her meet her goals. I must say that Principal Paul Robinson (who just recently left RBHS) is an exceptional educator and administrator. He had a true caring attitude for his students, particularly the ones who were out of the main stream. I believe that Paul attended every sporting event, choir concert, band performance and student activitiy that was held at the school. My kids have moved on, but they (and I ) fondly remember their time at RBHS. The best thing you can do for your student in school is to volunteer your time to one of the many school organizations, and get you kids involved in an extracurricular activity that they enjoy.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

i just finished my freshman year at rb. at first i came to the school not knowing anybody. the teachers are really helpful and theres alot of amazing people there. as long as you go to tutorial and just do your work you will do well. :)
—Submitted by a student

RBHS is not an average HS. AP students receive excellent attention. Slow learners receive excellent attention. Average students (the majority) are just another number with most being forced to take classes they neither want nor need for possible college entrance. Counseling consists of making an appointment 1-2 weeks in advance --unless you are in one of the two mentioned groups-- and the appointment will be at the counselor's descretion... not the student's. Too many Vice-Principles that are seldom even seen at the school. In short, if you child is an average child he/she will get lost in the system and would do much better at any of the other Poway District high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I would say RB is an excellent school. I currently am a junior there are i think we have a record of good academics, athletics, and our fine and performing arts programs are some of the best out there. it is a well rounded school, with well rounded, generally really nice people.
—Submitted by a student

I currently attend RBHS as a freshman, and I have to say that the faculty, the staff, and the other students just don't care. There are few 'fun' clubs, as most of them are either community service or ethnic clubs. I have not seen the principal once in my month attending, and we have had 2 assemblies. Band is no longer a fun elective. The music program is unusually intense, with many practice hours and required attendance at football games to play at half time. All in all, I dislike the school, and I plan on moving to a new venue as soon as possible.
—Submitted by a student

As of 2007 graduating class there were about 750 students per grade with over 40% of students taking an AP class their time at RBHS. The school is known for its excellent baseball program with families actually relocating to their area to get into the same. This makes the program and other athletics highly competitive. There is a lack of sufficient student parking with many of the surrounding streets posted as 'no parking' as the school is in the middle of a residential area. The area is comprised of middle to upper middle class families and does not suffer from a lack of necessary funding and parental participation evident at many other public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

RBHS is an excellent school. The education is comparable to that of a private school. The teachers really give a damn about the future of their students. Students have to want to learn and should take advantage of everything that RBHS has to offer. Take some time to compare schools in the area, the county and the state and you will clearly see that the numbers speak in volumes. If a child is falling through the cracks, please make a reassessment at what is going on at home before blaming the school. This is true with any school. This school does not cater specifically to athletes or honor students. It's good for anyone who is willing to apply themselves. The RBHS Foundation has done some amazing things with monies raised and help keep the school up to par. It's a priviledge to have my child attend RBHS!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers academics are absolutely a dread. There music program needs to lighten and entertain. The campus is flooded with students. Their athletics program needs more funding. My son begged for a district transfer to mount carmel high,(which he now loves), and with these reasons I don't blame him.
—Submitted by jack Meinosin, a teacher

I was student at Rancho Bernardo High School, and it was fantastic. The teachers are involved and dedicated to their students despite large classes and lower funding than they would like. The math program is fantastic, especially for gifted students. The sports programs are competitive but they really help kids improve. The music program is absolutely top of the line, from choir to band to orchestra. The directors are absolutely wonderful and talented, and the programs receive a lot of support from the students and administration. AP classes at this school were available, challenging, and helpful, and overall this school is great from preparing students for college while still helping them along and providing a spirited, fun atmosphere. The counselors are great and provide a lot of help to students, much of which is underutilized. THere are many tutoring programs for struggling students, and overall this school is grat for everyone.
—Submitted by a former student

This is as fine a high school as you will find. The levels of teaching, academics, extracurricular activities and administrative leadership are all outstanding. The school scores consistently high in the state tests and their athletic program is one of the best overall programs around. There is a great mix of students with a lot of different avenues for them to pursue. I would recommend this school to any parent.
—Submitted by a teacher