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OUR PROGRAMSThe Rancho Viejo School is committed to educating students to be independent thinkers, resourceful problem solvers, good citizens, and life-long learners. Rancho Viejo is dedicated to its Montessori philosophy and accelerated curriculum, which embraces interactive and self-directed learning, academic excellence, respect and appreciation for the environment, and the celebration of all peoples and cultures. We are an independent school serving students age 18 months through ninth grade. The Rancho Viejo School welcomes children without regard to race, religion, color, or creed and seeks students of diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures who will benefit from an environment that encourages social, academic, physical, and moral development.
Rancho Viejo School’s Montessori based educational philosophy takes into account both evidence of a student’s academic achievement and the family’s long term commitment to a productive school-family partnership that will support such growth.
BEGINNERS - FOR THE 2 YEAR OLDS
CHILDREN'S HOUSE - FOR AGES 3-6
LOWER ELEMENTARY - FOR AGES 6-9
UPPER ELEMENTARY - FOR AGES 9-12
MIDDLE SCHOOL - FOR AGES 12-15
STUDIO CLASSES - EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
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Our Beginner Program introduces the 18 month+ child to a Montessori environment. This classroom has large practical life and sensorial areas that provide an opportunity to explore and experiment. Teachers help the young child adapt to a community environment by providing a warm and secure place for toddlers to learn. The combination of quality care and loving attention in our prepared environment encourages the natural rhythm of learning and development. Children take their first steps toward discovering the joy in learning by developing independence, language skills, sensory awareness, order and routine.
Our Children’s House Program is for children ages 3 to 6. These years nurture the growth of children’s independence, self-esteem and self-discipline while introducing them to the basics of academics. The prepared environment encourages increased independence and active participation in the learning process. Montessori manipulative materials enable students to progress at their own pace. Each child’s unique personality is encouraged and each child is respected as an important member of the classroom. Children receive individualized and group instruction in an atmosphere of cooperation and non-competitiveness.
The Lower Elementary Program anticipates that the students have acquired basic language, reading, writing, mathematical, and cultural skills in the Children’s House. With this experience, they are ready to explore the world at large. Lower Elementary classes continue to bring children of different age levels (6-9) together, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Students explore the realm of mathematics, science, technology, economics, anthropology, civics and the basic organization of human societies. Their studies cover memorization of math facts, spelling lessons, and the study of vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository writing, and library research.
The Upper Elementary students are concerned with the workings of society. To meet these needs, the curriculum for the 9 to 12 year old is based on history, geography, and science - what Dr. Montessori grouped as the cultural subjects. Each student works individually to master language skills and mathematics while studying the cultural areas as a group. This structure facilitates both independent study and group work in a self-paced, cooperative program. During the school week, elementary students have concentrated work periods in art, Spanish, music, and Physical Education.
Every component of the Middle School program is designed to respond to the psychological needs and developmental characteristics of the young adolescent for rigorous study, meaningful work, and community involvement. The curriculum is derived from the work in the elementary program, including an understanding of the interdependence of nature and humankind and of one’s place and role in the universe. A significant focus of study is human history, for the story of human life on earth unites science and the humanities in a dramatic manner. Mathematics is embraced from an historical perspective. The mathematical mind of the adolescent child explores both practical math issues and the abstract challenges of algebra and geometry.
Optional after school Studios will be offered for Children’s House, Elementary, and Middle School students. These enrichment courses, which include ballet, dance, kung fu, gymnastics, guitar, and piano lessons, are available through arrangements with outside instructors. Most studios are scheduled from 2:45 to 3:30 PM. for students in the Children’s House and from 3:30 to 4:15 PM for students in Elementary and Middle School.