The park-like campus is located in Carmichael at the eastern end of El Camino Avenue.  Towering trees shade lawns, colorful flower beds, courtyards, blacktop and play areas.  Many of the classrooms are in adobe buildings in the style of the California missions.  Classrooms are attractive, spacious, well-designed and equipped, and have state-of-the-art technology. For more information and photographs of campus, please click on websheet A.  For details on science equipment and computers, please click on websheet B.

The pre-school has a year-round program and the elementary school operates on a traditional school year (late August to early June) and also offers a summer session.  The summer session is a blend of relaxed academics, taught by credentialed teachers; one and two-week camps following 'fun' themes; sports and recreational activities; and swim lessons.  For more information on tuition, please click on websheet C.  For information on registry and policy information click on websheet C1.   For a copy of the enrollment agreement click on websheetC2. For information on our Summer Camps click on websheet D.

At El Rancho School we believe that each of our students is entitled to a reasonably equitable amount of their teacher's time and help; therefore, we do not accept students who choose to frequently or seriously disrupt and interfere with the educational and recreational activities of other students.  El Rancho School is a place where parents are comforted to know that their children are not continually disturbed by others and are safe from the violent influences that disrupt education and frighten students and teachers.  An integral part of an El Rancho School education is helping students make moral and compassionate choices. For more information about student safety, security and , please click on websheet E.  For more information about the elementary school Character Development Program please click on websheet E1.
 
 

El Rancho School is committed to serving the individual needs of each of our students.  In the pre-school, students are placed in classes according to their readiness skills and maturity, not their chronological age.  For more information about our pre-school program, please click on websheet F.

We understand that students like school and learn best when their classwork is neither too easy nor too difficult.  (It also 'lessens the odds' that they will create a little mischief to keep things interesting!)  Reading is the most important subject taught at school.  Phonics forms the basis for instruction.  Our elementary school classrooms average three levels of reading instruction.  Students develop at their own pace, which prevents frustration or boredom.  With class size averaging 17 students, the teachers and aides have plenty of time to assist all students. 

Discriminating families know they only have one chance for a quality education for their child.  They know every school year is important and builds on the skills and concepts of the previous year.  For over forty years El Rancho Elementary School has earned a reputation for developing high-achieving students, who have a love of learning and books.  They develop into such strong "recreational" readers that their parents 'complain' about their children reading in bed under the covers with a flashlight!  The parents 'complain' to all of their friends and co-workers that they are "going broke" buying books for their children! For more information about how you can have this 'problem' click on websheet G  for the kindergarten program, click on websheet H  for first through sixth grade curricula, and click on websheet I  for ('stellar' results) information about our standardized test scores. 

El Rancho School understands that the personal manner and skills of the teachers are the most important factors in determining the quality of education in the classroom.  Therefore, only truly outstanding, highly-skilled teachers are on staff.  For a brief discussion of the qualities of an excellent teacher and a summary of our teachers' education and experience, please click on websheet J. 
 
 

Parents and teachers know kids like school and perform better if academic subjects are combined with subjects and activities such as music, foreign language, physical education, intramural sports and cheerleading, wonderful field trips, and computer classes.  For more information on these topics, please click on websheet K.

Students' enjoyment of school is enhanced by after-school clubs like our sewing and computer clubs, scouts, and special events like the Boys Fishing Derby, Mother/Daughter High Tea and Fashion Show, Valentine Dinner and Dance and other activities.  For more information on these activities, please click on websheet L.

For many families, the convenience of after-school lessons or classes on our campus in dance, music, gymnastics and karate are very attractive.  These high-quality lessons are taught by professionals and are at an additional charge.  For more information about lessons, please click on websheet M.

El Rancho School elementary students wear uniforms during the academic school year.  Component pieces are available through a local uniform store, the internet and periodic used uniform sales at the school.  For more information on uniforms please click on websheet N.

Sacrificing the average and better students, to remediate low achievers, has become public policy in California schools.  To raise test scores of a low student, schools earn 500 points, but for a good student they earn only 125 points.  High-point accumulation earns individual schools cash while low-point accumulation results in sanctions.  For more information about how California public schools have produced an educational mediocrity, please click on websheet O.  To view our School Calendar click on websheet P.  To see the Food Service Options click on websheet Q.  To see our two-week rotating menu click on websheet Q1.
  

El Rancho School families are a diverse group of socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, religious and racial groups, and all are welcome.  What they have in common is their profound belief that the sacrifices they make now, to provide for their child's education at El Rancho School, will maximize their child's opportunity to achieve a brighter future.  The staff and administration of El Rancho School invite you to explore our website, to call the school for more information, or to drop by for a tour.  Thank you for your interest in El Rancho School.