Upper School

The grade nine and ten English curriculum prepares students for the rigorous IB program they will undertake as juniors and seniors. The curriculum also builds the writing, research and critical thinking skills students need to be successful in college and beyond.

Reading assignments, written work and class discussions stimulate critical thinking skills. Students will develop excellent research and presentation skills while gaining a deeper understanding of cultural studies, literature and the written word. Coursework promotes appreciation for the interplay between culture, art, mathematics, science and music while building language arts skills. 

Core Courses include:

• English I: American Literature and Composition
• English II: British Literature and Composition
• English III:  World Literature
• English IV: Non Fiction/Contemporary Literature
• IB English Language & Literature – offered at the Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) 

Students in grades nine and ten will develop the conceptual skills needed for success in the IB Programme offered to grades eleven and twelve. Class placement is based upon skill level, academic readiness, and future scholastic goals.

At every level, students learn math vocabulary, solve contextual problems, and develop critical thinking skills. Through rigorous coursework, students learn to communicate mathematical ideas clearly and demonstrate their understanding of mathematical topics. 

Core Courses include:

• High School Math: Integrated 1
• High School Math: Integrated 2
• High School Math: Integrated 3
• Pre-Calculus
• Probability and Statistics
• IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations – Standard Level (SL)
• IB Mathematics:  Analysis and Approaches – Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

Rancho Prep follows an innovative and research based approach to science education. Students typically complete Chemistry during grade nine followed by Physics in grade ten with the opportunity for additional science electives at every grade level. Students are able to pursue advanced coursework in physics, chemistry and biology in the IB programme.

Science courses at Rancho Prep are conceptually based and aimed at fostering critical thinking skills. The primary focus is building students’ understanding of the underlying concepts and processes rather than simple memorization of content. All courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory, research and in-depth projects. 

Core Courses include:

• Biology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Earth Science
• IB Biology- offered at the Standard Level and Higher Level. 
• IB Chemistry- offered at the Standard Level and Higher Level. 
• IB Physics- offered at the Standard Level and Higher Level. 

The Social Sciences offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for the IB Programme. Students learn not only how to read, write and think, but also to work collaboratively, research, and assess and apply information in new ways.

Our coursework promotes global awareness and understanding of the relationships between culture, history, politics and economics, both in the past and the present.

Core Courses include:

• World History
• United States History
• Economics
• American Government
• IB Psychology- IB Psychology is offered only at SL. 
• IB Economics- IB Economics is offered at both SL and HL. 
• IB History- IB History is offered at both SL and HL. 

Students learn to embrace the study of world languages through activities that integrate reading, writing, speaking and listening with cultural awareness.

As students move toward the IB World Language curriculum, they learn to engage in critical thinking, reflection, observation and critique in the target language. The Prep curriculum stimulates internalization and application of the material rather than rote memorization. 

Core Courses include:

• French I
• French II
• French III
• French IV
• French V
• IB French Language B – offered at SL and HL.
• IB French Ab Initio – offered only at SL.
• Mandarin I
• Mandarin II
• Mandarin III
• Mandarin AB Initio – offered only at SL.
• Spanish I
• Spanish II
• Spanish III
• Spanish IV
• Spanish V
• IB Spanish – offered at SL and HL.
• IB Spanish Ab Initio – offered only at SL. 

Performing Arts

Our Upper School Performing Arts Department offers both performance and theoretical based classes:

• Jazz Band
• Choir
• Dance
• Chamber Orchestra
• Theatre

Visual Arts

Our visual art curriculum incorporates drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and more, providing a strong foundation for students who pursue IB-level art. Students develop an understanding of the role of art in our increasingly visual and international world.

Visual Arts Courses:

• Drawing I
• Drawing II
• Introduction to Painting
• Foundations of Sculpture
• Digital Art
• IB Visual Arts- Visual Art is offered at both SL and HL.

Students choose from our elective offerings to pursue their individual interests and fulfill graduation requirements. These courses offer opportunities like learning about leading a healthy lifestyle, strengthening writing skills, perfecting the playing of an instrument, or learning about the business world through hands-on, experiential coursework. 

Electives include*:

• Creative Writing
• Introduction to Sports Medicine
• Introduction to Sports Management
• Sports Nutrition
• Forensics
• Introduction to Marketing
• Introduction to Business
• Personal Finance
• Ukulele and Guitar
• Piano

*Electives may change slightly from one school year to the next.

Our Technology and Media Arts classes equip students with expertise in both software and hardware applications, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media.

Core Courses include:

• Robotics – Introduction & Advanced
• Principles of Applied Technology
• Podcasting & Content Streaming
• Yearbook and Social Media
• Topics in Media Game Design
• Screen Writing

Physical Education promotes activity and fitness in the context of healthy living and decision-making. Students participate in a wide range of PE units – from yoga to floor hockey to weightlifting –to develop their interests and gain exposure to new sports and activities.

Our highly trained staff encourages students to understand and appreciate a healthy lifestyle. Students are able to develop individual interests rather than follow an approach of one size fits all.

Core Courses include:

• Physical Education
• Health
• Sports Conditioning 
• Fitness and Strength Training
• Advanced Athletic Training
• Rancho Solano Sports Academy
• Dance