How We Give Back
At Rancho Solano, philanthropy is more than just a concept; it’s a fundamental aspect of our educational approach. Guided by the IB learner profile and our core values, we instill in our students a sense of inquiry, knowledge, and care. Through philanthropic initiatives, we nurture compassionate individuals who actively contribute to creating a better and more peaceful world. Our teaching model emphasizes the importance of building intercultural understanding and respect, fostering a community where empathy and altruism thrive. Whether it’s through service projects, fundraisers, or volunteer opportunities, our students embody the spirit of philanthropy, making a positive impact locally and globally. Together, we inspire future leaders who are dedicated to making the world a better place for all.
Community Service in Upper School
Rancho Solano views community service as an essential activity for students in 11th and 12th grade. In addition to giving back to the community, service experiences foster compassion, generate awareness of personal values, build self-esteem, develop professional skills, and support academic achievement. Students in 11th and 12th grade are required to complete 15 hours of community service per school year. These hours can be fulfilled during the annual academic class trips that include a service component, or students can complete the hours during their spare time.
The service components of the academic trips include the following volunteering activities: working in the rainforest, on an ecological farm, in a wildlife reserve, helping in an orphanage, and assisting local schools by engaging with the students.
After each community service, students need to write their reflections in a journal and explain their experience, tasks performed, what they learned, and the organization’s impact on the community.
Community Service in Middle School
- Feed My Starving Children
- Students take a field trip and volunteer to pack meals.
- Team Seas
- Students have organized fundraisers to help this ocean clean-up organization.
- Legacy Living Center
- Students spend social time with the senior residents and our choir performs for them during holiday seasons.
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- Students coordinate and promote a canned food drive.
- Support our Soldiers
- Students make blankets and host a supply drive.
Community Service in Lower School
Rancho Solano focuses on character education where our students learn to be productive citizens of the world. We incorporate the Rancho Five – Respectful, Responsible, Polite, Considerate, Successful – into a curriculum that transitions outside the walls of the classroom. Community service projects form part of this educational pillar and our Diversity & Inclusion Group as well as Student Government (STUGO) actively organize and engage in fundraising and awareness-raising activities.
Rancho Solano supports and collaborates with the following organizations:
- Home Fur Good
- Students create a fun and engaging fundraising campaign.
- PV Community Food Bank
- Students coordinate and promote a food drive.
Rehema Project
Rehema Children’s Home in Kenya rescues and provides a home to children who have been orphaned, neglected, fleeing early marriage, and/or were physically abused. Since 2019, Rancho Solano Preparatory School has partnered with and supported the Rehema Children’s Home in Kenya. Working closely with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, our community has generously contributed to various initiatives. In 2020, donations facilitated the construction of a dormitory building, significantly improving living conditions. Subsequent contributions in 2021 supported education and income-generating projects. Due to COVID-19, focus shifted in 2022 and 2023 to education and health initiatives. In 2024, we aim to continue funding these efforts and introduce trade skills training. Donations helps provide a safe home, healthcare, and education for these children. For more information and donations, click button below.