Rancho Solano Preparatory School: Tuition, Programs, and Community

Rancho Solano Preparatory School is a PK-12 school located in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. The school is made up of the "Early Learning Center" (grades PK2 - Kindergarten), the Lower School (grades first - fifth), the Middle School (grades sixth - eighth), and the Upper School (grades ninth - twelfth). Rancho Solano Preparatory School provides a diverse and stimulating educational environment strengthened through a vibrant student community, specialized academic and enrichment programs, and modern facilities and technology.

History and Campus Locations

Founded in 1954 by the Bayer and Freesmeyer families, Rancho Solano Preparatory School initially opened at a campus on Missouri Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the years, the school expanded, establishing the Union Hills Campus in 1979, which later moved to the Hillcrest campus in 2008. The Greenway campus, which still houses the Early Learning Center and the Lower School, was established in 1991. In 2012, a new Middle and Upper School Campus opened on Via de Ventura. In 2007, Rancho Solano Private Schools joined the Meritas International Family of Schools.

Academic Excellence and Personalized Learning

Rancho Solano Preparatory School is known for its small class sizes, qualified teachers, personalized academic curricula, and a wide range of course offerings. This approach helps students develop the character and competitive edge needed for success in college, university, and beyond. The school cultivates ingenuity in its students, preparing them to thrive in a global society and become architects of their future.

Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities

Tuition rates at Rancho Solano Preparatory School range from $14,800 for kindergarten to $18,875 for high school. While private school tuition represents a significant financial investment for families, Rancho Solano offers several financial aid options to make education more accessible.

Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST)

Families seeking need-based financial aid from Rancho Solano must complete an online application through Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST). This secure application process allows for an objective assessment of a family's financial need, enabling the school to award its limited financial aid resources fairly. Financial aid applications are typically accepted from November 1st until the end of January, with applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis after February 1st, depending on qualifications and available funds. All financial aid awards are contingent on the availability of funds.

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Arizona Tuition Connection (STO)

Rancho Solano has partnered with Arizona Tuition Connection, a Student Tuition Organization (STO), for the private school tax credit program. This program is available to all families, regardless of income, and can significantly reduce tuition costs. Funding for this program comes from tax credit donations from individuals and corporations. Donors receive a tax credit on their Arizona state taxes, making participation cost-free. Donors can even recommend a student to receive their donations.

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs)

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) are taxpayer-supported vouchers designed to provide financial assistance for students to attend private schools. Initially intended for students with disabilities, ESAs have expanded to include universal student categories, with ongoing legislative considerations for further expansion. ESA funds are a fixed amount per year and can cover a range of expenses beyond tuition, such as textbooks, tutoring, achievement tests, uniforms, college entrance exams, and even transportation services. Applications are processed through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), with funds distributed quarterly. Note that students cannot receive STO scholarships and ESA funding in the same quarter, as ESA funding and STO scholarships are based on individual students, not family units.

A Diverse and Supportive Community

Rancho Solano Preparatory School prides itself on being a diverse community of students with individual interests, talents, and backgrounds. The school fosters a palpable sense of calmness and community, deliberately fostered by the entire community. One parent noted that after six months at Rancho Solano, their children said they loved the school "Because the teachers are happy and all want to be there." Another parent highlighted the school's multicultural environment, appreciating the diversity among teachers, administrators, and students.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Rancho Solano Preparatory School is a member of multiple athletic leagues with other Arizona schools. The high school is a full member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association and National Federation of State High School Associations. In 2014, a beach volleyball area was constructed, allowing for the creation of a new beach volleyball team for high schoolers.

High School sports for fall include boys' soccer, girls' volleyball, boys' cross country, and girls' cross country. Winter sports for High School are boys' basketball, girls' basketball, boys lacrosse, and girls' lacrosse. Middle School sports for fall include boys flag football, girls' volleyball, and boys and girls' golf. Rancho Solano Preparatory School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, E-sports, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.

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Middle and Upper School Information

The acceptance rate of Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Middle and Upper School is 78%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. The average class size is 18 students.