Frequently asked questions 

Age 2 through grade 3 are located at our Lower (Greenway) Campus, located at 5656 E. Greenway, Grades 4 and 5 are located at our Upper Elementary (Pima) Campus, located at 8075 EN. Pima Road, Grades 6-12 are located at our Upper (Ventura) Campus, located at 9180 E. Via de Ventura

Yes. Rancho Solano offers complimentary intra campus shuttle service for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.

Yes

• PK2 is 11:2
• PK3 is 14:2
• PK4 - K 16:2
• 1st 17:1
• 2nd - 12th 18:1

Students must turn the age of the level they are applying to by September 1st. This means a student applying for PK2 will need to turn 2 by September 1st, a student for PK3 would turn 3 by September 1st and a candidate for PK4 would be 4 by September 1st.

Preschool, Kindergarten, Sixth Grade and Ninth Grade are all natural entry points where Rancho Solano purposefully opens up space for new applicants.

Our second through 5th grade is based on attrition and spaces will vary year to year. For middle and high school transfer students, space is based on scheduling needs.

Rancho Solano Middle School prepares students for college by allowing them appropriate amounts of independence and takes the time to teach executive functioning skills. For example, during advisory advisors teach students the process of prioritization and time management skills. Through the use of a planner, students also learn the benefits of recording assignments and to-do lists.

Rancho Solano Middle School has a full team of middle level experts to support academic and social-emotional growth. A full-time counselor and nurse support the academic team. Additionally, physical education and the importance of life-long health are infused into students’ academic life. Students have an array of electives to choose from-one of which is a performing art. The Arts are equally included in a student’s schedule. Finally, world languages are embedded into the life of Rancho Middle School students.

Our high school is a full member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association. We compete at the 2A level in most sports which means competing against other private schools, charter schools, and smaller public schools. Our teams often compete and win against much larger 5A and 6A schools and many of our teams travel out of state to play unique competition.

In middle school we do not make cuts so all students will have the opportunity to play if they want to try a sport.

In high school, our teams are a unique blend of competitive and available. We have teams that compete for State Championships at the Varsity level, however, most students will have the opportunity to be a part of a team and learn and improve during their time at Rancho Solano if they choose.

Yes! We have 30+ athletes that have continued their sport at the collegiate level in numerous sports at all levels of college. Examples of colleges that our athletes have continued to play at are: Air Force, Princeton University, University of Dayton, UC Irvine, NYU, Trinity University (TX), Lake Forest College, and many others!

RSPS School Profile.pdf

During New Student Orientation, students will:

• shop for general necessities and room items;
• visit the campus;
• meet residence and school staff;
• take placement tests;
• build their class schedule;
• spend time socializing with their new residential family.

During New Student Orientation week, students will take the necessary tests and then build their schedule together with the Director of Admissions. The schedule will be ready before classes begin.

The school has more than 900 day students and a highly diverse student population, with over 28 countries represented among day and boarding students.

Rancho Solano Preparatory School has an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) team that offers a wide range of support for English language acquisition based on each student’s needs. Language proficiency is evaluated during orientation testing, and the result gives the ESOL team the information needed to create a personalized plan for each student.

Yes, you will have a roommate.

Roommates are assigned primarily based on gender, grade, and the results of the questionnaires completed by students.

The program is overseen by Scott Salk, Chief Operating Officer of Rancho Solano Preparatory School. A residential life council made up of the Lead Dorm Parent, the ESL teacher, and the High School Principal meets regularly to ensure the program runs smoothly.

The goal of the residence is to be a true “home away from home,” with a strong sense of family and community. The residential staff will take care of students by providing both academic and emotional support.

Stephen Cheng, Residence Manager

•  602-421-3696 
  
• seibe88@gmail.com

The Residence includes:

• separate bathrooms;
• one wardrobe/closet for each student;
• one bunk bed for each student;
• two desks per room.

For new students, upon arrival the following will be provided:

• Uniforms: 3 tops, 3 bottoms (pants/shorts; skirts also available for girls), 1 physical education (PE) uniform;
• Bedding: pillow, pillowcase, flat sheet, fitted sheet, blanket.

Any additional items are the responsibility of the student.

Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and weekend brunch are eaten in the Residence dining room with the residential family.

On weekdays, lunch is eaten in the school cafeteria with classmates during the student’s lunch period.

Boarding students receive an assigned laundry day and instructions on how to use the washers and dryers on site.

Students can receive mail and packages directly at the following addresses:

• Female House: 12123 E Mescal St., Scottsdale, AZ 85259
• Male House: 13965 N. 102nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Mail is delivered to the Residence daily on weekdays and once per weekend.

Daytime outings on weekends are allowed according to the general schedule.

Overnight stays off campus are allowed only with people listed on the student authorization forms, must be approved in advance by the Head of School, and must follow all Residence Hall rules.

It is recommended to bring:

• Clothing: appropriate clothes and shoes for free dress days; underwear and socks for daily use; a swimsuit. The dress code for free dress must be reviewed and followed (details will be in the student handbook sent separately).
• Shoes:
  • 1–2 pairs of shoes for the school uniform (allowed colors: black, white, or brown);
  • 1 pair of black dress shoes for formal dress days;
  • shoes for free dress days;
  • slippers/house shoes.
• Personal care items: hairbrush/comb, hair dryer, hair straightener, bath towels and face towels.
• Decorations: small personal items such as photos, posters, and decorative objects.

All other items can be purchased after arrival. Students will have many opportunities to go to Target and Walmart to buy personal care products, additional school supplies, and clothing.

Do not bring:

• large quantities of toiletries (you can buy them locally);
• sheets or pillows (unless you have one special pillow for personal comfort; the rest will be purchased upon arrival);
• kitchen knives, sharp utensils of any kind, weapons: these are not allowed and will be confiscated.

Yes. The school will contact families before arrival with instructions on how to order uniforms.

Yes. Students will need money for:

• weekend and leisure activities;
• replenishing supplies;
• meals out on their own.

Many students open an account with a major U.S. bank (e.g., Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase Bank). Having a U.S. bank account makes it easier to receive and use funds sent by family via wire transfer.

No. The insurance provided by the school covers most doctor visits or emergency room visits for illness or injury during the school year, but:

• there is a deductible and a co‑pay that the student/family must pay;
• it does not cover: preventive care, pre‑existing conditions, behavioral health services, eyeglasses/contact lenses, cosmetic dermatology.

All medications must:

• be labeled in English;
• be given immediately upon arrival to the dorm staff or the nurse’s office for review, documentation, and dosage instructions.

Students may not keep any medications (including herbal remedies and vitamins) in their rooms or on their person without written permission from the school nurse and the Head of School.

Students must bring their own laptop. A document with required technical specifications is available. RSPS is not responsible for loss, damage, technical issues, viruses, or any other problems related to personal devices.

Yes, students are required to have a cell phone with a U.S. phone number.

RSPS staff and Residential Life Managers must be able to contact students at any time by call or text, except during classes or scheduled activities.

In addition to participating in school sports activities, boarding students have access to the residence pool (adult supervision is required at all times). In case of illness, an appointment will be scheduled at a health center.

Arizona is known for its hot, dry climate, but it is actually quite varied. The school is located in a desert area. Typical temperatures are:

• June – October: high 100–110 °F; lows up to 90 °F
• October – December: highs 75–80 °F; lows around 50 °F
• January – March: highs 55–75 °F; lows 30–50 °F
• April – May: highs 80–95 °F; lows 60–70 °F

For more information about Arizona weather: www.visitarizona.com/vibrant-arizona/arizona-weather

Popular places for boarding students include:

• Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall (upscale shopping mall);
• Asian Market Shopping Complex;
• Mill Avenue (Downtown Tempe – Arizona State University area).

If a student misses the shuttle, parents will be contacted immediately. Families are responsible for arranging alternate transportation for that day. Students can resume using the shuttle service the next scheduled trip.

Any delays, cancellations, or schedule changes are communicated promptly via email, text message, or the school’s parent portal to ensure families are informed in real time.

Yes. Students may ride the shuttle unaccompanied, as all trips are fully supervised by trained adults. Parents are informed of drop-off and pick-up procedures to ensure student safety at all times.