Lower School
Lower School

Lower School

At Rancho Solano Preparatory School’s Lower School, students in Grades K through 5 engage in a rich, personalized curriculum that balances academics, arts, STEM, and character development. They cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while building confidence, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Lower School students benefit from learning across two dedicated campuses: Lower Elementary (K-G3) is located at the Greenway Campus, while Upper Elementary (G4-G5) is based at the Pima Campus, with a new, purpose-built campus opening in August 2026.

Our curriculum

At our private Elementary school in Scottsdale, learners progress through a comprehensive American curriculum. They explore core subjects, languages, arts, and STEM through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, connecting knowledge with real-world experiences while building skills, creativity, and global awareness.

Language Arts/English

Exploring ideas 

Learners develop reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills through the workshop method, focusing on brainstorming, revising, and publishing. They explore literary genres and strengthen comprehension while learning to express ideas clearly and confidently. 

Language Arts/English

Mathematics

Solving problems 

Students build computational fluency and problem-solving skills. They progress from addition and subtraction to multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals, applying strategies to real-life scenarios and developing strong mathematical reasoning. 

Mathematics

Science

Investigating nature
 
At our Elementary School in Scottsdale, learners engage in hands-on investigations to study life cycles, earth systems, forces, motion, and energy. They design experiments, form hypotheses, and explore the natural world, developing inquiry skills and scientific thinking.

Science

Social Studies

Discovering communities

Students explore communities, government, history, and cultures. Lessons progress from local studies to Arizona history, early American events, and world civilizations, encouraging critical thinking and project-based learning.

Social Studies

World Language (Spanish)

Communicating globally 

Learners build foundational Spanish skills in speaking, reading, and writing. Interactive, theme-based lessons immerse them in language and culture, fostering communication confidence and cultural awareness.

World Language (Spanish)

IT & STEM

Designing solutions 

As one of the best private Elementary schools in Arizona, students develop digital literacy, coding, robotics, and engineering skills. They work with Dash, Dot, and Vex robots, learning problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking through hands-on, project-based activities.

IT & STEM

Visual Arts

Expressing creativity 

Learners explore colors, shapes, lines, and techniques using varied materials. They create art while connecting it to history and world cultures, developing creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Visual Arts

Music & Performing Arts

Performing confidently 

Students build tonal and rhythm skills through singing and instruments. Starting in Grade 4, they select band, orchestra, or choir, growing musical talent and individual expression through performance.

Music & Performing Arts

Physical Education

Building strength 

Learners enhance coordination, motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Activities include swimming, fitness assessments, and goal setting, promoting healthy, active lifestyles and personal growth.

Physical Education

Character Education

Developing leadership 

At our private Elementary school in Arizona, students practice the Rancho Five - Respectful, Responsible, Polite, Considerate, and Successful - while developing organization, time management, research, and leadership skills, preparing for future academic and personal success. 

Character Education

A typical day

Every day at Rancho Solano Preparatory School is full of engaging learning experiences and discoveries. While schedules differ across grade levels, here’s a look at what happens in our Lower School. 

Core learning pillars

Through our Lower School core learning pillars, students establish a strong academic foundation, develop social and collaborative skills, thrive in a multilingual environment, and embrace global opportunities - laying the groundwork for future success. 

Academic achievement

Academic achievement

Enjoy personalized learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills, and understanding. 

Life competencies

Life competencies

Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives. 

Multilingualism

Multilingualism

Foster language skills and build confidence, with support in the students' home or first languages. 

International opportunities

International opportunities

Try global skill-building programs and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. 

Priscilla Ferry

Our teachers lead with a rare blend of academic excellence and genuine empathy, making it their mission to understand the ‘whole child’.

Priscilla Ferry, Lower School Dean of Curriculum and Instruction

Two campuses, one Lower School experience

Explore our Lower School campuses, two purpose-built environments designed to support every stage of elementary learning.

Greenway campus Pima campus (opening August 2026)

Greenway campus

Lower Elementary | Pre-K – Grade 2

A nurturing environment where young learners begin their academic journey through exploration and discovery.

 

  • Dedicated classrooms and outdoor play areas
  • Hands-on STEM lab for coding, robotics, and early innovation
  • Safe, supportive setting tailored to early childhood development

Pima campus (opening August 2026)

Upper Elementary | Grades 3 – 5

A dynamic, future-ready campus designed to expand opportunities and independence.

 

Academic and program highlights

  • Choice of World Languages - French, Mandarin, Spanish
  • Expanded Performing Arts - Choir, Band, Orchestra, Theatre
  • Dedicated counselor specializing in preteens
  • Free after-school activities
  • Advanced creativity & design labs (STEM-focused)

 

STEM creativity labs: two specialized spaces

  • Design lab - interactive boards, touchscreen displays, VR (Apple Vision Pro)
  • Makerspace - robotics, 3D printers, laser engravers, Cricut, advanced tools

 

Campus features

  • Black box theater and indoor choral risers
  • Covered outdoor amphitheater
  • Outdoor sport court
  • New playground and outdoor dining area

Where to enroll?

At Rancho Solano Preparatory School, we offer flexible enrollment for our Lower School throughout the school year. Our Admissions team is here to discuss your needs and help you choose the best start date for your child. 

Inquire now

Grow through an engaging, individualized curriculum that builds academic skills, creativity, character, and a love of learning at Rancho Solano Lower School.

Inquire now

Accreditations