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At our Middle School in Scottsdale, students follow a rigorous, student-centered curriculum based on US standards and international best practices. Through engaging academics, personalized guidance, and character development, they build confidence, critical thinking, and lifelong skills - ready to thrive in high school and beyond.
Engage in a rigorous, student-centered curriculum grounded in National standards and international best practices, designed to build strong foundations for advanced coursework and lifelong academic confidence.
Innovation is facilitated through hands-on STEM labs, design challenges, robotics, coding, and competitions that build creativity, collaboration, and real problem-solving skills.
Our experienced teachers, with an average of over 14 years in the classroom and 63% holding advanced degrees in Education, guide students through exploration, critical thinking, and personal growth, helping them build confidence and independence during these formative years.
Grow as scholar‑athletes through a well‑rounded program that builds sharp minds and strong bodies. With expert coaching and outstanding facilities, build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and impeccable sportsmanship.
Build skills for life through daily practice in communication, organization, digital fluency & citizenship, and decision-making, supported by advisory, real-world projects, and character education rooted in the Rancho Five.
Lead with purpose through student-led initiatives and our long-term partnership with Rehema Children’s Home in Kenya, turning compassion into meaningful, real-world impact.
Feel known, safe, and supported through counseling, mindfulness, digital citizenship guidance, advisory, and character education that nurture confidence and healthy habits during the Middle School years.
Gain a competitive edge by learning Spanish, French, and Mandarin, practicing real-world communication and developing cultural understanding that prepare students for IB Diploma languages and global careers.
Discover your creative voice in 2D, 3D, and digital arts, band, choir, dance, and musical theatre, developing confidence, presentation skills, collaboration, and award-winning artistic portfolios.
Grow as a confident leader through student government, clubs, service projects, athletics, peer mentoring, and public speaking, becoming a positive role model in the Rancho community.
Start planning ahead with Middle and Upper School Counselors who guide students in goal-setting, course selection, and early college and career exploration that pave the way to IB and university success.
Through small classes and an integrated college-prep curriculum, Rancho Solano’s individualized academic approach develops students’ passions and interests and encourages personal growth and fulfillment.
Grow as a global citizen through ,courses with international focus and partnerships across ISP schools, strengthening cultural awareness, confidence, and a future-ready global mindset.
Learn on our Upper Campus in Scottsdale with purpose-built classrooms, labs, and athletic facilities designed for collaboration and exploration, supporting strong academic and personal growth.
Our admissions process is clear and responsive, ensuring a smooth transition as we warmly welcome your family into our vibrant community.
At our private Middle School in Scottsdale, Arizona, students engage in a rigorous, student-centered curriculum rooted in US standards and international best practices, building critical thinking, global awareness, and lifelong learning skills for academic and personal success.
Discovering the world through words
The Middle School English curriculum focuses on the study of literature, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary with an emphasis on higher order thinking in reading and writing. Students will learn to read for comprehension and write in a variety of styles as they move through the middle school English curriculum.
Using an integrated approach, students will explore the impact of historical events on literature. Students will examine literary themes and complete a variety of performance-based assessments to target higher order reasoning and critical thinking skills. We encourage vigorous reading, authentic writing and literary analysis.
Developing an analytical mind Mathematics instruction stresses a clear understanding of the mechanics of computation. It is this emphasis of computations that allows Rancho Solano students to apply the mathematical concepts at high levels. Students are placed in the course that they are developmentally prepared for at the middle school level.
Students will be given a placement exam prior to entering 6th grade. They will be placed in Middle School Math Course I, Middle School Math Course II, or Pre-Algebra. Regardless, of where they are placed, they will be on track to take Algebra I, by the time they reach 8th grade. Students usually enter high school prepared to take Geometry/Algebra II.
Investigating the natural world The middle school curriculum integrates the study of life science, Earth science, and physical science using a hands-on, experiential approach. Students explore content using scientific process skills; this includes questioning, planning, conducting investigations, analysis and conclusions. Through this critical thinking process, students gain content knowledge and will logically think about relationships between evidence and explanations in science.
In addition to classroom instruction, laboratory work, and in-class presentations, students from all campus participate in our annual science fair with the opportunity to qualify for the district and state science fairs.
Analyzing the past and understanding cultures Middle school history covers American history prior to the Revolutionary War through the beginnings of the Cold War in addition to world history from early civilizations in Mesopotamia through the Renaissance.
At our Middle School in Arizona, students will use critical thinking skills to create projects; compare and contrast; engage in debates, discussions, and written assignments; and discover the relationships between current events and their preceding historical events.
Communicating across cultures Middle school Spanish instruction will provide the opportunity for students to gain introductory proficiency in the four basic communicative skills - speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition, students gain exposure to various cultural elements of the many Spanish-speaking countries.
As students progress through middle school Spanish, they will increase their ability to communicate both orally and in writing by learning to function in real-life situations.
Middle School Mandarin will focus on two aspects - Pinyin and Mandarin communication skills. Early on, students will learn greetings, names, nationalities, and addresses. They will speak about family, meeting and making plans, ordering food as well as time and schedules. In addition, students will learn to write Chinese characters in the right order and input Chinese characters in the computer. Vocabulary emphasis will be a focus throughout the program of study.
By the end of the first year, students will be expected to be proficient in Pinyin and able to communicate in simple Chinese words and sentences. By the end of the second year, students are expected to communicate at an early intermediate level.
In French, students will be performing linguistic tasks successfully (speaking, reading, writing, and listening), gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, developing their ability to create with language, expanding their global vision and gaining greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Francophone culture. French will be spoken regularly in the classroom and communication with the teacher and peers will be in French whenever possible.
Creating with digital tools Technology is an in-depth course designed to develop a critical understanding of different applications to help students gain success in the 21st century. Students will gain proficiency in essential skills such as proper keyboarding, simple word processing, presentations, and standard software.
Through enjoyable, educational computer-based projects, the technology courses will enhance the middle school curriculum. The use of technology will increase creativity by fostering experimentation and discovery. Students will advance critical thinking through age-appropriate projects with ongoing discussions regarding important topics such as Internet safety and acceptable technology usage.
Middle School Digital Literacy is a course which teaches the student a variety of platforms to safely research, create, design, organize, and present information responsibly and ethically.
Expressing creativity visually Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 have the opportunity to learn art basics through exploration of multicultural connections and major trends in the history of art. This approach includes exploration of aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and production in 2D painting and drawing, 3D sculpture, and ceramics and applied design.
Middle School Media Arts courses provide foundational techniques in film, screenwriting, and animation.
Performing and interpreting art Students perform in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, Choir, Dance, Musical Theatre, Guitar, and Piano. They develop technical skills, creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression while performing in festivals, concerts, and competitions, building confidence and stage presence.
Building fitness, skills, and teamwork
Students engage in sports, fitness, and wellness activities, developing strength, endurance, agility, and healthy habits. They learn teamwork, discipline, goal‑setting, and personal growth while cultivating a lifelong commitment to physical fitness and wellness.
For 7th and 8th graders, our Middle School Sports Academy offers a sport‑specific PE pathway. Students can choose to focus on volleyball, basketball, golf, soccer, or strength and conditioning, receiving high‑level training from Rancho Solano high school coaches and elite private trainers. Each week, they spend roughly half of their time in their chosen sport and half working with private strength and conditioning coaches, building advanced skills and athletic performance over a semester‑long course that can be taken in both fall and spring of 7th and 8th grade.
Exploring interests As one of the best Middle schools in Arizona, students have the opportunity to pursue a multitude of electives including; robotics, podcasting, screenwriting, game design, or applied technology. They develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills, exploring passions while preparing for academic and career pathways.
Building values for life
Students embrace the Rancho Five - Respectful, Responsible, Polite, Considerate, Successful. Character development is integrated throughout the curriculum, helping students grow as leaders, collaborators, and confident individuals who positively impact their communities.
Making a difference
At our American Middle School in Scottsdale, students participate in Helping Hands (Grades 5 - 6) and REACH (Grades 7 - 8), engaging in community service and leadership projects. Through Touchpoints, our Global Awareness Program, they connect classroom learning to real-world impact, developing social responsibility, empathy, and the skills to influence positive change.
Every day at Rancho Solano is filled with amazing learning. While timetables vary across the year groups, here’s an example of what happens in our Middle School.
8am – 9:20am Engaging, interactive lessons in core subjects that help students build strong foundations, ask thoughtful questions, and start the day with purpose.
9:20am – 9:35am A short pause to recharge, connect with friends, and get ready for the next block of learning with renewed focus and energy.
9:40am – 11am Challenging classes that blend discussion, problem‑solving, and hands‑on activities, encouraging students to deepen their understanding and think independently.
11am – 11:40am A relaxed time to enjoy a nutritious meal, talk with classmates, and reset in the middle of the day in a welcoming, supportive environment.
11:45am – 2:30pm Students apply what they know through projects, collaborative tasks, and real‑world connections.
2:35pm – 3pm Dedicated time for advisory and clubs, where students receive personalised guidance, explore their passions, and develop confidence beyond the classroom.
At our Middle School in Scottsdale, students take ownership of their learning journey. Through our core learning pillars, they build academic excellence, life competencies, multilingual proficiency, and global exposure, preparing them for future success.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalized learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Life competencies
Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.
Multilingualism
Develop proficiency in at least one world language.
International opportunities
Try global skill-building programs and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.
Life & career pathways
Benefit from personalized guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.
Middle School students track and celebrate progress through a personalized, data-driven approach. Each student develops a Personal Learning Plan with customized academic goals, guided by ISP’s Learning.First.™ approach that fosters self-directed learning and metacognition. Achievement is measured via rigorous coursework, placement exams, and standardized assessments, while character, athletics, and creativity are recognized through programs like CHAMP and Mustang scholar-athlete awards. Family communication and student publications further celebrate growth, ensuring every student’s academic, personal, and social development is nurtured.
At our private Middle school in Arizona, students develop essential life skills that prepare them for academic success and personal growth. They master study habits, note-taking, and decision-making while learning how to learn through metacognition.
Communication, teamwork, and collaboration are strengthened across classes and activities, including athletics.
Students build responsibility, self-confidence, resilience, digital fluency and responsible online behavior.
These skills empower learners to become self-directed, confident, and socially aware global citizens.
Students immerse themselves in Spanish, French, and Mandarin through engaging, real-world experiences.
Spanish classes strengthen speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills using storytelling and interactive projects.
French instruction builds confidence and cultural understanding through authentic communication.
Mandarin develops practical conversation and character writing, reaching early intermediate proficiency.
Technology and AI tools personalize learning, while cultural projects connect language study to global perspectives, preparing students to communicate and collaborate with confidence in an interconnected world.
Rancho Solano offers engaging international experiences and competitions that develop global awareness, collaboration, and self-leadership.
Grade 6 students attend Space Camp in Alabama, participating in simulated missions, rocket design, and team-building activities that spark curiosity in science and engineering.
Our global programs, including international athletics and academic competitions, foster teamwork and cross-cultural understanding. Clubs like World Culture and Model U.N. allow students to explore traditions, diplomacy, and global issues, preparing them to thrive as culturally aware, confident, and socially responsible global citizens.
As one of the best Middle schools in Arizona, students benefit from an early-start, a personalized Guidance Program that supports academic growth, personal development, and career exploration.
From Grade 6, they engage in goal-setting, decision-making, and age-appropriate activities that lay the foundation for future college and career success.
Through clubs, career-focused experiences, and skill-building activities, students gain real-world insights and leadership opportunities.
Our program ensures every student develops the confidence, direction, and skills needed to thrive in high school and beyond.
Middle school is a time of incredible discovery, and I am honored to walk alongside students as they navigate it. I believe in creating a nurturing space where each child can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Elizabeth Strimbu, Middle School Counselor
At Rancho Solano Preparatory School, we offer flexible enrollment for our Middle 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.
Progress through a dynamic Middle School program at Rancho Solano, building skills, exploring passions, and gaining confidence for High School and beyond.
RSPS Ventura Campus looks forward to International Day on Thursday, April 23!
