Why choose us
Why choose us
Why choose Rancho Solano Preparatory School?

Why choose Rancho Solano Preparatory School?

At Rancho Solano Preparatory School, students embark on a transformative journey where academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic distinction converge.

Through personalized learning plans, a rigorous acedemic curriculum combined with the IB Diploma Program, and elite athletics programs, students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and leadership abilities while excelling on the field and in competition.

With the support of expert teachers, comprehensive college counseling, and holistic wellness programs, students thrive as resilient, confident, and principled individuals who are prepared to lead, excel academically, and succeed at top universities worldwide.

A journey of growth and excellence

1954
Our story begins

Our story begins

Rancho Solano opens its doors at the Missouri Campus, founded by the Bayer and Freesmeyer families.  

1993
Opening of Greenway Campus

Opening of Greenway Campus

Greenway Campus opens, later becoming our dedicated PreK–5 Lower School.  

2007
Joining a global family

Joining a global family

Rancho Solano becomes part of the Meritas International Family of Schools. 

2008
Upper School takes flight

Upper School takes flight

Our inaugural freshman class arrives at the Hillcrest Campus, marking the start of the Upper School. PreK–8 programs consolidate at Hillcrest, strengthening continuity and deepening the sense of community across grade levels. 

2010
Becoming an IB World School

Becoming an IB World School

Rancho Solano earns authorization to offer the IB Diploma Programme, establishing the school as a leader in rigorous, globally focused education and expanding pathways for academic excellence. 

2012
First senior class graduates

First senior class graduates

May marked a proud moment as Rancho Solano graduated its first high school class, celebrating the success of our Upper School program and the achievements of our inaugural seniors. This milestone reflected the dedication of our students, faculty, and community. 

2012
New campuses open

New campuses open

Rancho Solano opened its new 6–12 Middle and Upper School Campus, bringing older students together in a purpose-built environment designed to support their academic, social, and personal growth. 

2012
Strengthening community connections

Strengthening community connections

Our school proudly joined the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, deepening our partnership with the local area. This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, celebrating cultural heritage, and contributing positively to the community we call home. 

2013
Elevating athletics and student life

Elevating athletics and student life

The Upper School Athletic Complex and Student Center open, offering collegiate-level spaces that energize school spirit, support wellness, and help shape one of Arizona’s top small-school athletic programs. 

2017
Joined York Education Group

Joined York Education Group

The school joins York Education Group, strengthening leadership and resources while preserving Rancho Solano’s individualized approach and close-knit culture. 

2024
Joined International Schools Partnership

Joined International Schools Partnership

This was a transformative milestone for Rancho Solano as they became a proud member of International Schools Partnership - ISP.  

It provided access to unparalleled opportunities for our students to collaborate across continents, engage in innovative learning projects, and develop the skills to thrive as true global citizens.

2025
Launch of college prep pathways

Launch of college prep pathways

New College Prep and Honors options launch for Grades 9–10, giving students more choice and flexibility as they explore their interests and prepare for the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme. 

2026-27
Expanding our learning environments

Expanding our learning environments

Rancho Solano announces the opening of two new campuses, each dedicated to a specific educational stage. Rolling out between August 2026 and January 2027, these purpose-built campuses will further enrich the student experience, offering age-appropriate spaces designed to support focused learning, growth, and community at every stage of the journey. 

Excellent academic results

At Rancho Solano Preparatory School students consistently outperform national averages in both pass rate and average score, compared to the national benchmark.

81%

of our IB Diploma candidates passed, outperforming the national average of 80%. 

32

average IB score, compared to the national average of 30. 

42

students earned the full IB Diploma 

4.87

Average subject grade in 2025 

Why choose Rancho Solano Preparatory School?

Top reasons our families choose to belong here 

Strong athletic program

Strong athletic program

Thrive as scholar-athletes, building skills, teamwork, and resilience across sports with expert coaches and top-tier facilities, preparing for success on and off the field. 

IB World School

IB World School

Discover the IB Diploma Programme at Rancho Solano, the only private school in greater Phoenix that offers this globally recognized, rigorous curriculum. 

Innovative technology and digital learning

Innovative technology and digital learning

Learn in cutting-edge labs and tech programs, developing coding, robotics, drones, media, and digital citizenship skills for a creative, connected future. 

Personalized and individualized learning

Personalized and individualized learning

Benefit from a personalized learning plan in an environment of close support, thanks to our low student-teacher ratio. Explore passions, build skills, and grow at a pace that’s right for you. 

Fine Arts Program

Fine Arts Program

Explore, create, and perform with our Fine Arts Program, woven into the curriculum from Kindergarten up until graduation. 

An ISP School

An ISP School

Rancho Solano Prepratory School is part of International Schools Partnership, offering students transformative and skill-building learning opportunities empowered by a global network.  

Future pathway guidance

Future pathway guidance

Shape your future from Grade 6 onward at Rancho Solano - explore opportunities, set goals, and secure top-university placements with personalized guidance. 

Growing campuses

Growing campuses

Learn and grow across Rancho Solano’s two Scottsdale campuses, with a third opening in April 2026 and a fourth in 2027. Students explore STEM, arts, and athletics in innovative, safe, and technology-rich spaces designed for growth. 

Boarding school

Boarding school

Live a dynamic boarding life at Rancho Solano, blending academics, community, leadership, and everyday exploration in a safe, inspiring home-away-from-home. 

Health and wellness focus

Health and wellness focus

Build physical, emotional, and social wellness, guided by counselors, registered nurses, and designated safety leaders, gaining confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits. 

Expert teachers

Expert teachers

Learn from Rancho Solano’s expert teachers, averaging 14+ years of experience, with 63% holding a master’s or higher, guiding students with mentorship, insight, and inspiration. 

Vision

We aim to be recognized for excellence in providing a transformational learning environment that inspires personal potential through premier, individualized learning. 

Mission

We cultivate in our students the ingenuity to thrive in a global society and to be architects of their future. 

Rancho values

Students integrate the Rancho Five into their learning experiences, both inside and beyond the classroom, fostering community engagement, empathy, and personal growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellie

Rancho developed my critical thinking skills like no other.

Ellie, Student, College Counseling

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Choose Rancho Solano Preparatory School for an education that lets students thrive globally, explore passions, and become architects of their future.

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