Orange Unified School District

Principal of Business Operations: John Besta

Principal of Academics: Michele Walker

Assistant Principals/Advisors: Kevin Johnson, Dave Mosely, Kimberly Townsend

Enrollment: 1,171

Grades: 7-8

It is the mission of El Rancho Charter School to prepare middle school students to meet the challenges of the new millennium by providing an academically enriched program which includes the ability to read, write, listen calculate, create and critically think. The staff at El Rancho believes that students learn by active participation in the classroom and through lessons that stimulate critical thinking. In addition, El Rancho will provide continual individual development through a variety of academic experiences, student-centered environments and community opportunities. Finally, El Rancho will provide technological skills, fine arts and health exploration and multi-cultural awareness.

El Rancho’s charter was approved by the Orange Unified School District in November of 2001 and operation as a charter school was begun in July of 2002. The school was built in 1975 on 20.3 acres of land in the Anaheim Hills area. Students attend on a single track, 45/15 year-round calendar. Approximately 1,019 students were enrolled in grades seven and eight during the 2002/2003 school year.

It is the mission of El Rancho Charter School to prepare middle school students to meet the challenges of the new millennium by providing an academically enriched program which includes the ability to read, write, listen calculate, create and critically think. The staff at El Rancho believes that students learn by active participation in the classroom and through lessons that stimulate critical thinking. In addition, El Rancho will provide continual individual
development through a variety of academic experiences, student-centered environments and community opportunities. Finally, El Rancho will provide technological skills, fine arts and health exploration and multi-cultural awareness.

El Rancho Charter School has been designated a California State Partnership School. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to the concept of a community educational team that works together to challenge our students to academic excellence. That partnership particularly extends to the grass roots of El Rancho, the home environment and family.

We look forward to your continued support of our students as they pursue their education. The staff, in turn, will commit itself to the goal of making El Rancho a showcase of educational opportunities for our students.