Dedicated to empower world-class learners, Rancho Bernardo High School opened its doors in September 1990. As the third comprehensive high school in the Poway Unified School District, Rancho Bernardo High School has grown into a pillar of its community. Today we will explore the school’s story.
Rancho Bernardo High School serves students from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Los Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, and Carmel Mountain Ranch. It is a comprehensive high school in northern San Diego County. Around 2,400 students attend Rancho Bernardo High School in grades nine through twelve.
Did you know that over 90% of Rancho Bernardo High School graduates enroll in either two or four-year college programs? This impressive statistic reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Rancho Bernardo High School mirrors the ethnic diversity of its surrounding community. The student body represents over 40 different cultures and languages. The racial distribution is predominately Caucasian at 59%. However, Asian students make up 17%, Hispanic students 10.6%, Filipino students 6.8%, and African American students 3.3%. Other groups comprise the remaining 3.3%.
Rancho Bernardo High School provides many academic programs. These include AVID, Advanced Placement, and California High School Exit Exam support courses. Online courses in art, civics, and zoology are available. There is a transition program for incoming at-risk students and 9th graders. A mentor program and academic courses linked tightly to academic standards are further offered.
Beyond academics, Rancho Bernardo High School boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities. There are 68 athletic teams, over 100 clubs, and 12 service organizations. Students can participate in marching band, orchestra, color guard, Science Olympiad, and Speech and Debate teams. The Academic Team is also popular.
The dedicated staff at Rancho Bernardo High School consists of 91 teachers, 3 school psychologists, and 2 speech therapists. There are also 6 counselors, 4 administrators, and support staff. Teachers and staff participate in 3 staff development days each year. They also dedicate 1 hour of professional time every Wednesday afternoon.
The Rancho Bernardo High School Site Council actively monitors school improvement and student achievement. Parents volunteer in many aspects of school life. They enjoy open communication with the school.
Several organizations support Rancho Bernardo High School. The RBHS Foundation, the Friends of the RBHS Library, and numerous booster clubs support student activities and achievement. The PTSA is very active. It serves as an important vehicle for communication and connection to the community. All of these facets work in concert to support the Poway Unified School District’s vision.
Rancho Bernardo High School expects its students to be prepared for a wide variety of options after graduation. These options include admission to college. Students are expected to successfully complete a course of study. This prepares them to meet the “a-g” application requirements of the CSU/UC systems. It also prepares them for the world of work. Rancho Bernardo High School wants them to make a lifetime of informed decisions. Students are offered opportunities to participate in extra- and co-curricular activities. The goal is to produce balanced and productive adults.
Rancho Bernardo High School continues to be a valuable resource for youth. It is also important for the large senior citizen population of this suburban area of San Diego. Rancho Bernardo High School stands as a beacon of learning. It fosters growth and prepares students for future success.