Pacific Ridge School Viewbook, 2020-21

E X P E R I E NC E Pacific Ridge School

PA S S I O N F O R L E A R N I N G PURPOSE FOR LIFE

Pacific Ridge students are known for their curiosity, their intellect, and their compassion. Our exceptional team of teachers offers these young people a joyful yet rigorous learning experience, challenging them to explore new perspectives, live with integrity, and lead a purposeful life.

A Pacific Ridge education not only equips, but inspires students to meet the demands of our ever-changing world.

Led by faculty that nurture intellectual development and cultivate a deep passion for learning, Pacific Ridge students thrive in this supportive community. Our comprehensive program reaches beyond academics, bringing together both classroom instruction and life experiences.

Service learning, clubs, and global travel programs weave an educational tapestry in which students stretch themselves in positive and revealing ways. Graduates are prepared and eager to go on to college, to consider careers, to engage in the world.

Our Mission In a community that fosters academic excellence, ethical responsibility and global engagement, Pacific Ridge School prepares students for college and a purposeful life.

“ Quality teachers truly make a world of difference.

Pacific Ridge teachers take the time to really know students’ individual strengths, weaknesses, and personalities.

I had teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to push myself more than I thought I could.”

—Alumna, Class of 2012

At Pacific Ridge School, students are engaged in the learning experience. In our distinctly designed classrooms, seated face-to-face around an oval Harkness table with classmates and a teacher, everyone has a front row seat.

Small class sizes enable teachers to know each student’s unique mind and personality, and to draw upon both to enhance learning. Classes are multidimensional, with moments of teacher instruction, guided group discussion, and both individual and collaborative work time.

The dynamic academic program at Pacific Ridge exposes students to history’s great thinkers, artists, and writers, while challenging them to examine complex issues front and center in the world today—scientific, technological, social, and cultural. Carefully chosen class materials and relevant assignments inspire deep thought and analysis and invite students to create, innovate, and explore new ideas.

“ At Pacific Ridge, my confidence and public speaking skills have changed completely.

Without the power and influence of the Harkness table, I would probably not be as comfortable with my character and myself as I am now.”

—Upper School Student

“ When students are given rich academic content and encouraged to interact with it and each other, learning goes beyond the constructs of schoolwork and assessments. It becomes personal and meaningful.”

—English and Theater Teacher

The Harkness classroom experience translates into many aspects of student learning, whether solving a math problem on a white board or working together on a service learning proposal.

In small-group discussions, students refine their listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills—all important for success in college and today’s professional world. At Pacific Ridge School, you become articulate, poised, and confident.

Connections at Pacific Ridge are far-reaching and happen in many ways. In class, a topic in biology can gain greater context when discussed as part of a history lesson. Outside of class, weekly Community Life assemblies connect students to other students, as well as to guest speakers from around the country, while frequent advisory meetings connect students to information relevant to their grade.

Beyond campus, students participate locally and globally in year-long service learning programs, integrating community service with instruction and reflection.

“ I feel like I’m a big part of the community. I feel like I’m someone who is doing something to actively contribute, and what I contribute means something. Something USEFUL. Something people care about.”

—Upper School Student

Through meaningful yearend global travel programs, students begin to see themselves in relation to the world. At Pacific Ridge, you discover what it means to be part of your school and your global community, as you experience the impact an individual can have when working with others.

“ You can study a country like China, but until you experience it, you can’t fully appreciate or understand it. My trip to China was the most meaningful of my life—I became a more well-rounded student.

—Upper School Student

“ One of my teammates who had not scored the entire season made the final point of the season. He had been to almost every practice and game, and he deserved to score that point. I loved that moment!”

—Upper School Basketball Player

Pacific Ridge students are involved—on the sports field, in the arts studio, at the local animal shelter, and more. Built into the school day, arts, athletics, clubs, and service learning are essential parts of every student’s education. Middle School is a time to explore these offerings, while Upper School provides the opportunity for continued exploration or a more singular focus on a discovered passion.

The comprehensive athletic and physical education program makes a wide variety of sports accessible to new and seasoned athletes.

“ I am surrounded by people who care about school, about each other, and everything else in between.”

—Middle School Student

At Pacific Ridge, you are part of a welcoming community where everyone is known and valued. Families and students come together for art performances, sporting events, and celebrations. Campus life is full of energy and fun with dances, spirit days, field days, and other events that enliven the student experience.

“ A purposeful education is more than excellent academics. It has led my children to think about what their education means, and how they will use it to make productive choices, both in college and afterward.”

—Parent

A purposeful education—learning that truly prepares students for a complex and interconnected world—lives both inside and outside the classroom walls. At Pacific Ridge, students engage in a compelling program that teaches them how to learn, and provides ample opportunity for practicing and refining skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Students who go on to lead productive lives, and thrive in today’s dynamic, global environment, have the following essential capacities: Problem solving • Critical thinking • Adaptability Creativity • Technological fluency • Collaboration Communication skills • Cross-disciplinary approach Discourse • Innovation • Ethical decision-making Global perspective At Pacific Ridge, we’ve created an academic experience that develops graduates who are prepared to explore a wide range of opportunities. Our students are thoughtful, and actively engaged in their education—making meaningful decisions, and embracing academic challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm.

“Sending me to Pacific Ridge was honestly one of the best decisions my parents ever made.

The best way I can say it is that Pacific Ridge creates change makers—the kind of people who understand the bigger picture, and care about it enough to make a positive impact.

Global travel gave us opportunities to see and experience the world, while our projects integrated core subjects to remind us WHY we care about learning. At Pacific Ridge, I got the practice I needed to identify a daunting problem and create a novel solution— I wouldn’t trade my school experience for any other.”

—Alumnus, Class of 2015

Pacific Ridge School Profile School

Academics

• A middle and upper school (grades 7-12), founded in 2007

• Seminar-style learning

• Non-Profit 501(c)(3) • Accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges • Member of the National Association of Independent Schools and California Association of Independent Schools Campus • 14.5 hillside acres in the North County community of Carlsbad, California • Over $73M invested in overall campus development • 78,307 sq. ft. of classrooms, science laboratories, arts studios, administrative and gathering spaces Beyond Pacific Ridge • Individual college advisement • Alumni Association

• Integrated curriculum, with content presented across thematic touchpoints • Engaging and experienced teachers; more than 70% with advanced degrees

• Comprehensive Arts program featuring both performing and visual arts (dance, digital media arts, music, studio arts, theater) • Diploma requirements: ›› History . . . . . . . . . . 3 years ›› Science . . . . . . . . . . 3 years

• Curriculum exceeds University of California requirements for admission

›› Mathematics . . . . . . . 3 years

• Honors and Advanced Placement courses

›› Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years

• Global Engagement Program

›› Athletics/Physical Education . . . . . . . . . 2 years

• Service Learning as a weekly program

›› English . . . . . . . . . .

4 years

›› Language . . . . . . . . . 3 years of same language

›› Health . . . . . . . . . 1 trimester

(or equivalent)

Students

Athletics

• Average class size of 15

• Competitive athletic program for middle and upper school students

• 75 students in 7th grade, 90 in 8th; 105 students per grade in Upper School • Students come to Pacific Ridge from more than 25 different North County zip codes

• Comprehensive physical education program • 35,265 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art Athletic Center • Full-size turf athletic field

• 30% receive tuition assistance

To learn more about Pacific Ridge School: Call 760.579.4901 email admissions@pacificridge.org or visit our website www.pacificridge.org

© 2019 Pacific Ridge School

Pacific Ridge School does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic or condition protected by federal, state, or local law in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, financial aid program, or any other school-administered programs.

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009 760.579.4901 www.pacificridge.org