At Pacific Ridge, we believe that students learn best when they feel both challenged and cared for. Learning environments that are challenging but not caring push students beyond their limits; and learning environments that are caring but not challenging do not stretch students at all. By finding the right balance of the two, we aim to create learning environments that promote risk taking, develop confidence, and produce deep and transferable learning.
The Harkness table remains our best and most enduring symbol of challenge and care at Pacific Ridge School. When students take a seat at the table, they join a community of learners — a community where getting to know one another, and being seen by one another is part of the learning process. Situated in a community of care, students are more likely to take on challenges and challenge themselves to learn deeply.
As students progress from sixth grade to twelfth, the nature of challenge and care at each level may change, but the deliberate presence of the two does not. From sixthgrade orientation to the college
Reflecting on Challenge and Care
7th grade
application process, and each class, sport, and Global Travel experience in between, we endeavor to push our students out of their comfort zones in ways that are appropriate for their stage of development.
Earlier this year, we issued a comprehensive survey to families and received over 400 unique responses and 2,500 individual written comments. Perhaps the most gratifying part of reviewing the results was learning that the combination of challenge and care at Pacific Ridge is what attracted so many families to the school in the first place and keeps them here year after year. To be on the same page, as a community, about the purpose of education is indeed a valuable thing.
In this issue of The View, we present to you various examples of the way that we uniquely challenge and care for students at Pacific Ridge School. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
John Comforto Assistant Head of School for Academics
WAVES, TRAILS, AND TEAMWORK:
Middle School Kicks Off New Global Travel Schedule
Global Travel in the middle school looks a bit different this year with the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders traveling throughout the school year instead of at the end. Sixth graders were the first students to enjoy travel this year!
As our introduction to PRS Global Programs, sixthgrade students spent four days and three nights learning self-sufficiency and resilience through an outdoor education curriculum at Pathfinder Ranch in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Our seventh graders visited Catalina for a week of outdoor education. Students learned about marine ecology and enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, all while connecting with their peers and deepening their connection with one another!
“ A Hands-On High School Course with Real-World Relevance
Nanoscience is an emerging field focused on designing, producing, and building structures and systems using the unique properties of materials at the nanoscale (1-100 nm). If you’ve ever used a smartphone, you’ve encountered nanotechnology. Nanotechnology can improve the conductivity, strength, and durability of your smartphone. It can improve the effectiveness of sunscreen blocking UV rays. It can even help tennis balls bounce for longer.
Through Pacific Ridge’s innovative SHTEAM program, which integrates coursework in Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, students have the opportunity to take Nanotechnology and learn about the utility of nanoscale properties and their applications. The class serves as a capstone course asking students to develop an integrated approach to their studies, bridging disciplines and their understanding of science.
One of the great things about a small class like this is being able to differentiate, to meet each student where they are. So long as each student brings a strong work ethic and a curious mind, they’ll do great! In this class, students will learn, of course, about nanotechnology – perhaps more importantly, they will learn how to operate like a seasoned researcher - keeping a detailed notebook, making observations, troubleshooting failed experiments, and making new discoveries by following up on unexpected findings.
– Dr. Noel Ellis on teaching Nanotechnology
Throughout the Nanotechnology course, students don’t just learn what scientists do, they get to be the scientists themselves. Students engage in a variety of interdisciplinary topics, including solar cells, drug delivery, and nanopatterning of materials, and work through several laboratory investigations in much the same way a career scientist would. Students gain an in-depth look at what life would be like if they were to pursue a career in science.
“I am interested in studying engineering, and this was a great opportunity for me to practice my lab skills. I kept a detailed notebook with proper procedures, hypotheses, and analysis of our work. I had the freedom to explore the areas I was passionate about, namely solar energy and battery storage,” says Eli Gross ‘25 regarding his experience with Nanotechnology.
In one lab (shown above), students explored the promising substitute for conventional energy by building their own photovoltaic solar cells. They built a titanium dioxide (TiO2) based, chlorophyll-sensitized solar cell, using dye from blueberries. Students then observed how solar cells convert sunlight into electrical currents and gained insight into the physical principles driving the process.
Combining SHTEAM electives like Nanotechnology, with yearlong courses, allows students to actively participate in their passions and explore interests that help lead them towards their future.
THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION: CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
The Parents Association builds connections and creates a fun, supportive community for students and their caregivers.
From cherished traditions like Fall Fest and Gingerbread Breakfast to staff appreciation events, the Parents Association brings people together in meaningful ways. Our Parent Social Events and Clubs - such as yoga, hiking, and pickleball - offer fun opportunities to bond with fellow parents.
Best of all, every parent at Pacific Ridge School is automatically part of the Parents Association - no dues required! Volunteering is a great way to engage in the life of the school, meet other parents, and enrich our community. We’re here to make your experience as enriching and enjoyable as your student’s!
Join us
Join us for an engaging morning with graduating seniors as they share valuable insights into their college guidance journey and the college application process. Moderated by Rachel Petrella, Executive Director of College Guidance, this highly anticipated event is a favorite among parents. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain firsthand advice and perspectives!
WELCOME AND BRIEF UPDATES FROM:
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
• Executive Director of the Parents Association Karen Kinsley
• Head of School Bob Ogle Coffee and refreshments served. For up-to-date event information, please visit the Parent Portal calendar. on May 8 for the annual PA Senior Panel! CONNECT with the
Ignite Career Day –
ILLUMINATING PROFESSIONAL PATHS FOR STUDENTS
The Pacific Ridge “Ignite” Career Day has grown significantly since its inaugural event in 2022, now offering an even richer experience for our high school juniors.
This year, 55 professionals — including community members, parents, and PRS alums — shared their insights and expertise with students, showcasing the breadth of possibilities students may pursue beyond high school.
The expanded format included a new rotation system, which
allowed juniors to participate in three 20-minute roundtable discussions tailored to their career interests.
“From the start, we knew our students would be served best by a career day that embraced a Harkness environment,” said Eva Schmidt, Director of Innovation & NExT Internship Program and creator of Ignite. “Rather than offer a typical fair style career day, Ignite centers on connecting students directly with professionals for small, focused round table discussions.”
As a result, students get a glimpse of what their futures could be. The event’s evolution reflects the school’s commitment to aligning Ignite with the arc of the Upper School and junior year curriculum, which also includes the Junior Launch program led by College Guidance and the junior class grade level project, the Future Focus Interview. The interview project encourages students to explore their interests further by connecting with a professional and delving deeper into their career pathway.
“Professionals are sharing mentorship at a critical time in our students’ lives,” says Schmidt. “These interactions open their eyes to new possibilities and give them a stronger sense of direction as they move toward college and a purposeful life.”
This year’s addition of a third Ignite session offered students a broader perspective. The variety of professionals — from architects and engineers to entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders — provided valuable insights into diverse fields.
Some students leveraged their Ignite conversations into handson career exploration and internship opportunities.
Senior Kim Qi, who has a passion for cars and operates his own car detailing business, participated in a roundtable discussion on Entrepreneurship during Ignite 2023. He connected with Karl Thompson, founder of Compass Collective, a Vista-based auction and storage solution company for car collectors and enthusiasts.
“Though I knew I wanted to go into business,” said Kim, “I had no idea I could take a childhood passion like cars and connect the two to turn my passion into a sustainable career.”
When Kim told Thompson about his detailing business, Thompson offered him an opportunity to tour Compass Collective’s facility. Kim turned that visit into another, volunteering to help with one of the Compass Collective specialty car events over the summer.
Iliana Paulin ‘25 leveraged a connection made during Ignite into an internship with Kinect Physical Therapy. Working after school each week, Paulin gained real-world experience that helped her evaluate the field of physical therapy as a possible career.
“I loved it,” said Paulin. “I was so excited for the opportunity with
Kinect and that internship paved the way for me to have two more career exploration experiences.” Through the connections Paulin made, she secured a job shadowing opportunity with a family law firm where she was partnered with a practicing attorney for one week. She also connected with the San Diego nonprofit, Kids’ Turn, securing another internship focused on writing blogs and building their social media presence.
“I’m interested in studying psychology, specifically to help children,” says Paulin. “The conversations I had during Ignite, the connections I made, and all of these opportunities that resulted from that day have helped me think about possible paths I might follow in my career.”
With its enhanced format and opportunities for personalized engagement, Ignite Career Day continues to inspire students, equipping them with the tools and confidence to envision and pursue their unique paths.
CATCHING UP WITH ERICK MAGANDA ‘23
Erick attended Pacific Ridge from ninth through 12th grade and is currently studying Political Science at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. He plans to pursue a career in education, law, and/or journalism.
How did PRS prepare you for college and a purposeful life?
PRS taught me to use resources to their fullest extent and to be my own advocate. During my short time at Skidmore College, I quickly realized that my campus offers many resources. PRS taught me how to look for resources and not to be afraid to use them. Along with that goes advocating for yourself. Whether you're struggling with academics, mental health, or something else, you must know how to seek help when you need it.
How did the Opportunity Scholarship impact you?
The Opportunity Scholarship helped me gain access to a quality education and opportunities that I may not have had otherwise. Knowing that my teachers had high expectations for me drove me to meet those expectations. Especially because of the smaller classrooms, I always had the support I needed when I was struggling since teachers were more than willing to help. I have also had amazing opportunities such as traveling
abroad. Thanks to the financial help of the scholarship program, I was able to open my eyes to a world outside of North County San Diego.
What do you remember most about your time at PRS?
Throughout my time at PRS, I made meaningful connections with my peers as well as teachers and staff. Some of my closest friends today are people I met in high school, something that I will always be grateful for. When I would go to class, I always felt happy to see my teachers who more often than not treated me more like a friend rather than just a student. Once it was time for lunch, the workers at Ki’s always greeted me with a smile and would genuinely be interested in my wellbeing. That sense of community I felt at PRS holds a special place in my heart.
Why should people support the Opportunity Scholarship program?
The Opportunity Scholarship opens doors for first-generation students. I can testify that it helped me unlock my potential as a student and as a person.
It gave me the support I needed to realize that not only could I be a good student, but that I had the possibility of achieving my goals. I discovered that I am passionate about things like music and journalism. Lastly, the teachers at PRS have been such a huge support system for me. They've kept me motivated in school and have encouraged me to unapologetically pursue my interests.
SUPPORTING IMPACTFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST-GEN SCHOLARS
Thanks to the Opportunity Scholarship program, I was able to fulfill my dream of being the first in my family to go to college, and this experience has taught me to keep aiming higher.
I’d like to express how grateful I am for all of the help I have received through the PRS Opportunity Scholarship program. Growing up, I would have never imagined that I would be enrolled in college and setting even higher goals. While many of my peers treated college as a given – for me it seemed like a distant dream. This program helped me gain confidence and determination, and now I am in the middle of achieving that dream. My teachers were integral in helping me be who I am today. They were the ones who got me off my feet when I was feeling unmotivated or had lost confidence. I send nothing but love to those at Pacific Ridge.
Every year, our school community proudly invests in the academic journeys of first-generation, college-bound students who have demonstrated academic excellence, a commitment to contribute to campus life, and significant financial need. The Opportunity Scholarship program, rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, celebrates each student’s unique identities and experiences in our community. Since its inception in 2011, the program has evolved from supporting a single scholar to now providing full-tuition scholarships to up to 10 students each year.
With the generous support of the Pacific Ridge community, we have graduated 21 scholars through the PRS Opportunity Scholarship program.
Your gift to this impactful program is an investment in the future of our school community.
For more information about supporting the Opportunity Scholarship program, please contact Barbara Edwards, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations 760-448-9849 bedwards@pacificridge.org
PACIFIC RIDGE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARS HAVE MATRICULATED TO THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS:
GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS
On November 21, Pacific Ridge hosted its annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day, welcoming over 300 guests to campus for a day of celebration and connection.
After entertaining performances by the Jazz Ensemble and Dance Team and a wonderful lunch with loved ones, grandparents and special friends toured campus with students. They explored Middle School Snapshot, visited co-curricular activities, and participated in an Upper School Academy presentation by Head of Upper School, Mr. Hobbs.
ADVISORY AT PACIFIC RIDGE: Building Bonds, Skills, and Belonging
Pacific Ridge builds personal attention and connection into school programming to foster belonging, academic growth, and wellness. While orientation, grade-level socials, and enrichment activities provide significant moments for connection, our Advisory program is a key component of the educational experience for students.
“I believe Advisory really does bring you closer to your peers, which is extremely important as we get older. Being able to bond with fellow students helps strengthen friendships that can last all of high school and even beyond. We get the opportunity to have fun throughout the year and still be in a classroom setting. Advisory also gives students a safe space where they can talk to a trusted adult for whatever they need - whether it is for homework help, advice, or anything similar.
– Dasha Storrs ‘27
Ghiya Ali, 10 th grade dean, health teacher, and the coordinator for affinity and alliance student groups, reflects on the importance of the advisory program on campus and the impact she has seen.
What is the goal of the Advisory Program at Pacific School?
In Advisory, our teachers create spaces for students to engage in personal reflection and develop habits and skills that help them overcome present and future challenges, preparing them for fruitful inner and outer lives.
What types of activities happen during Advisory? How often does Advisory meet?
Through the pillars of growth, reflection, and belonging, advisors lead programming in discussions, challenges, games, and more that allow students to build community with one another, gain soft skills for life, and consider how topics impact them individually and as a community. Two of the six programming blocks in a cycle are allocated for advisory programming, meaning students will see their advisors once or twice a week.
What are some of the benefits you’ve seen for students in the Advisory program?
What is the importance of having the same advisor each year in Upper School?
Having the same advisor and advisory group from year to year allows groups to build rapport with one another and their advisors. This helps foster a safe environment for students to ask for help and celebrate their successes. Advisors learn the idiosyncrasies of their students and use that knowledge to ensure the success of their advisees – whether through advocacy during a difficult time, offering their perspective when students are choosing courses, or even nominating students for an opportunity that fits their interests. Advisors become experts on their advisees and work to identify when students need support and how.
Advisory facilitates strengthened relationships within the grade level and offers opportunities for students to develop key skills like empathy, communication, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. It also provides a consistent, safe space for students to get individualized support and offer their thoughts, challenges, and successes without judgment.
The Advisory program has taught me useful skills such as time management and organization throughout my 10th grade year. I know I always have a place to turn to when I need help with schoolrelated problems and that my advisor will do all she can to help. Overall, advisory is a support system on the PRS campus for all students”, shares Storrs.
ACADEMIC TEAMS DOMINATE
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE:
PRS Ridgebots Robotics Team Kick Off Season with Wins
Kicking off FTC Robotics season, the Ridgebots won every match of their first meet and placed first against two of the four San Diego leagues. During the day's final match, they reached a high score of 133 points — which was more than double the average for the day.
As of their second meet, the Ridgebots are ranked first in their league. They have had so many wins during match play that they are already qualified to compete in the San Diego League Championships.
MODEL UN SHINES:
Winning at Stanford and Leading Locally
The PRS Model UN Club opened the year with an auspicious showing during their first conference at Stanford University. Over three days, our talented students engaged in dynamic debates on a range of topics, from expanding broadband access in Africa to historical scenarios like the Sicilian Expedition.
Pacific Ridge will host the Regional World Qualifier on Sunday, March 16.
The team performed impressively, with several members earning distinguished awards, including:
• Madeline Liew '28 and David Yu '25 received the Research Award in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) committee
• Chase Rivard '27 and Charles Fenner '27 earned Honorable Mention (3rd place) in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee
• Abigail Qiu '26 also received an Honorable Mention
• Rohan Phadnis '25 was awarded Best Delegate (1st place) in the Athenian Assembly
In January, they hosted the annual Firebird MUN Conference welcoming over 230 students from six schools in San Diego and Orange County. The conference featured 10 committees that covered a wide assortment of historical and current topics ranging from the Bolshevik Revolution to the synthetic drug crisis in the United States. Persuasive speeches, vigorous debates, and lots of smiles dominated the day.
ACADEMIC LEAGUE
Sweeps the Season Opener with Triple Win
All three of our Academic League teams – Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity – won their opening matches against Rancho Buena Vista High School. The win was an especially exciting debut for the new Novice team.
Last year, our three teams enjoyed historic undefeated seasons and qualified for the division championships.
DAVID LANDIS ‘25
Named 2025 YoungArts Winner in Theater
Pacific Ridge School senior David Landis has been named a 2025 YoungArts Winner in Theater/Musical by the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. Selected from nearly 11,000 applicants across 10 artistic disciplines from all over the United States, David was recognized for his exceptional talent, dedication, and artistry. Each YoungArts Winner receives an award of $250 and joins a distinguished community of alumni celebrated for their contributions to the arts.
“I was very excited, and quite honestly, blown away!” said David upon learning of his win. “Becoming a YoungArts Winner solidified my confidence as a performer and has shown me that my artistry can have an impact. I’m overjoyed that my hard work and dedication are being recognized and am very grateful to the YoungArts judges who saw my potential.”
David’s artistic journey began at age seven, and his passion for storytelling through music and spoken word has only deepened over the years. At Pacific Ridge, David has captivated audiences in leading roles in acclaimed productions such as Chicago and Urinetown. In both performances, he brought depth to his characters, showcasing his commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences.
“Theatre has, and will continue to play, a fundamental role in my life,” David shared. “It’s about finding the nuances of a character and creating a dialogue that connects, inspires, and mirrors our society while shedding a new light. As a performing artist, my hope is that the choices I make when portraying a character will allow audiences to delve deeply into a story, creating a new understanding through the prism of their own life experience.”
The YoungArts program celebrates young artists who demonstrate extraordinary talent and dedication in classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. David’s achievement highlights his outstanding contributions to the arts and his bright future as a performing artist.
FROM PAGE TO STAGE: 6 TH GRADERS BRING ODYSSEY TO LIFE
The entire sixth grade took on the Odyssey, a theatrical adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Every student contributed, creating set pieces, costumes, posters, and giant puppets, performing vocal music, and acting. As they explored the theme of Wayfinding throughout their curriculum, they followed Odysseus’ journey and created
all the monsters, goddesses, and mythological creatures he encountered on his way home. Shoutouts to Mr. Pashkow’s class for the incredible Cyclops puppet, Ms. Tao’s class for the gorgeous togas, and Ms. Pietrowski’s class for the fantastic octopus t-shirts! Congratulations to the whole class.
BEYOND THE NEST : PACIFIC RIDGE HONORS FIREBIRD ATHLETES
BRADY BURMAN '22
BASKETBALL AT SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
What motivated you to pursue basketball at the college level?
In sixth or seventh grade, the coach for my club basketball team stopped our practice to ask what we wanted to get out of basketball and how far we wanted to take it. My answer was to play college basketball. Ever since then, I had the dream of bringing that dream to a reality. Around my freshman or sophomore year of high school, I realized I was in a position where I may actually be able to make it to the college level.
How has being a student-athlete shaped your approach to your education and learning?
So much of what we learn in sports can be applied to life. To make it anywhere in sports, you have to work hard outside of just the games. The same goes for the classroom. You can’t just ace a test
SOLEIL DIMRY
What motivated you to pursue soccer at the college level? How did your experience as a PRS athlete prepare you for collegiate athletics?
I have played soccer my entire life and have watched my siblings go on to play collegiate soccer. I’ve always known that I wanted to follow that path and play in college. My experience as a PRS athlete helped me learn how to manage my time effectively. At PRS I had to balance high-level academics with soccer which allowed me to have a smoother transition to college academics and soccer.
without working hard and preparing for it beforehand. One thing I learned at PRS was my dad and coach’s favorite saying: “What’s next?” I have applied this mindset to the rest of my life. When something negative happens, we have to accept it, learn from it, and move on to the next challenge. When something positive happens, we should celebrate it and then regain the hunger for the next goal on our list.
What advice would you give high school athletes hoping to play in college?
I would suggest just putting yourself out there. It never hurts to email tons of coaches. I’d also suggest going to camps (WCE All-Academic camps for basketball players) where you can play in front of and introduce yourself to college coaches. Also, you are not recruited on just your ability to play the sport. Coaches want good students and great teammates. Be the best student, teammate, and player you can be.
What has been a favorite memory so far playing for Berkeley?
My favorite memory is when I scored my first goal as a Golden Bear against Pitt this season to lead my team to a 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference season win. I had been injured on and off so to score this season was very memorable.
What advice would you give high school athletes hoping to play in college?
Be prepared to put 100% into your sport and your academics. Start practicing your time management skills now because you will have to juggle school, athletics, and travel. Also, keep in mind that you can be a leader whether you are on the field or not. Build relationships with your teammates and you’ll make friends for life.
Pacific Ridge Athletics has trained over 100 athletes to play sports at a collegiate level. With athletes on the East Coast playing volleyball at Yale and Harvard, to those taking the field for our hometown teams including the San Diego Wave and UCSD, PRS is proud of all our athletes. To celebrate these accomplishments, Pacific Ridge recently updated the Hall of Fame in the Athletic Center, featuring some stellar scholar athletes.
University
Costa College
College
University of Arizona Southern Methodist University Chapman University
University of California, Davis
Augustana College
University of California, Davis
University of California, San Diego
University of Notre Dame
Pepperdine
University of California, Irvine University of Utah University of California, Irvine
of Colorado, Boulder
of Utah
of
Hands-on Camps
Academic Enrichment Courses
Interactive Workshops For Grades 3 and up
IMPORTANT DATES
MARCH 29 Showcase of the Arts
6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009
MARCH 30 - APRIL 4 8th Grade Global Travel
APRIL 5 - 13 Spring Break
APRIL 24 - 26 Upper School Musical Performance
APRIL 30 Upper School Awards
MAY 3 Prom
MAY 24 - JUNE 8 Upper School Global Travel Period
JUNE 5 8th Grade Promotion & Middle School Awards
JUNE 11 Commencement
8 th GRADE Understanding U.S. government in Washington, D.C.
9 th GRADE Teamwork and Leadership in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest
10 th GRADE Immersive exploration in Costa Rica
11 th & 12 th GRADE Australia: The Unique Natural & Cultural World Down Under; Croatia: Sailing Adventure on the Adriatic Sea; Czechia & Austria: Arts & Service at the Crossroad of Europe; Patagonia: Outdoor Adventure; South Korea: Past, Present & Future; Victoria Falls: Safeguarding Bio-diversity on the Mother Continent; Zanzibar: A Shared African Experience on the Spice Islands
