Ambassador Booklet 25-26

Dearest Ambassador, Welcome and congratulations on accepting a position in the Ramona Ambassador Club for the 20252026 school year.

A Ramona Ambassador plays a significant role in the success of our school. You’re going to be an active leader at several recruiting events throughout the year.

Future Tiger families will see you as THE most important person with whom they interact.

This experience will provide you with valuable experience for your resume, perfect your communication skills, and build your confidence You will have the opportunity to network with parents and peers who share a common interest in private, Catholic education. Being recognized as a campus leader can motivate and inspire prospective students to realize their potential when you share personal stories, time, and knowledge.

We look forward to having you on our admissions and marketing team and once again congratulations on taking a significant step in the continued success of Ramona!

Mrs. Fernandez ‘00 Director of Marketing and Communications Mrs. Puente-Smith ‘79 Director of Admissions Mrs. Cynthia Vasquez ‘82 Admissions Specialist

Dress Code Expectations

You are a representative of Ramona and must ALWAYS abide by the existing dress/uniform regulations. Skirts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.

Your attire reflects both you and your school. Any student who chooses not to attend in full uniform will not be allowed to participate in the event. Uniform and free dress guidelines can be found in the school agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ramona When was Ramona founded? 1889 Who founded Ramona? The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus & Mary.

Are there still Sisters (Nuns) here? Yes, we are proud to have SNJM serve on campus. Sr. Daleen is often on campus working on our Core Values and Corporate Stands campaigns. She also provides weekly knowledge in our e-newsletter and daily TNT announcements. Our President, Sr. Kathleen Callaway, is also a nun.

What is the size of your campus? Our 19 1/4 acre campus is spacious and serene with open spaces: 9 separate buildings include an Art Studio, Audio Recording Space, Broadcast Room (Tiger Studios), Ceramics Lab, Digital Design Lab, Divizia Chapel, Fitness Center, 14,250 sq. ft. Gymnasium (with A/C & heat), Library, Lourdes Grotto & Rose Garden, Podcast Room, MakerSpace, Marie-Rose Science Center, Softball/ Soccer Field, well-equipped classrooms, Wi-Fi throughout campus.

Is everyone Catholic? Do you have to be Catholic?

11% of our students belong to other Faiths. Ramona creates an open environment for learning based on Catholic values.

Why are you called a convent?

The sisters of the Holy Names relocated from Oakland and built a convent here so they could run the school and have sufficient living arrangements.

Do you have Mass? Does everyone have to go to Mass? Under the guidance of our Campus Ministry team, students plan and lead regular liturgies. All students are required to attend and are encouraged to participate at their own spiritual comfort level.

Why do you like an all-girls school? I like an all girls’ school because I’m prepared to face the future with an extraordinary education, an independent spirit, and confident leadership skills. By my side are my Ramona sisters. It’s a place where I can be who I really want to be! Answers may vary.

Where do students come from? Our student body represents over 91 partner elementary schools and 66 zip codes across the world.

How do students get to school? Personal vehicles, carpools, and public transportation.

What is the size of the student body? A little under 300 students.

What is the average class size? Most classes have around 20 students. Some are smaller and some are a little bigger.

What is the student/faculty ratio? Our student/faculty ratio is 12:1. There’s one teacher for every 12 students.

What is the tuition? Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $18,013.

Does Ramona offer financial aid? Yes. Ramona offers merit awards, first responder and military grants, needbased scholarships, and work-study grants. Additional info can be found on our website.

How many students are admitted (may also be stated as “what’s your acceptance rate?”) Ramona is prepared to admit all qualified applicants.

What are the teachers like? They push me to achieve more than I thought possible. They are talented and experienced teachers who love teaching and who are experts in guiding me to learn deeply through inquiry.

Talk about your favorite teacher!

What are the school hours? Start time every day is

8:15 a.m. and end time is 2:45 p.m. except for Fridays (1:00). We also have some late start days.

Do students stay after school?

The Library is open until 5:00 p.m. After 5, students go to the gym and wait for their rides inside the gym or outside the gym in view of the security officer. We can also use the outdoor Pavilion near the main office as a quiet study area until 5:00 p.m. All students must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. unless they are in an organized activity such as sports, dance, theater, etc.

Do you have Honors and AP classes at Ramona?

Yes, 70 course offerings include 25+ honors and AP courses. Talk about the Honors/AP classes you’ve taken or plan to take.

What is your STEM/STEAM program like? Our curriculum inspires inquiry, curiosity, creativity, and imagination with over 20 STEM courses and a makerspace!

Do you have Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)? 14 VAPA courses make sure that every student nurtures an intimate connection between her creative spirit and its expression in the arts. This is a great place to build a talent or discover a gift!

What is the homework load? The homework load often depends on what grade you are in and what courses you take. For example, if you have a lot of honors /AP courses, then you may have more homework. Be ready to talk about how much homework you have. Be positive! Everyone loves homework. ;) Can you get extra help? Students at Ramona can get

extra help from their teachers during Wednesday Study Hall led by faculty and also through Tiger Tutoring led

by NHS. Teachers also have weekly office hours.

Do you offer online access to grading? We offer online access to grading through PowerSchool.

What World Languages do you offer? Spanish and American Sign Language.

What is your counseling program like? I have access to two experienced full-time college counselors that offer guidance in course selection, East and West Coast college tours, information about college fairs, oncampus meetings with college admission reps, summer boot camp, assistance with personal statements, and Naviance, our college and career exploration software program.

Where do your graduates go to college? Our alumnae are everywhere! Be sure to check out our brochure and the posters in the Guidance Hallway. The next question that usually follows is “Where do you want to go to college?” Be prepared to answer this appropriately—Don’t say “I don’t know.”)

Are there clubs at Ramona? Yes! There’s something for everyone! Enhance your high school journey by participating in one of our many clubs--or by starting your own. We have over 35 to choose from!

What sports do you have at Ramona? We have competitive teams in all 8 sports (Basketball, Cross

Country, Flag Football, Soccer, Softball, Swim, Track & Field, and Volleyball) Ramona's teams. Over 50% of Ramona students participate on one or more sports teams.

What sports facilities do you have on campus?

Ramona has a gym with A/C and heat, flag football / soccer / softball field, and Fitness Center.

What are the coaches like? Our coaches help us develop an understanding of good sportsmanship and acquire the physical, social, and cultural values inherent in sports. We also have alumnae who play sports in college. There are also students who learn to play a sport and join a team for the first time while they're here.

Do you have cheerleaders? Members of the Ramona Pep Squad are our “spirit leaders.” They cheer at games on the sidelines and perform at special events and pep rallies. Pep Squad is open to students in grades 9 –12.

Do you see boys? Are there dances? Do you have a “brother” school? Ramona hosts several dances a year! We have two casual dances held in our gym and two formal dances held at fancy locations.

We don’t limit ourselves to only one “brother” school.

We share the love and have several opportunities to be involved in social events and activities such as drama, cheer, band, and athletics with other high schools such as Cathedral, St. Francis, and Loyola.

What are some unique programs you offer?  Dual Enrollment with Arizona State University & East Los Angeles College  UC-approved Cultural Survey course for sophomores  Honors Humanities Symposium for freshmen  Pre-AP Courses for freshmen  UC-approved Journalism Course What is January Term (AKA J-Term)? J-Term is a mini enrichment “term” that takes place in January after Christmas break. I have the opportunity to explore topics that are outside the typical curriculum, take a school-moderated extended college tour, travel to Northern California for Harvard Model Congress, or work an internship. Teachers share their passions as well and interact with students in a non-traditional setting.

I’ve taken/I’ll be taking…. (fill in the blank) during JTerm.

Is there a discount if I apply early? Students that apply on or before November 16th will receive a $250 discount on their enrollment fee for the 2026-2027 school year.

HALF-DAY VISITS DO call your guest by name DO talk about co-curricular activities/athletics in which you are involved at Ramona DO have eye to eye contact and a smile on your face DO ask your student about her interests/hobbies DO find out what school your guest attends DO engage in consistent conversation with your student guests DO follow all school policies including but not limited to cell phone use and uniform policies DO treat each visitor like a guest in your home DO talk about the history of Ramona DO act as a cheerleader for Ramona. We want these students and their families to make Ramona their first and only choice.

DO study your handbook prior to the visits DO NOT speak negatively about any other school(s) or your own DO NOT use this as an opportunity to express any frustrations with your classes, teachers, or school policies DO NOT use profanity (NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER)

AMBASSADOR SUCCESS PROFILE              

I know that first impressions are very important I know how to make my guests feel comfortable and at ease I know how to greet and make introductions I know to include guests in conversation, and should someone be standing alone to walk over and initiate a conversation I know that if I am taking guests on a tour, to walk next to the student/ parent guest, not in front of her I know that I should always hold the door for my guest(s) and only proceed after the last guest has entered the room I know that when refreshments are served, my guests should be served first I know my subject matter and think before I speak.

If I do not know an answer, I am not afraid to admit it and offer to find out the correct information I know never to put down another school I know a graceful farewell is of great importance I remember what it was like to be a guest I remember that I am a vital part of the Admissions process at Ramona.

By accepting the position of Ambassador, I take great pride and accept the responsibility for maintaining the standards of the Ramona

Admissions Office and of my school.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

ADMISSIONS DATES TO REMEMBER OCTOBER 7 - Half-Day Visit for 8th-grade students (parent tours are also available) 9 - Volleyball & Pep Squad Preview Night 25 - Tiger Play Day NOVEMBER 4 - Half-Day Visit for 8th-grade students (parent tours are also available) 16 - Open House DECEMBER 6 - HSPT Diagnostic (Practice) 10 - Half-Day Visit for 8th-grade students (parent tours are also available) JANUARY 3 - HSPT Boot Camp 10 - HSPT Boot Camp 17 - HSPT Boot Camp 21 - Half-Day Visit for 7th & 8th-grade students (parent tours are also available) 21 - ADMISSION APPLICATION DEADLINE 21 - Merit Scholarship Application Deadline 24 - HSPT at Ramona 28 - Admissions Interviews 31 - Scholarship Writing Assessment at Ramona FEBRUARY 3 - Admissions Interviews 5 - Admissions Interviews 13 - Tuition Assistance Applications Due For New Students 22 - Applicants' Tea Party MARCH 6 - Admissions Decision Letters Mailed 12 - New Student Welcome Night Rose Ceremony 30 - Algebra/Spanish Proficiency Exam and Blazer Fitting APRIL 1 - Algebra/Spanish Proficiency Exam and Blazer Fitting 29 - New Family Ice Cream Social JUNE 22 - Summer School Begins JULY 17 - Summer School Ends CHECK E-MAIL AND GOOGLE CLASSROOM ON A REGULAR BASIS (TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS) FOR UPDATES ON DAY & NIGHT SCHOOL VISITS AND OTHER EVENTS KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HOURS WORKED SO YOU CAN EARN YOUR OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR PIN AFTER 10!