Head of School
Leadership
Opportunity
July 2013
Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Phoenix, Arizona
1300 students
Preschool – 12th grade
www.ranchosolano.com
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THE OPPORTUNITY
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (RSPS) seeks a Head of School to lead a community
of 1300 students and 200 faculty members on four campuses throughout the
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona area. For over 55 years, RSPS has provided young people
with the strength, courage, character and competitive edge to excel. The ideals of globalmindedness and respect for cultural and social diversity are at the core of a RSPS
education. The only private school in the greater Phoenix
area to receive IB authorization, Rancho Solano Preparatory
School is preparing students for a global future. A recently
MISSION
initiated boarding program that attracts students from around
We are a community dedicated to
the world adds to the rich diversity of local students of
maximizing each student’s
different backgrounds, nationalities and interests. At all
individual
growth and academic
grade levels, the RSPS community embraces five critical
achievement
in a supportive
values, known as The Rancho 5: Respectful, Responsible,
environment
that
promotes student
Successful, Polite and Considerate. These core principles
responsibility and respect. Our
have brought great success and the School is beloved by
personalized educational
families, esteemed in the community, and admired by other
approach develops critical
private, public and charter schools in Arizona.
thinkers and ethical leaders who
succeed at their top choice
Operating under the slogan “Four Campuses in One Great
university and contribute to society
School,” Rancho Solano is a member of the Meritas
throughout their lives.
International Family of Schools, providing highlypersonalized education to more than 12,000 students at ten
elite college preparatory schools in the United States, Latin
America, Europe and Asia. This relationship with Meritas offers Rancho Solano a
sharing of best practices in education, travel opportunities, and collaboration with schools
around the world. Rancho Solano is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools – Council of Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), a
distinction attesting to the school’s commitment to standards of excellence derived from
research and best practices.
RSPS is engaged in an exciting period of
growth with the founding of a secondary
school and the opening of the new Ventura
campus in Scottsdale. The next Head of
School will join a forward-thinking
community of committed, well-qualified
teachers who are passionate about teaching
and high achieving students who are eager,
engaged and motivated.
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THE SCHOOL
Rancho Solano Preparatory School was
founded by the Bayer and Freesmeyer
families in 1954. As the school expanded,
new campuses were added in 1979, 1991
and 2003. In 2007, Rancho Solano Private
School joined the Meritas International
Family of Schools. In 2008, the inaugural
freshman class enrolled at the new Rancho
Solano Preparatory High School and was
the first class to graduate in 2012. In 2010,
Rancho Solano Preparatory High School (grades 9-12) was designated an authorized
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program School. Rancho Solano now operates
four campuses in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area: Hillcrest (PK-8), Greenway (K-5), Gilbert
(K-5) and Ventura (grades 6-12). RSPS students are primarily from the North
Phoenix/Scottsdale area, but the campus layout allows the schools to meet the needs of
the whole Phoenix area.
The new Ventura facility in Scottsdale was designed to maximize teaching effectiveness
and student development and features an engaging library; state-of-the-art science,
language and computer laboratories; dining areas with a wide variety of healthful dining
options; a 25,000 square foot athletic center, to be opened in 2013; multiple learning
commons; spaces dedicated to artistic endeavors; and the latest in optimal classroom
design.
RSPS provides excellent academics, including:
 An advanced academic program
 Development of critical thinking skills rather than learning by memorization
 Commitment to individual student development with individualized learning
opportunities
 Small class sizes
RSPS offers strong preparation for college and for life:
 Foreign language study beginning in preschool
 Incorporation of technology in the classroom from preschool through high school
 Fine Arts including violin, band, orchestra, choir, visual arts and drama
 Competitive and intramural sports for all ages
 A unique College Counseling program beginning in the 6th grade
 The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in high school
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Students thrive within a warm and welcoming community. RSPS provides:
 An environment requiring high standards of behavior, with respect for oneself and
others
 A diverse community of students from around the world, creating a stimulating
educational environment
A wide range of extracurricular activities enrich the academic experience at RSPS:
 Hands-on learning with exciting field trips, extensive travel opportunities and
international experiences
 Community service integrated into the curriculum
 Development of student leadership through student government, clubs and honor
societies, and opportunities to serve as a student ambassador or Rancho
representative
 Strong programs, ranging from study groups to chess club to dance ensemble
THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Rancho Solano Preparatory School provides a time-tested, traditional academic program.
With the newly implemented Meritas Academic Plan (MAP), RSPS teachers can better
address the needs of each student and more closely monitor performance. Revolutionary
in holding the school accountable for each student’s progress, MAP builds on academic
fundamentals to teach children to think critically and solve complex problems.
Key MAP Components:
 Differentiated, small group instruction leading to more individualized teacher
attention and personalized student learning
 Emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking beyond the basic foundation of
knowledge
 Development of Personal Learning Plans for every student
 Measurement of each student’s academic growth
 Consistent feedback and collaboration with parents, including student-led
parent/teacher conferences
EARLY CHILDHOOD (PK-K)
The Early Childhood curriculum promotes
social, emotional, intellectual and physical
development in a safe and nurturing
environment, providing a strong base for each
child’s education in an environment where a
lifelong love of learning begins. Dedicated,
nurturing teachers present an advanced
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curriculum within a warm and structured classroom setting. Systematic math and phonics
instruction introduces students to the basics of reading, writing and math and the
curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration in a fun, stimulating environment that is
both challenging and supportive. The key areas of development include promoting
leadership skills, self-motivation, expressive and receptive language, self-confidence and
positive self-esteem. The Kindergarten curriculum is designed to encourage students’
natural interest in the world through creative, age-appropriate activities and the
exploration of topics that are meaningful to young students.
LOWER SCHOOL (GRADES 1-5)
The Rancho Solano Lower Schools offer a learning experience that encourages students’
curiosity, challenges their minds and develops a true love of learning. Moreover, the
school fosters a strong sense of community and promotes the personal attributes that
develop integrity and success as students enter a global work
setting. In the lower school, Rancho Solano gives children a
firm foundation in the core curriculum including humanities,
language arts, foreign language, social studies, math and
science. Students work above grade level in most subjects,
with enrichment activities and projects extending their
learning. Teachers encourage students to nurture their natural
curiosity by asking meaningful questions and discovering
answers. They strengthen critical thinking skills and develop
a lifelong love of learning. Students are encouraged to work
independently as well as in groups. Students achieve a level
of independence, gain a sense of responsibility and
strengthen their self-discipline. The lower schools promote a
sense of community and a respect for self and others at all
grade levels.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)
In the Rancho Solano Middle School program, teachers provide vibrant learning
environments focused on the educational and social needs of children in these grades.
The approach combines nurturing and compassionate accountability and provides
students with the relationships and resources they need to thrive as they begin the
transition to adulthood. The homeroom teachers are not only instructors, but trusted
advisors who monitor and care for their students. Each student is assigned an advisor who
works with him or her to develop personal goals for the year. The advisor mentors and
guides the student toward success. In early adolescence, students need to acquire study
skills and “learn how to learn.” To meet these needs, the school stresses reading, writing
and speaking skills and also focuses on skills in note taking, decision-making, critical
thinking, problem solving and higher-order reasoning. Students are taught how to access
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information and use computers and other technology safely and effectively. The middle
school curriculum also emphasizes character development and promotes personal growth.
Under the leadership of caring teachers, students define and strengthen their individual
interests. They also master the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in
high school.
THE HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)
Rancho Solano Preparatory High School is
committed to preparing students to embrace
the future by providing an outstanding
education that will cultivate both a life-long
desire to learn and an ability to adapt to
change. The diversity within the school
coupled with the academic rigor of the
program and the school’s commitment to
providing international experiences will
prepare students both for college and life. Promoting values such as good citizenship,
strong moral integrity and community service, RSPS believes that these values transcend,
yet underpin the academic educational experiences of students and foster graduates to
become leaders in the world community.
Rancho Solano Numbers:
Grades: Preschool – 12th grade
Enrollment: 1300
Faculty: 200
Faculty w/ Advanced Degree: 40%
Student-teacher ratio: 6.5:1
Operating budget: $20 million
Financial Aid: $187,000
Students Receiving Aid: 4%
The high school supports student success via outstanding
academic programs, high expectations for all community
members, a wide variety of co-curricular activities, project
days, and internships with neighboring government, nongovernment, artistic, environmental, educational and
financial organizations. The college preparatory curriculum
emphasizes critical thinking and is brought to life in a
student-centered environment. Students engage daily with
other students from around the world via this challenging
and inquiry-based curriculum that prepares them for an
ever-changing world. All of this ensures that RSPS students
will graduate with the character and knowledge necessary to
ensure success at their top choice colleges and in lifelong
pursuits.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for 11th and 12th graders offers an
academic challenge recognized by universities throughout the world, giving students the
opportunity to earn a diploma granted by the International Baccalaureate Organization in
addition to their Arizona high school diploma. Diploma candidates take examinations in
courses in six academic disciplines: their native or adopted language and its literature, a
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second language, social studies, science, mathematics, and a sixth discipline of the
student’s choice.
INTERNATIONAL BOARDING
Rancho Solano offers an international boarding program in which students from abroad
are given an opportunity to advance their English speaking, reading, writing and
understanding, while studying mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and athletics.
The entire student body benefits from the experience as they build global awareness and a
better understanding of cultural and social diversity. These ideals are central to both the
IB philosophy as well as Rancho Solano’s longstanding commitment to the development
of students as global citizens.
TOUCHPOINTS
A highlight of the Meritas International Family of Schools, Touchpoints is a unique,
year-long learning experience for 2nd through 8th Grade students, who work with
students around the world on global issues such as deforestation, peace education and
poverty. Under teacher guidance and with on-going parent engagement, Rancho Solano
students collaborate with peers from other Meritas schools. Together they research a
global issue, post questions, findings, solutions and ideas using Skype as well as
Smartboards. The highlight of the program is an end-of-year video-conferenced LincolnDouglas style debate between the paired classes on their proposed resolution to the
assigned global issue.
ARTS PROGRAMS
At Rancho Solano Preparatory School, the fine and performing arts are an integral part of
the curriculum and a powerful vehicle of self-expression for the students. RSPS is
committed to providing every student with the opportunity to build creativity, knowledge
and self-confidence through experiences in the arts. The arts facilitate development of
the whole child, building self-esteem, inspiring creativity and enabling students to think
critically about the world around them. The
arts are integrated into the curriculum to
enhance learning and improve critical
thinking skills. Students are encouraged to
express themselves, to share their work and
to think in different ways. Through these
shared experiences, students learn to
appreciate their gifts and the gifts of others,
igniting a lifelong interest in art and a passion
for bringing beauty into their lives.
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ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students grow and achieve both on and off the field through Rancho Solano’s athletic and
physical education programs, which share the goals of building sharp minds and strong
bodies. Students in grades 5 through 12 can participate in a variety of competitive and
non-competitive sports, learning to practice and work as a team and demonstrate
sportsmanship. Highly qualified coaches are passionate about teaching the fundamentals
while instilling the character traits that lead to excellence. At Rancho Solano, physical
education programs support the core mission of academic excellence and development of
the whole child, providing a balance of experiences that contribute to social, intellectual
and emotional growth.
RSPS students compete in a variety of interscholastic athletics:
 Fall: Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, and Spiritline
 Winter: Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball, Spiritline, and Soccer
 Spring: Tennis, Golf, Baseball, and Softball
 Year-Round Athletic Training
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Faculty members at Rancho Solano are selected
for their passion for education, their ability to
relate to students in a loving, supportive manner,
and their commitment to providing superior
instruction through techniques that inspire
students. They strive to unlock the potential in
every student and cultivate in students a sense of
community and shared values. Incorporating
differentiated instruction, teachers craft Personal Learning Plans for every student and
track progress against that plan throughout the year — both informally and through
formal testing. This personalized approach ensures that teachers get to know each child’s
unique interests, strengths, goals and learning style and, as a result, students flourish and
are inspired to reach their full academic potential. The teacher student ratio across the
schools is 6.5:1.
Through Rancho Solano Preparatory School’s membership in the Meritas International
Family of Schools, the teachers are part of a community of educators who meet regularly
to share best practices, resources and strategies to inspire learning and enhance student
performance. In addition, select RSPS teachers participate in offerings such as summer
programs at Meritas' Collège du Léman in Switzerland and graduate studies through
Walden University.
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VISION STATEMENT
Rancho Solano will be the premier school in Arizona known for academically
accomplished, socially responsible and confident students by:
 Accelerating individual student growth in a learning environment focused on
developing critical thinking skills;
 Recruiting, training and retaining teachers who embrace our mission and excel at
individualized instruction and collaboration;
 Integrating a comprehensive college counseling approach complemented by a
strong national reputation to support admittance into our graduates’ top choice
universities;
 Developing responsible, respectful, polite, considerate and successful students
through a distinctive values-based culture;
 Providing leadership and life-changing opportunities in community service, fine
arts and athletics, both locally and internationally; and
 Exceeding the expectations of our students, parents and staff through a culture of
continuous improvement.
STRENGTHS OF THE SCHOOL
 Four modern, well-resourced, campuses;
 A 50 year tradition of academic
excellence;
 A major commitment to and success in
character education;
 A new middle school-high school
building opened in 2012;
 The resources, programs and support of the Meritas International family of
Schools;
 A commitment to the development of the whole child in a climate of strong
individual support.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
 Overall responsibility for the organizational, operational and academic functions
of the school;
 Strategic planning and program development;
 Building a strong sense of institutional identity and direction.
 Encouraging and developing clear communication within the Rancho Solano
community.
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DESIRED PROFILE FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
Responsibilities
 The Head of School oversees the organizational, operational, and academic
functions of the school; formulates the school’s strategic plans and programs; and
directs, supported by the administrative team, the day-to-day operation of the
school.
 He/she leads and oversees the development of the academic program, ensuring
that the curricular scope and sequence, as well as instructional strategies, reflect
the school's philosophy and objectives and the high standards of the Meritas
International Family of Schools. He/she is responsible for the hiring, evaluation
and professional development of faculty and staff, as well as decisions relating to
teacher retention.
 He/she establishes and oversees the implementation of and compliance with
operational procedures, rules, and standards relating to faculty and staff and other
operational procedures.
 He/she represents the school in dealing with the student and parent community.
Qualifications
 A visible presence involved with all
aspects of the school’s life
 A strong academic background
 International experience but
understands the American system
 Charismatic and dynamic with strong
interpersonal skills
 A team builder and collaborative –
can develop and work with a strong
Senior Leadership Team
 Visionary but practical
 Effective communicator and advocate for the school
 Experience with marketing and admissions
 Experience with and appreciates cultural diversity
 Structured, but flexible
 Experience with managing change
 A willingness to commit for a significant period of time
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TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following materials electronically
as four separate attachments in PDF format in one email:
 cover letter expressing interest in the Rancho Solano Preparatory School Head of
School position
 current résumé
 statement of educational philosophy
 list of five references with phone number and email address of each to:
JOHN R. CHANDLER
Senior Search Consultant
john.chandler@carneysandoe.com
DR. ARTHUR (ART) CHARLES
Managing Associate/International Search
art.charles@carneysandoe.com
FRED WESSON
Senior Search Consultant
fred.wesson@carneysandoe.com
CARNEY, SANDOE & ASSOCIATES
44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02108
www.carneysandoe.com
+1-617-542-0260
~ Rancho Solano Preparatory School is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~