CURRICULUM
Students at Rancho Encinitas Academy receive a strong foundation in the core curriculum – reading, writing and math. California's state recommended curriculum is woven into varied, thematic units by each teacher. Learning takes place in a multi-modal setting, using the visual and auditory modalities accompanied by the kinesthetic modality which involves hands-on learning. Field trips often accompany the thematic unit being studied which facilitates reinforcement of the curriculum and concepts presented. Creative learning projects are developed and implemented in the classroom. Students are provided with strategies to successfully complete these projects. Emphasis is placed on developing the executive functions by teaching note taking skills, organization, research skills, critical thinking skills, study skills, planning and listening skills. The classrooms are also equipped with computers and some have interactive whiteboards to make learning a dynamic and stimulating process. The goal is to make learning fun so that the student is encouraged to be a life-long learner.
Rancho Encinitas Academy also strives to promote good citizenship and character building. Students learn conflict resolution and problem solving skills in the context of class meetings with the agendas set cooperatively by students and teachers. The class meetings take place at the discretion of the teacher. To encourage responsibility, students take part in jobs around campus on a daily basis. These jobs include feeding the animals, grounds keeping or organizing the classroom. The students learn the importance and privilege of being proud, productive members of their school.
Specialists in the areas of Art, Music, Spanish and Physical Education meet weekly with each class. In addition, grades K through 4 enjoy Yoga once a week.
PERFORMANCE REPORTS
Rancho Encinitas Academy uses a reporting system that keeps parents informed regularly of children's performance. From Grade 3 through Grade 8, weekly reports are sent home with information about the child's achievements in the areas of daily class work, homework, weekly jobs and citizenship. Students earn points to be used for Star Assemblies, school store items and other privileges. The school economy system provides feedback that enables students, parents and teachers to track each child's work throughout the school year. Parent conferences may be arranged at any time deemed necessary, though formal conference periods are routinely scheduled in the Fall and Spring. Report cards are issued three times per year for grades K through Grade 8 and teachers are available via email and phone conferences whenever necessary.
DIRECTOR
Paul Wulle, one of the founders of Rancho Encinitas Academy, has dedicated more than forty years to educating children. He has teaching experience at the primary and intermediate levels, providing him with significant insight into the learning process. Paul holds a Master's Degree in Education and has completed Post Master's coursework in the field of education. He was awarded recognition in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 2000. Paul and his late wife, Linda, created Rancho Encinitas Academy in 1995, a crystallization of their educational philosophy. As Director, he is committed to perpetuating Linda's dream of excellence in education.
TUITION
Yearly tuition at Rancho Encinitas Academy is $12,000 for students from Kindergarten through grade 8. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to hold a student's place for the coming year, with the balance paid by July 1st. Rancho Encinitas Academy participates in the FACTS Tuition Management program. For an annual per family fee of $41, the FACTS service will deduct your tuition (minus down payment) directly from your bank account in monthly installments. FACTS also accepts credit card payments for an additional processing fee. Parents participating in the FACTS program may check the status of their account on the web.
NOTE: In order to access My FACTS Account, you will need the information on the confirmation letter, which FACTS sent to you when your account was established.
Fees not included in the yearly tuition are a Materials / Technology fee of $350 per student as well as costs incurred through field trips and overnight trips. Overnight trips for Grade 5 through Grade 8 occur twice a year and involve money for food and lodging.
