Experience Pacific Ridge School

Experience

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

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.

A Pacific Ridge School education not only equips but inspires students to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Through ample challenge paired with unwavering support, our program helps students develop the intellect, agility, and courage that will serve them today, tomorrow, and beyond.

OUR STUDENTS are young people who

OUR FAMILIES play an important role

demonstrate care for others, passion for

in their children’s education and support

academic subjects and the activities that

students as they figure out their place

interest them, and openness to getting

in the world.

involved and trying new things.

OUR COMMUNITY is joyful. We truly OUR TEACHERS believe education is a

enjoy what we do and the time we

holistic experience, are willing

spend together, and it shows.

collaborators on each student’s behalf, and seek to take an active role beyond the classroom.

Welcome to Pacific Ridge School.

EXCELLENCE

through

CHALLENGE

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Academic Excellence

Developing the intellect, agility, and independence to thrive

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

At Pacific Ridge, we incorporate realworld challenges, innovative approaches, and a growth mindset into all that we do.

Our students learn to approach new ideas with confidence, ask the right questions, and think beyond what’s in front of them to make connections and find their path.

They are leaders and active participants in their learning, building skills that will serve them outside of the classroom and into adulthood.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

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 Teacher

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Students at Pacific Ridge have access to the talented faculty, small class sizes, advanced coursework, and state-of-the-art facilities needed to achieve whatever academic goals they set for themselves. Behind it all, we strive to instill a genuine love of learning in all of our students, propelling them further than they even imagined.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Harkness Lea r ning Inclusive conversations, open minds, and new ideas

HARKNESS LEARNING

It all starts in the classroom with lively discussions around the Harkness table. Our approach to education involves empowering students with the confidence to engage with challenging material and appreciate different perspectives. Each student is seen, heard, and actively included, which helps them to develop the critical thinking and open-mindedness to undertake anything that comes their way.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Our students become comfortable with difficult conversations, feel confident expressing themselves, and aren’t afraid to ask questions.

Being exposed to varied points of view develops empathy and respect.

HARKNESS LEARNING

Harkness learning and what it does to a young mind – helping you to understand how to communicate and participate in large group conversations – it’s one of the most unbelievable life skills that I’ve gained.

Alumnus

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Ethical Responsibility An ethical mindset and the power to make a difference

With awareness must come action. At Pacific Ridge, we endeavor to help students understand the complex challenges facing society, the systems that create them, and the imperative to participate in solutions. We teach core ethical principles to guide our students in how they impact their communities and the world and provide a comprehensive service learning program so they can put those principles into action. Giving students regular opportunities to serve the community allows them to see the difference they can make firsthand and inspires them to approach the world with compassion.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY

We believe that the students who pass through our doors are empowered to make positive change.

I feel like I’m a big part of the community.

I feel like I’m someone who is doing something to contribute actively, and what I contribute means something. Something useful. Something people care about.

Upper School Student

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Global Engagement Expanding our view of the world – and ourselves

We engage in a robust, globally focused curriculum and a program of annual travel to help students think outside of themselves, develop empathy, and prepare GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

to contribute to the world around them.

Through this approach, students grow together in the context of a larger community and gain awareness of perspectives, experiences, and ways of life beyond their own.

As a 15-year-old, I never thought that I would be sitting in a completely different country without my parents – just with my peers. Being independent on the trips was a great experience.

Alumna

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

An understanding of different cultures and perspectives is critical for students’ intellectual, personal, and social development. We expose students to diverse narratives, histories, and issues facing the international community today. The benefit that students gain from our global program as they enter college and life afterward is immeasurable. Gaining this kind of perspective on their own lived experiences enables students to move forward with a broadened worldview, expanding the possibilities and breadth for what they choose to do next.

Growth Through Experience Learning comes from doing and understanding comes from sharing the journey with others

GROWTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE

At Pacific Ridge, each student is exposed to experiences that inspire the curiosity to keep learning and the determination to achieve the extraordinary. Through a combination of interactive coursework, educational travel, service projects, arts, athletics, student-led activities, and a thoughtful college search, students are empowered to experiment with new ideas and interests, pursue their passions, and develop their voice. An encouraging community behind them connects support with motivation, giving students the opportunity to test and refine their skills through collaboration and reflection.

GROWTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE

My son got to explore so many interests at PRS. He played sports, belonged to clubs, started a service learning group. While some of these required a bit of time outside of school, most of it was during the day. Between that and traveling around the world, he had amazing experiences for his age.

Alumni Parent

Whether it’s developing a solution for a community in need or designing their own global adventure, Pacific Ridge students discover and lead their path to learning, confident in the resources and inspiration they are offered along the way.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

Community of Care Connections that reach far beyond the classroom

COMMUNITY OF CARE

Our community is part of what makes us unique, and the individuals included within it are at the core of everything we do. Faculty take an active role in overall student well-being, working together and meeting weekly to understand the whole picture and what each student needs to flourish, both academically and emotionally. They offer support, kindness, and understanding, whether it’s in the classroom, on campus, or traveling the world.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

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

Middle School Student

COMMUNITY OF CARE

We are so much more than any one type of person, and we make welcome space for diverse personalities, backgrounds, and ideas.

Pacific Ridge is a welcoming community where everyone is known and valued. Families and students come together for arts 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.

At Pacific Ridge, we dedicate our time, focus, and energy to supporting our students and their families, so they feel more connected to what’s important—each other, their passions, and the pursuit of a purposeful life.

PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL

WE ARE:

bold

compassionate

inclusive

curious

Pacific Ridge School 6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009 760.579.4901

pacificridge.org