PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL Experience
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.
Welcome to Pacific Ridge
A Pacific Ridge education challenges and supports our students to develop the intellect, agility, and courage to thrive.
LEARNLEAD ACHIEVE
Middle School
Given support and care, the middle school years can help students get comfortable with themselves, develop their voice, and build key academic, social, and emotional skills needed for high school and beyond.
At Pacific Ridge, we view middle school as a tremendous opportunity for growth and joy, offering students the chance to challenge themselves and develop new interests and passions — in the classroom and on the field, in the studio and out serving the community.
6th
FLIGHT OF A Firebird
Middle School at Pacific Ridge is founded on the value “leave it better than you found it.” Middle school should be a vibrant, inspiring place, with teachers that share the journey with students — learning, laughing, and growing with them, supporting along the way.
GRADE — WAYFINDING
Our sixth graders are wayfinders, learning about who they are, what it means to be a Firebird, and how to navigate their academic and social worlds. Our academic program introduces sixth graders to Harkness, problem-based learning, multiple art disciplines, and the three languages taught at PRS.
Beyond the classroom, students join clubs, try new sports, and participate in weekly service work.
7th
GRADE —
EXPLORATION
Seventh graders continue to build their abstract and critical thinking skills, delving into real-world topics. Across subjects, students gain more choice in their academics, select a world language to pursue, and continue to experience a range of artistic media.
Skills classes, started in sixth grade, help students strengthen academic performance while promoting self-awareness, social-emotional skills, and wellness. This is a time of exploring more opportunities to dig into new areas of interest.
8th
GRADE — LEADERSHIP
Soon to become Upper School students, eighth graders take on new levels of challenge in coursework and co-curriculars. They expand, refine, and reflect on academic and life skills while continuing to build confidence and assert their independence. As students step into leadership roles within the middle school, they mentor younger Firebirds and practice positive amplifiers, aiming to leave Middle School better than they found it.
SCIENCE
6TH GRADE 7 TH GRADE
In this integrated course students develop their understanding of the interaction between living systems and their physical environment.
MATH
ENGLISH
Using real-world phenomena and inquiry, students focus on skills and concepts that connect biological, physical, and earth sciences.
Math Foundations, Intro to Algebra, Algebra/Geometry 1-3*
8TH GRADE
Students explore the physics of moving objects, chemistry of living things, and the biological processes that drive evolution.
(Students are placed in math classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level. Accelerated students are able to take Upper School math classes.)
*Courses with both regular and honors sections
Students write a Hero’s Journey myth, explore literary analysis, build a poetry portfolio, and craft an informative essay.
Students write descriptive vignettes, short stories, and literary analysis, and use literary lenses for reading while studying vocabulary and elements of grammar.
HISTORY Innovations Past and Present Social and Community Studies
LANGUAGE
Each trimester, students are introduced to either Spanish, French, or Chinese, learning in an immersive enviroment.
ARTS
SERVICE LEARNING
SKILLS
ATHLETICS
Students build their own writer portfolio, incorporating an exploration of writing genres. Students also explore non-fiction texts and media literacy skills.
American Studies
Chinese, French, Spanish (Students are placed in year-long language classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level. For each language, we offer multiple levels with both regular and honors sections.)
Students rotate through trimester-long courses in the following arts disciplines: 3D Art, Dance, Digital Media Arts, Music, Studio Art and Theater.
Students rotate through trimester-long sessions supporting areas such as: animal adoption, homelessness, seniors and adults with disabilities, sustainability, and wildlife preservation.
Students rotate through three skills classes throughout the year, experiencing grade-appropriate lessons in three main areas: Health & Wellness, Design & Build, and Community Connections.
With an emphasis on “growth mindset,” students are given the opportunity to explore new sports or continue developing skills in the sports they’ve played before. Students choose either a team sport or PE class, which meets two to three times per week during the PE block in their schedule.
GLOBAL TRAVEL Wayfind and Exploration Big Bear, CA
Marine Stewardship Catalina, CA
Hands-on History and Government Washington D.C.
Scan for more information on the Middle School curriculum and portrait traits
Portrait of a Middle School Student
SCIENCE
9 TH GRADE
This integrated science course focuses on physical, chemical, engineering, and computer science.
10 TH GRADE 11TH & 12TH GRADE
Students explore diversity of life and the mechanisms that govern living systems.
Anatomy and Physiology, Biotechnology, Engineering Design, Honors Environmental Science, Marine Biology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Honors Physics, AP Physics C
MATH
ARTS
ENGLISH
Algebra/Geometry 1-3*, Trigonometry*, Precalculus*, Essentials of Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Multi-Variable Calculus, Statistics*, Differential Equations (Students are placed in math classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level.) *Courses with both regular and honors sections
Dance 1-4*, Digital Photography*, Advanced Digital Photography, AP 2D Art & Design: Photography, Digital Filmmaking 1 and 2, Graphic Design 1 and 2*, AP Graphic Design, Yearbook, Jazz/Rock Ensemble*, Vocal Ensemble*, Introduction to Visual Arts, 2D Design, 3D Design, Honors Visual Arts, AP Drawing, AP Theater Arts*, Advanced Theater Arts *Courses with both regular and honors sections.
Students focus on narrative and expression through projects like the myth project and orations.
HISTORY
LANGUAGE
ELECTIVES
Students develop their written skills through a range of writing styles, perspectives, and rhetorical devices.
Ancient World History Modern World History
American Literature, Honors American Literature, Rhetoric & Composition, Genre Studies, Women in Literature, World Literature, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition
US History, AP US History, Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies, Contemporary Human Geography, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Latin American History, Middle East History and Diplomacy, Theories of Social Change, US Government and Politics, Economics, Theory of Knowledge
Chinese, French, Spanish (Students are placed in the year-long language classes that best match their ability, regardless of grade level). For each language, we offer multiple levels (1 to 5), plus honors and Advanced Placement sections.
Courses that are traditionally offered as electives in many schools, such as arts, languages and physical education, are required courses in grades 9 and 10.
Year-long courses: AP Art History, Financial Literacy, Programming, AP Psychology, Film Studies, Journalism & Media Studies
Trimester Electives: Animation, Artificial Intelligence, Forensics, Industrial Design, Entrepreneurship, Nanotechnology, Product Design
ATHLETICS Athletic Teams, Health, Physical Education, Strength and Conditioning, Independent Physical Education
SERVICE LEARNING
CLUBS
GLOBAL TRAVEL
Upper School students choose from 25+ student-designed service learning groups, under the umbrellas of education, science, innovation, social justice, environment and climate, peace and justice, and gender equality.
Upper School students choose from more than 30 student-designed clubs, including: Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Finance and Investment, Gardening, Student Council, and Art Studio — to name a few.
Community and Outdoor Leadership
Becoming World Travelers
Students choose from a number of small-group experiences around the world, including in past years: Post-Colonial Studies in South Africa, Urban Planning in Berlin and Copenhagen, Wilderness Medicine in the Rocky Mountains, and Social Justice in Cambodia.
FLIGHT OF A Firebird Upper School
With a focus on challenge and care, Pacific Ridge is committed to not only preparing students academically for college, but to offering students the opportunities to grow, learn, and lead with purpose. Through meaningful experiences and connections, Upper School students are supported to become ready to take on the world.
9th
GRADE — DISCOVERY
Ninth graders enter Upper School on a path to expand their horizons and discover who they wish to become. Students are given opportunities to explore new passions, take on new challenges by backpacking during global travel, and ultimately find their voice through the end-of-year Orations.
11th
10th
GRADE — FELLOWSHIP
While ninth grade asks students to uncover identity, 10th grade offers students the opportunity to explore how they may show up in relation to their community. Students take on more leadership roles in their service learning, dive into the cultural significance of memorials and historical narratives in their end-of-year project, and find new adventure during an environmentally focused global travel trip.
GRADE — NAVIGATION
During 11th grade, students begin to focus on life beyond PRS. With their new passions and interests as their compass, students craft their own schedule, form and lead service learning groups, and explore career options through Ignite Career Day and the 11th grade Future Focus Interview. The year ends in a self-selected global travel trip that allows students to further develop and explore their interests as they share new experiences around the world with their peers and teachers.
12th
GRADE — VISION
Seniors translate their skills, passions, and knowledge during the Senior Seminar. Seniors are empowered to fully explore their voice and vision in every aspect of the last year at PRS — their schedule, global travel, service learning, and co-curriculars, reflect each student’s unique academic skills and interests, while offering students the opportunity to see where their purpose and vision may lead them beyond Pacific Ridge.
Scan to learn more about Upper School academics
PRS APPROACH
The College Guidance process allows our team to truly get to know our students — their strengths, interests, and aspirations — so that we can empower each student to discover their best fit.
College Guidance at PRS is rooted in effective partnership between student, family, and college counselor with specialized programming every year.
Student-to-Counselor Ratio
PRS
The guidance counselors at PRS helped me find my passions, my interests, and which college I can truly see myself continuing to grow. They’ve helped me build trust in myself and the decisions I’ve made for my future.
— Tyler J. ‘23
One StepAhead
Our College Guidance team supports students through the college process, and empowers them with the experiences, accomplishments, and mindset to explore possibilities, gain acceptance, and make the decision that will serve them best in their lives ahead.
GUIDANCE THROUGH THE YEARS
9 TH GRADE
• All-School Programs (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• College Guidance presents at class meeting (December)
• College Guidance meets with advisory groups (Spring)
10 TH GRADE 11TH GRADE
• Grade level project time small group meetings (Fall/Spring)
• SCOIR class meeting (November)
• 10th-Grade College Night (February)
• PSAT/ACT practice (March)
• Individual student/family meetings (Spring)
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING OPEN TO FAMILIES IN ALL GRADES:
Standardized Testing Primer, NCAA Night, Arts & Design Portfolio Preview, Financial Aid Facts & Formulas, College Admissions Officers Panel, Senior Student Panel, Key Conversations: a series covering a wide range of topics about the college process
• PSAT/NMSQT (October)
• College Launch (November)
• College Night for Junior Parents (December)
• Monthly College Guidance sessions (December - May)
• ACT practice test (December)
• Individual & family meetings with counselors (Winter & Spring)
• Personal Statement writing in English Class (March)
• Coastline Case Studies (January)
• Summer Kickoff Days (May)
12TH GRADE
• 2-Day Camp College Parent College Night (August)
• Grade level time devoted to college application work throughout the fall
• Scholarship Search workshops
• Senior parent coffees (November - May)
• College Guidance & 12th grade Advisory programs support decision-making & transition to college (Winter & Spring)
• Senior Sendoff for Seniors and Parents
EXCELLENCE THROUGH CHALLENGE AND CARE
At the heart of Pacific Ridge’s academic program is an exceptional college preparatory curriculum that fosters collaborative problem solving and curiosity across all disciplines.
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.
The PRS curriculum nurtures leaders and active participants in learning, building skills that will serve students outside of the classroom and into adulthood.
PRS allowed me to think outside the box. It allowed me to take on challenges, and not only encouraged me to try new things, but supported me as I did so. Pacific Ridge gives you the time to experiment, to travel, to find what you love.
-Jack M. ‘13
To seek growth through curiosity, perseverance, and an open mind. Core Value
WHERE Everyone HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Harkness is more than a tool for learning — it is at the heart of who we are. Classes gather around oval “Harkness” tables designed to facilitate conversation and educational exploration. At Pacific Ridge, teachers empower students with the confidence to engage with challenging material and appreciate different perspectives.
Harkness prepared me to be a better student and professional in college and beyond. The practice of active learning made me confident to raise unique ideas, participate in difficult conversations, and push my boundaries by willingly seeking advice from professors. The skills and lessons I took from Harkness continue to benefit me as a strong foundation in my college experience.
— Laura Z.,
‘22
Students Participate at the Center of Their Education
Through Harkness, students at PRS develop:
Confidence
Teachers guide conversations by posing topics, asking questions, and facilitating the participation of all students. Students have more opportunity to develop independent initiative, public speaking, and intellectual risk-taking through Harkness learning.
Broadened Perspective
Critical Thinking
Our teaching style empowers students to engage with challenging material while exploring, questioning, and honing their own thinking.
Every student’s voice is heard and respected in Harkness. Classmates learn the value of understanding varying experiences and perspectives, and how to listen with empathy and curiosity.
Communication
Participating in productive discourse, students learn the principles of communication. Teachers offer insight and guidance, promoting active listening and collaboration, and encouraging students to find their unique voice.
ACADEMIC & ENRICHMENT CLUBS 34
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO
47
ADVANCED & AP COURSES
Offered in Upper School
KNOW AND BE Known
Pacific Ridge builds personal attention and connection into school programming to foster belonging , academic growth, and wellness. While our orientation and grade level social and enrichment activities provide significant moments for connection, our Advisory program is a key component to our educational experience.
The goal of Advisory is for students to be enriched by their relationship with an adult mentor, developing the habits and skills needed to overcome present and future challenges. A student’s connection with their advisor is just one of many lasting relationships with teachers, coaches, and staff across campus.
“As a parent of two PRS alums (‘21 & ‘24), the relationships my children formed with their teachers inspired and sustained them during both their middle and high school experience and during their college careers. As a Head of School, I have been seeing those inspiring relationships between PRS teachers and students for years. Knowing that their teachers care for them and challenge them, allows our students to grow with confidence.
Meaningful Connection
Students are matched with a faculty advisor who meets with students in groups, at events and through individually scheduled meetings built into the academic day. For added continuity and connection, each Upper School student is paired with an advisor who will support them through graduation.
— Dr. Bob Ogle, Head of School and Teacher
Service Learning THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At Pacific Ridge, we offer year-long curricula grounded in ethical principles and societal issues to show students the impact that they can have on their communities and the world. They participate in hands-on learning to help understand the complex challenges facing society, the systems that create them, and the imperative to participate in solutions.
In our Service Learning program, we teach core ethical principles with regular opportunities to serve the community so that students can put those principles into action. Offering a focus on service learning throughout the educational experience, inspires students to approach the world with compassion and an empowerment to make lasting change.
The Upper School service learning experience is defined by student-directed action. Students take the lead on new or continued projects, driving change through passion and the needs of their community. They meet collaboratively and across multiple disciplines — for example, PRS Prosthetics is a group that utilizes the 3D printers in the Innovation Center, fabricating arm prosthetics for children in need.
In Middle School, students meet weekly to gain academic, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will assist them in their projects, which vary by grade. Service learning projects require students to collaborate with both local and global communities in order to reach concrete goals.
Current Service Learning Groups on Campus
Each year, service learning groups host Fall Fest, where they set up booths to raise awareness and funding for their projects. Fall Fest is one of the many ways Pacific Ridge comes together to create a positive impact in our community.
Fall Fest
Global Travel Program EXPANDING OUR View
Pacific Ridge offers a globally focused curriculum and a program of annual travel — encompassing both perspective and action — to help students think outside of themselves, develop empathy, and prepare to contribute to the world around them. Our travelers pursue engagement through academic enrichment, cultural and linguistic immersion, and service work. Through this approach, students grow together and gain awareness of perspectives, experiences, and ways of life beyond their own.
I have gone to places I have never imagined I would ever go like D.C, Yosemite, Peru, Ghana, and Togo. Through the global travel program I have learned about other cultures and history, done community service, and opened my eyes to a whole new world and different perspectives.
— Jaida M. ‘22
Middle School: Local Citizens
Middle school students travel with faculty earlier in the year to actively engage with the year’s curriculum and practice Pacific Ridge’s core values. Students in sixth and seventh grade explore nature in Big Bear and Catalina Island, while eighth grade pursues civic action and national goverment in Washington D.C.
9th and 10th Grade: World Travelers
Students expand their leadership skills and forge close bonds with classmates while exploring diverse landscapes in the Arizona wilderness and the Americas.
11th and 12th Grade: Global Citizens
Students have the opportunity to take part in school-designed travel courses ranging from rich, but challenging cultural immersion in the Peruvian Amazon to our biology-focused course to The Galapagos Islands. These experiences encourage students to consider and reconsider who they are and how they dream of their future in a global context.
Nearly 90% of students participate in the Global Travel program each year
ACKNOWLEDGE VIEWS BEYOND OUR OWN
We respect the diversity of our community. We encourage conversations that promote learning and inclusivity.
Core Value
Arts Program
Arts Are Essential
Arts at Pacific Ridge spark creative expression and inventive problem-solving at all levels. The arts program incorporates academic excellence and innovative exploration throughout all of the courses and clubs offered. Beginning in middle school with the arts rotational program, students are offered opportunities to try on new skills, perspectives and mediums that move with them beyond the classroom.
UPPER SCHOOL ARTS COURSES
When I started taking photography in middle school, I would just look at a scene and try to find something “cool” to take pictures of. After doing my social issue project, focusing on the opioid epidemic, I learned how to use my emotions to tell a story with my photos, not just take a pretty picture.
— Mia M. ‘20 Award Winning Photographer
EXPLORE DISCIPLINES
SHTEAM
Explore skills across multiple fields in project-based learning environments with SHTEAM courses. Individual trimester electives can be combined to create a unique year-long experience, building upon the skills gained and ideas explored throughout.
Students dive deep into larger topics, as well as learn from a variety of teachers, bringing varied expertise and perspectives to the greater theme.
Past SHTEAM Courses
Animation
Artificial Intelligence: Application & Implication
Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital
Forensics
Industrial Design
Modern Markets
Marketing/
Advertising
Nanotechnology
Product Design
Science & Society: Action for Impact
Surf & Skate: Design/Build
One of Pacific Ridge’s longest running clubs, Model U.N., offers students the chance to explore real-world issues with peers from other schools.
Experience MUN
GROWTH THROUGH Experience
The co-curricular program at PRS empowers students by giving them choice in how they transform and apply their classroom knowledge into practice through real-world experiences. By building Service Learning, Clubs, and Affinity and Alliance Groups into the class schedule, students enjoy more opportunity to build their experience making an impact within and outside of our community.
One of the things I love about PRS is all of the opportunity in and out of the classroom during the school day. I was able to take on leadership roles in Feminist United and Student Council. Because I also have a job afterschool, being able to be involved with these clubs during the school day made a big difference for me. — Sydney O. ‘23
Some of our most popular clubs compete as academic teams, including Academic League, Science Olympiad, and Model U.N.
These clubs offer students a chance to work together in areas of interest and take on leadership roles, building their experience for the future.
Middle School Clubs
Art Club
Chess Club Coding Club
Music Ensemble Club Science Olympiad
Upper School
Academic Team
Architecture Club
Astronomy Club
Ceramics Club
Chess Club
Culinary Club
Cybersecurity Club
Clubs
SeaPerch
Entrepreneurship Club
Finance Club
Gaming & Design Club
Geography Club
Improv Club
Mock Trial Club
Model United Nations For
Club
SKILLS BEYOND The Classroom
At Pacific Ridge School, students have the opportunity to take the skills learned in the classroom into practice through grade level experiences and projects that scale with students learning.
7 th GRADE
DERBY CARS
A tradition at PRS, students work collaboratively to design and build their own soapbox derby car. Project week ends with a derby celebration including a time trial competition, a viewing of each team’s derby video, and an awards ceremony.
6thGRADE TREBUCHET
Students continue their Wayfinder Journey during a design and build project integrated with historical and English curriculum.
8thGRADE
GEOMETRY BOATS
Using knowledge from geometry and physics, eighth grade advisories each build three cardboard boats that are sailed in a competition around the corner at our community pool.
Grade Level Projects
9thGRADE ORATIONS
Orations are an opportunity for ninth grade students to have their voice heard by the entire community. Over the course of the year students research, write, revise, and perfect an original speech on a topic that matters to them. It is a time when ninth grade students explore what interests them, the identities they carry, and ultimately discover the voice that will support them in their high school journey.
10thGRADE MEMORIAL PROJECT
Students consider how communities choose to remember the past — they research a historical narrative and use various media to create and pitch a public memorial to reflect their own interpretation of that narrative. Students cultivate a sense of responsibility towards preserving and acknowledging the diverse perspectives that shape our collective history.
11thGRADE
FUTURE FOCUS INTERVIEW
Considering the intersection between personal passion and meaningful work, students identify areas of business, science, social entrepreneurship, arts, politics, etc., that interest them, seek out local leaders in those professions to interview, and share their findings with their peers. This project aligns with Ignite Career Day and our College Launch program for juniors, providing time for students to consider their lives beyond PRS and the potential journeys that await.
12 th GRADE
SENIOR SEMINAR
The Pacific Ridge experience culminates when seniors focus on leaving an enduring legacy within the community. Seniors take the lead and develop a unique project to showcase their exemplary talents and studies, which are presented by way of a workshop, plenary keynote, panel discussion, interactive lesson, demonstration, performance or presentation
“Sports at Pacific Ridge meant everything to me. Not only was I able to further my love for basketball, but I was also able to try out other sports and create lifelong friendships. I’ll forever remember my time as an athlete at PRS.
Whether your child wants to compete for a CIF championship or try a new sport, Pacific Ridge Athletics creates the environment for athletes to develop and thrive. Starting in sixth grade, students will have the opportunity to represent the Firebirds on the field and compete against peer schools, both public and private. OWN OUR OUTCOMES
— Brady B. ‘22
17OF22
VARSITY TEAMS Qualified for the Playoffs in 2023-2024
FALL SPORTS
CROSS COUNTRY
FLAG FOOTBALL
LACROSSE - GIRLS
VOLLEYBALL - GIRLS
SPRING SPORTS
BASKETBALL - GIRLS
LACROSSE - BOYS
TENNIS
VOLLEYBALL - BOYS
WINTER SPORTS
BASKETBALL - BOYS
SOCCER - BOYS
SOCCER - GIRLS
We are accountable for our actions and their impact. We learn from our experiences and make purposeful changes.
UPPER SCHOOL SPORTS
FALL SPORTS
BEACH VOLLEYBALL - BOYS
CROSS COUNTRY
DANCE TEAM
GOLF - GIRLS
ICE HOCKEY
SURF TEAM
TENNIS - GIRLS
VOLLEYBALL - GIRLS
WATER POLO
WINTER SPORTS
BASKETBALL - BOYS
BASKETBALL - GIRLS
DANCE TEAM
ICE HOCKEY
SOCCER - BOYS
SOCCER - GIRLS
SURF TEAM
SPRING SPORTS
BASEBALL
BEACH VOLLEYBALL - GIRLS
GOLF - BOYS
LACROSSE - BOYS
LACROSSE - GIRLS
SWIM TEAM
TENNIS - BOYS
TRACK & FIELD
VOLLEYBALL - BOYS
I’m always reconnecting with people who graduated in my year or other years and find that we share a unique way of looking at the world and almost a common language that pleasantly surprises me.
— Zoe S. ‘19
FOREVER A FIREBIRD
Being a Firebird doesn’t end at graduation. We welcome our Firebird alums back to campus often — whether to visit old classrooms during Alumni Day, celebrate the holidays at Gingerbread Breakfast, or share their post-grad experience during Ignite Career Day, our community continues to support and cheer on one another even after they’ve left the nest.
Welcome Back to the Nest
With so many events around campus, PRS alumni love coming back to the nest for celebrated annual events like Gingerbread Breakfast.
Ignite is a Pacific Ridge take on career day where the entire junior class listens to a short panel of local professionals on their career paths and then students break into a series of small roundtable discussions with professionals in career areas of interest. Each year alumni have joined, offering their own perspectives and guidance to young students.
Firebirds at Ignite
