Rancho Christian Announces Major Academic and Administrative Updates
New leadership roles, expanded academic support, the launch of the STEM Academy, and four college-preparatory pathways set the stage for the 2026–2027 school year.
Excitement is building for the 2026–2027 school year at Rancho Christian School. New academic pathways, leadership roles, and expanded systems of support reflect the school’s continued commitment to providing an exceptional, Christ-centered education.
Rancho Christian is also pleased to report continued strength and stability across its faculty and administrative teams. Teacher and administrator retention remains exceptionally high, providing the consistency, trusted relationships, and sustained leadership that contribute to a thriving educational environment.
Our educators and leaders remain deeply committed to the Rancho Christian mission of equipping Christ-centered leaders who are University Ready and Life Ready within a community of Christlike care.
Launching the Academic Operations Department
Rancho Christian School is launching a new Academic Operations Department designed to strengthen academic support across the entire K–12 campus.
Led by Dr. Doris Jackson, the department will serve as the backbone of academic operations, providing faculty and administrators with the systems and support they need to remain focused on student care, instruction, and academic success.
The Academic Operations Department will oversee and coordinate many of the school’s critical functions, including accreditation, academic policies and procedures, budgets, personnel support, facility coordination, school calendars and events, operating systems, and teacher support systems.
Mr. Nate Porter will serve alongside Dr. Jackson in this new department. With 20 years of experience at Rancho Christian School, Mr. Porter brings extensive institutional knowledge, trusted relationships, and a strong commitment to the school’s mission.
Feedback from recent parent and teacher surveys played an important role in the development of the department. The responses helped identify the value of dedicating specialized attention to academic operations and creating additional support for teachers and administrators.
Secondary School Leadership Update
Mrs. Alison Doucette will serve as Interim Secondary School Principal for the 2026–2027 school year.
Mrs. Doucette brings proven leadership experience, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of the Rancho Christian community. In this role, she will lead the secondary faculty and continue advancing educational excellence within a community of Christlike care.
She will serve with the full support of school leadership, the Rancho Christian School Board, faculty, parents, and students.
The school anticipates that Mrs. Doucette will transition from interim to permanent principal following a board-led process designed to provide appropriate support and care during significant internal leadership promotions.
Introducing the Rancho Christian STEM Academy
Rancho Christian School is proud to announce the launch of the Rancho Christian STEM Academy, the school’s fourth college-preparatory academic pathway.
For several years, Rancho Christian has continued investing in STEM curriculum, co-curricular opportunities, robotics, and specialized academic programming. These efforts have now developed into a focused K–12 pathway designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
The STEM Academy will include K–12 STEM programming, specialized coursework, STEM-focused clubs and activities, competitive robotics teams, and expanded opportunities in math, science, engineering, and technology.
Mrs. Ivonne Morales has been selected to serve as the new STEM Academy Director.
Mrs. Morales holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and has served as a college professor teaching both math and science. She brings significant academic experience and a passion for helping students explore, create, solve problems, and discover new possibilities.
The Rancho Christian community looks forward to welcoming Mrs. Morales and learning more about the STEM Academy in the coming weeks.
Four College-Preparatory Academic Pathways
Rancho Christian students will now be able to pursue one of four distinct college-preparatory pathways based on their interests, goals, and academic aspirations.
UC-Ready Pathway
The UC-Ready Pathway is the standard academic pathway for Rancho Christian students and exceeds California graduation requirements. It is designed to prepare students for admission to a wide range of colleges and universities.
Distinguished Scholar Pathway
The Distinguished Scholar Pathway is designed for students pursuing highly competitive and top-tier college acceptances. The pathway includes a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses, leadership development, and concurrent enrollment opportunities.
STEM Academy Pathway
The STEM Academy Pathway provides specialized preparation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will engage in coursework and experiences connected to some of today’s most in-demand and rapidly evolving fields.
Rancho Christian Sports Academy
The Rancho Christian Sports Academy allows student-athletes to train and compete during the regular school day while becoming better, stronger, and faster.
Students will also develop as leaders and followers of Christ through a structured environment that integrates athletics, academics, character, and spiritual formation.
Because the Sports Academy is a college-preparatory program, participating students will also be enrolled in one of Rancho Christian’s other academic pathways.
2026–2027 School Theme: A Higher Standard
The Rancho Christian School theme for 2026–2027 is A Higher Standard.
Inspired by Colossians 3:23–24, the theme invites students and staff to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord.
As followers of Jesus, we know that we are deeply loved, fully accepted, and covered by His grace. We also believe that each person is created in the image of God with the ability to learn, grow, persevere, and pursue excellence.
A Higher Standard is not about perfection. It is about recognizing the potential God has placed within us and choosing to approach our work, relationships, character, and calling with integrity and purpose.
Throughout the coming school year, students and staff will be encouraged to imagine who they can become and what they can accomplish. Together, the Rancho Christian community will pursue academic, personal, professional, and spiritual growth while enjoying the journey along the way.
The 2026–2027 school year is shaping up to be a remarkable new chapter for Rancho Christian School, and we look forward to reaching for A Higher Standard together.