Academics

Turn-About Ranch’s academic program consists of a functioning high school and middle school, which are fully accredited through the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. The program offers credit in the following subject areas: :

• Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry
• English: English 7- 2, Literature, Creative Writing
• Social Studies: U.S. History I & II, World History I & II, World Geography, U.S. Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology
• Math: Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
• Physical Education: Credit is earned through participation in the Horsemanship Program, hikes, and team sports.

Turn-About Ranch's unique environment allows the students to reach their full potential by using a wide variety of learning techniques. For example, class lessons will incorporate visual learning, audio learning, interpersonal relationships, and the natural environment. This approach encourages students to broaden their learning capabilities and discover new skills.

The educational program at Turn-About Ranch is individualized for each student, and integrates real-life experiences into the curriculum. Also, many different aspects of the ranch and the surrounding environment are incorporated to create a learning experience that is stimulating through hands-on learning and practical application. For example, the environment is incorporated by visiting sites of geological interest, analyzing the water in nearby Pine Creek, studying the area’s cryptobiotic soil, taking a field trip to fossil sites of dinosaurs, or creating an oral history of Escalante by interviewing some of its residents. This serves the dual purpose of getting students interested in their environments and creating an excitement about learning.

To ensure that the specific needs of each student are met, our academic director creates an Individualized Academic Plan (IAP) from information gathered from the student, parents, and the sending school.

If a student needs a particular class that is not offered in-house, there are distance learning courses available for the additional cost of the course.