Academics

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

• Science: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry
• English: English 7 - 12, Literature, Creative Writing
• Social Studies: US History I & II, World History I & II, World Geography, US Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology
• Math: Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
• Physical Education through 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, classes will use visual learning, audio learning, interpersonal relationships, and the natural environment. In this way students are able to discover skills other than just reading comprehension to broaden their learning capabilities.

  

  The educational program at Turn-About Ranch is unique in that it is individualized for each student and uses real life experiences. The Academic Director creates an Individualized Academic Plan using information gathered from the student, the parents, and the sending school counselor to determine the needs of the student.

  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. Some examples of how the environment is incorporated include visiting sites of geological interest, analyzing the water in Pine Creek, studying the cryptobiotic soil, taking a field trip to fossil sites of dinosaurs, or creating an oral history of Escalante by interviewing some of its residents, just to name a few. The students get excited about the environment and about learning. They are also required to read several books during their stay, which helps them develop a passion for reading.

  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.