In-School Enrichment
The Phoenix Ranch School offers enrichment classes during school hours that are incorporated in the curriculum. Students are assessed regularly in these subjects and an evaluation is included on the report card, if applicable (K-8th). The following classes are led by qualified teachers and are offered as part of the school day:

• Music – (Teacher: Mrs. Bilodeau) Classes in preschool are presented twice each week on Monday and Thursday and in all elementary grades from first through fourth grade for 30 minutes once each week. Students in fifth through eighth grade may participate in band as a seventh period elective. (See after school band and chorus program options).
• Physical Education  - (Teacher: Mr. Gomez) Offered in all elementary and middle school grades as follows: Kindergarten  -  Daily for thirty minutes

First through Fourth Grade – 3 Days per week for 45 minutes per day
Fifth through Eighth Grade – 5 Days per week for 50 minutes per day (1 semester mandatory)

• Spanish  -  (Teacher: Mr. Orrala)  Offered two times each week for thirty minutes per class in first through fourth grade, the Spanish curriculum builds from beginning vocabulary to full conversation. Students in fifth grade have Spanish 4-5 days per week for fifty minutes each semester, and middle school students attend Spanish one semester of each year for 50 minutes, five days per week. Middle school Spanish includes level I (beginning), level II (intermediate), level III (advanced), and level IV (conversational). Students in kindergarten have an introductory Spanish class for thirty minutes one day each week.


The following activities are offered during school hours but are not part of the core curriculum and are not graded subjects.

• Book Clubs - Students in third through fifth grade participate in Book Clubs on Fridays from 1:45-2:40 P.M. in two sessions over the course of the academic year (see Activity Calendar for exact dates). Books are selected by the teachers in grades 3rd-5th and students chose which book they would like to read. Each Book Club has members from all three grade levels; membership is predicated on interest, not age. Books include non-fiction and fiction selections that are read together by the group and continued during the week by each member, rejoining on Fridays and reviewing then continuing forward.  
• Character Counts - The Phoenix Ranch School has established a character building program supported by CharacterCounts!, a respected curriculum (www.charactercounts.org). The six pillars of character: respect, citizenship, fairness, trustworthiness, responsibility, and caring  are presented in monthly lessons and outstanding character is awarded at assemblies.
• Student Council - The Phoenix Ranch School has an elected body of students in fifth through eighth grade called Student Council. These ten-twelve children participate in a student leadership program and assist in the presentation of assemblies and school special events and projects. Students meet at 2:15 P.M. on the second Tuesday of each month and additionally in preparation for events.

                                                                                                   
After School Enrichment
A variety of optional programs are available for children after school. Different programs have age and/or other participation rules and restrictions.

• Band and Chorus – Students in third through fifth grade may participate in band, a program conducted by our music teacher. Attending classes two afternoons per week, from 3:15-4:00 P.M., students learn an instrument in small group instruction and work periodically with a small ensemble and full band in two planned events. Students must furnish their own instrument and pay a $50.00 fee per semester. Fifth grade students may take band as a 7th period elective or participate after school. Chorus is offered to elementary students in third and fourth grade on Wednesdays at 3:15-4:00 and fifth grade through middle school students may participate in chorus on Fridays from 3:15-4:00 P.M.
• Phoenix Players – A theatrical group has formed at the Phoenix that meets after school with an instructor/director. The third through eighth grade students meet periodically (about 25 times) throughout the year to prepare for a play production that will be performed in June. Cost is $120.00 for all instruction. Parents may aid in costuming and set building.
• Resource and Referral – This remedial math and reading support program for students in first through eighth grade is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-4:00 P.M. Participation follows the protocol: Students are identified, recommendations are set forth that include parent discussion and prior approval, and then students attend the prescriptive program. Each child’s teacher writes the program and follows through with periodic assessments. Parents are kept well informed of progress as we work to improve skills to grade level. The classroom teacher is joined by the other teachers within her or his division in presenting the Resource class, on a rotating basis.
• Sports Leagues – The Phoenix is a member of the San Fernando Valley Private School League which guides our seasonal sports and assists in setting the game schedule with other private schools in both Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley. League play is open to third through eighth grade students, by division. For students in 3rd-5th* practices are held after school, on campus, two days per week, and games are typically played one day per week at various sites. Middle school students practice daily during seventh period. *Fifth grade students may practice during seventh period or after school as arranged by the coaches.  
• WOW (World of Workshops) - A variety of after school workshops are offered in the fall and spring semesters for 8-10 weeks. Classes are conducted by professionals in the field and may include cooking, fencing, magic, animal or reptile classes, and others. Offerings change each semester. Costs range from $100.00-140.00 per 8-10 week class.