Rancho Christian Sports Academy - FAQ

As you have heard, Rancho Christian School is starting a new academic pathway for 6th-12th grade students. Rancho Christian Sports Academy (RCSA) is the latest of (3) academic pathways that also includes our Advanced Academic pathway and our Educational Support pathway. 

The RCSA is a college preparatory, Christ-centered pathway that allows student athletes to attend their core academic classes as normal, on-site, with the Rancho Christian student body. However, for their PE, Bible, and most elective classes, they will attend these classes in the RCSA facility where they will receive expert instruction and expert athletic training as practicum in every class, following a Personalized Training Program (PTP). The PTP will be developed by a certified trainer, guiding them through individualized strength, conditioning, speed, agility, flexibility, nutrition, injury prevention, injury rehab, servant leadership, and college recruitment.

To learn more about the RCSA, this FAQ sheet will help, as well as a special session at the coming Preview Day on Saturday, April 25 at 9am in the gymnasium we hope you can attend. Additionally, you can always email the RCSA Director, Rory Carlton:  rory.carlton@ranchochristian.org

FAQ 1 - Are the RCSA Bible, PE, and Elective Classes Real Classes?

Yes. Every RCSA class is A-G approved by the University of California system and receives course credit just like every other academic class. The difference is that RCSA classes include robust practicum time, allowing students to train according to their PTP multiple times a day. The RCSA is faith-based, meaning the course instruction and environment are thoroughly biblical and formational. The class is also content-rich, providing meaningful instruction that develops Christ-centered leadership in athletic competition and in life.

FAQ 2 - What does a week in the RCSA look like?

Students enrolled in the RCSA program will attend all of their regularly scheduled academic classes each day in addition to their RCSA classes. The RCSA class period is designed to integrate both content-rich coursework and specialized athletic training.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays follow Rancho Christian School’s traditional schedule. During these days, the RCSA class period focuses on RCSA coursework and practicum, with students training according to their Personal Training Plan (PTP) while receiving intentional instruction related to athletic development and leadership.

Wednesdays and Thursdays follow the school’s block schedule. During these longer RCSA class periods, students will cluster by sport, working with coaches on sport-specific drills, techniques, and position-focused development to help them improve in their sport.

FAQ 3 - Who leads the students in the RCSA?

The RCSA coaches and trainers are the heart of the program, ensuring students are motivated to work their PTP every day and lead sport-specific training with expertise and Chrislike leadership. There is a staff of 10 leaders, trainers, and coaches on the RCSA, each with the experience to lead students exceptionally well in their student athlete journey. Staff bios can be found at ranchochristian.org/RCSA

FAQ 4 - What sports will be included in the RCSA training?

The RCSA will make every athlete better, stronger, faster, more agile, more focused, a better leader, and a more devoted follower of Christ. The core high school sports will have sport-specific training elements, but we also have martial artists, equestrians, and even a circus performer interested in joining the RCSA. While every athlete will improve through the RCSA, there will be coaches from specific sports training students on a published schedule on Wednesdays and Thursdays, including:

• Tackle Football

• Flag Football

• Boys and Girls Volleyball

• Boys and Girls Basketball

• Baseball

• Softball

• Boys and Girls Soccer

• Cheer

• Track

• Golf

FAQ 5 - What are the requirements to be a part of the RCSA?

The RCSA is a college preparatory academy, so students must have a 2.5 GPA to join and must maintain a 2.5 GPA to continue. Many students will have the goal of playing in college, so athletic training without academic preparedness will not help achieve this goal. If a student drops below a 2.5 GPA during the school year, they will be withdrawn from the RCSA into an academic support environment until they get their GPA back up. The RCSA is also a Jesus-centered academy, so student behavior that is unaligned with this culture may result in being withdrawn from the academy. It is a privilege to be a part of the RCSA that must be earned.

FAQ 6 - Can RCSA students also be on the advanced academic pathway?

Yes. RCSA students can take all the advanced classes including advanced middle school classes, high school AP, and concurrent enrollment courses. Similarly, RCSA students can be a part of the educational support pathway.

FAQ 7 - Will RCSA students be given preferential treatment to start on teams?

No. Every position on every team is earned based on a performance-based evaluation. While participation in the RCSA will ensure athletic improvement, it does not guarantee a starting position on a team. 

FAQ 8 - What does RCSA cost?

The RCSA is driven by the PTP which is developed and maintained by certified athletic trainers. This is the engine of the RCSA and takes time and expertise to do it right. The cost of the PTP, along with the coaches providing sport-specific training, is $90 per month, billed over 10 months.

FAQ 9 - How do I register for the RCSA?

To become a part of the RCSA, the student must already be an enrolled Rancho Christian School student. Once enrolled, the family can simply register for the RCSA using a Google Form link that will be available on the website (ranchocommunity.org/RCSA) beginning April 1st. Filling out the form is authorization to bill the $90 per month fee beginning September 2026.