EL RANCHO CHARTER

2026-2027 ENROLLMENT

We look forward to having your child join us for their middle school years. In addition to the core curriculum of English, math, science, history, and physical education, we offer a wide variety of elective classes. Students can explore their interests and discover their passions. Incoming 7th graders and new 8th graders should follow the steps below to begin the enrollment process. Current El Rancho students will receive registration materials for the 2026-2027 school year at the beginning of March. Open enrollment for all students begins January 12, 2026 and ends January 26, 2026.

Step 1: Join us for 7th Grade Information Nights Sign Up Here

January 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM, in the Gym

January 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM, Virtual on Zoom

January 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM, in the Gym

Step 2: If you are new to OUSD or do not attend our feeder schools, join us for a campus tour. Sign up for a tour HERE

Step 3: If El Rancho is NOT your “home school,” the Open Enrollment process will begin January 12, 2026.

Students who are brand new to Orange Unified (currently enrolled in a Private School, out of State, or not currently enrolled in any Orange Unified School), please contact our registrar, Mrs. Abifadel (amanda.abifadel@orangeusd.org) or Mrs. Ahrendt (jahrendt@orangeusd.org), or call 714.997.6238.

Open Enrollment Application

Interdistrict Transfer Application

Steps to Register Your Student for 2025-2026

STEP ONE

Complete the new student enrollment process on the Orange Unified School District website. At the link below, please click the option "New to OUSD" or "Previously Attended OUSD" and follow the steps.

🔗 REGISTRATION FORM

STEP TWO

Once you complete the online enrollment paperwork, please contact our Registrar or stop by our school office to submit your student’s enrollment documents.

Registrar Contact Information:

Amanda Abifadel – amanda.abifadel@orangeusd.org

Jennifer Ahrendt – jahrendt@orangeusd.org

Phone: (714) 997-6238

STEP THREE

🔗 PARENT PORTAL

STEP FOUR

Complete the El Rancho Registration form by clicking this link:

🔗 REGISTRATION FORM

Open Enrollment & Inter-District Transfer

INTER-DISTRICT TRANSFER

Inter-District Transfer is an application process for students who live outside of the Orange Unified School District boundaries. To apply for your student to attend El Rancho Charter School on an Inter-District Transfer, please complete the online application below. Applications submitted during the school year will be reviewed, subject to space availability.

🔗 INTER-DISTRICT TRANSFER FORM

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Open Enrollment is an application process for students who live outside the El Rancho Charter School attendance boundaries but within the Orange Unified School District boundaries. To apply for your student to attend El Rancho Charter School on Open Enrollment, please complete the online application below. Applications submitted during the school year will be reviewed, subject to space availability.

The 2026–2027 El Rancho Charter School priority order of enrollment is:

Resident students within the school boundaries.
Open Enrollment students who are continuing at El Rancho.
New Open Enrollment requests who are siblings of continuing students.
New Open Enrollment requests who are children of El Rancho Charter School employees.
New Open Enrollment requests who are children of OUSD employees.
New Open Enrollment requests of students who reside in OUSD.
Inter-district transfer permits students who reside outside of the OUSD boundaries.

If you are unsure of your assigned home school, please use the school locator map linked below to search by address.

🔗 SCHOOL LOCATOR MAP

Open Enrollment forms must be submitted during the Open Enrollment period, which runs from January 15 to January 29, 2024. Once the window closes, a lottery drawing will be held for all applicants, and we will notify you upon acceptance.

🔗 OPEN ENROLLMENT FORM

Enrollment