1ST GRADE
Rancho Cortez

Monday, April 20, 2026
(RESCHEDULING DUE TO WEATHER)

872 Hay Hollar Road
Bandera, TX 78003

https://ranchocortez.com/dude-ranch-day-visit/

Get excited, our 1st graders will spend an action‑packed day at Rancho Cortez, where outdoor adventure meets SAA values: scholarship, leadership, integrity, and brotherhood! Our 1st graders will ride horses and learn basic horsemanship skills, explore the ranch environment, observe animals, and engage in hands‑on activities. They will also participate in team challenges and cooperative tasks on the ranch grounds.

Scholarship

This experience engages students in inquiry as they observe animals and ask questions about ranch life, linking direct experience to classroom learning. Students will also set simple goals for horsemanship tasks, practice skills, receive feedback, and reflect on their progress, demonstrating high-capacity learning in a real-world context.

Leadership

Through group activities and team challenges, 1st graders will develop clear, respectful communication and listening skills while leading and following with empathy.  Each boy will practice speaking up, encouraging peers, and taking responsibility for assigned roles during cooperative tasks.

Integrity

By caring for animals and working in teams, 1st graders will practice honest effort and kindness toward others and living creatures. These new or challenging activities (riding, ranch chores) will give the boys chances to show grit and commit to doing their best.

Brotherhood

Lasting relationships will be built through shared experiences, cheering each other on, problem‑solving together, and reflecting as a group, strengthening the bond throughout the grade level.