CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Fifty-seven years and a pandemic after its founding, one of Carmichael’s oldest private schools is still going strong.

Beneath century-old mulberry trees, students and staff at El Rancho School celebrated the milestone last week with dancing and a Happy Birthday song. Principal Holly Olson – third generation principal of her grandparents’ school – told 80 students: “We’re proud of our past and excited about our future.”

One of few local educational establishments that stayed open during most of the pandemic, El Rancho survived through loyalty to student families and strict adherence to health protocols. “Our families needed us to stay open,” says Olson. “We needed our children to thrive academically and socially. If we’d closed, families had no options for child care. They needed… us to stay open so they could pay bills and feed their kids.

“We had a 27-page COVID policy that changed every week. But we kept everyone healthy with masks and air purifiers. We disinfected playground structures, tables, doorknobs – constantly.

“Hardly anyone got sick. I wore the skin off my hands through bleach dipping toys. I thought we’d never make it. So many businesses were failing. I was so worried we might be closed – and I might have lost my grand parents’ business, forever.”

Her grandparents were Allie Brown Ritchie and husband William, who purchased one of Carmichael’s original adobe farmhouses from the pioneer Geist family in 1964. At the time, there were no academic pre-school options in the area. “My grandmother began the school with the idea that every day should be wonderful for kids,” says Olson.

“She wanted students to learn something new and exciting every day. We still believe in that.”

Holly attended the school as a child. She got teaching credentials at Stephens College, Mo., and taught at El Rancho for many years before taking over the principal’s desk from her mom, Anne Ritchie. Beyond administration, Olsen still teaches daily lessons.

Though thick adobe ramparts and dozens of tall courtyard trees stand firm, El Rancho has moved with the times. “We’ve enlarged the campus,” Olson says. “We’ve added Spanish lessons, swimming tuition and a strong technical program.” The once pre-school roll has expanded to elementary-graders.

“With the help of amazing staff and families, we continue to enrich lives,” notes the principal.” My grandmother’s number-one rule never changed: we teach kindness and respect for others. Children who come here leave as better people.”

Learn about El Rancho School at: www.elranchoschool.com