Cypress Ranch High School has become notorious for its student’s impressive academic rates, competitive athletic programs and diverse yet inclusive clubs. Cy Ranch has become notorious for producing not only winning programs but excelling students. Although there are many great things to say about the school itself, there would not be an opportunity for the exceptional human beings formed inside that building without the guidance of teachers. Cy Ranch has been open since 2008, and it has many teachers who have stayed loyal to the school throughout its lifespan.
Cynthia Douglas – Choir Director
Mrs. Douglas has been a proud member of the Mustang family since the opening of the school. To her, this place feels like home. She said it was “wonderful” to be a part of building the environment and the atmosphere of the school, and that it is “really special” to see how far this place has come. Mrs. Douglas’ favorite part about working for Cy Ranch is the people that she works with.
“The OGs are awesome, and they’re pretty much all still around,” Mrs. Douglas said. “The newer people who’ve joined our school, within 8 years or so, are still considered OGs to me.”
Mrs. Douglas believes what sets Cy Ranch apart from other high schools is the environment. She claims that the atmosphere of the school is really supportive and inclusive, and that it can be thought of as a safe space for everybody.
“I’m proud – I guess that’s the most important thing to say,” Mrs. Douglas said. “I’m proud of being a part of what’s happened at this school for the last 16 years it’s been around.”
Stacey McDaniel – Pace/Health Teacher
Ms. McDaniel finds being part of the first teachers at Cy Ranch is a “pretty neat” experience. She said she loves the students and staff and enjoys the community they have.
“I think at Cy Ranch, we hold our students to really high standards, and our staff gets along really well,” Ms. McDaniel said. “I’ve spent 16 years working for Cy Ranch, and it has made me a better teacher.”
Ms. McDaniel said the school has certainly changed since its opening and that everybody who has been a part of the community has “evolved” and grew “stronger.”
“They’ve developed more spirit and excitement, and it’s been fun to watch a change that significant,” she said.
Arley Kocher – Biology Teacher
Ms. Kocher has curated a strong belief that she belongs at Cy Ranch and this school is where she belongs.
“I feel lucky to be at this campus as long as I have,” she said. “It also makes me feel old being with the same people who opened the building who are still here. It’s kind of cool because we are the originals, and we started off as a really small staff.”
She said her favorite part about working at Cy Ranch is the people who work on her biology team, the coaches and just the “awesome staff” in general. She loves the students there, and she loves teaching freshmen and seeing them graduate. According to Ms. Kocher, what sets Cy Ranch apart from other schools is the level of expectations and the excellence or greatness expected by holding students to a high standard. Overall, to Ms. Kocher, Cypress Ranch is “really kind” and a “welcoming and accepting” campus.
