About Rancho

Welcome to Rancho Cotate High School!

Rancho Cotate High School is a comprehensive high school offering 29 AP, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses in partnership with Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College, along with 13 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and 9th-grade CTE-themed interdisciplinary academies that connect learning to real-world pathways. Our school also features 18 athletic programs, 19+ student clubs, and an annual Unity Week that celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of our community. With a 4x4 block schedule, students have equitable access to advanced coursework, CTE pathways, and the academic support they need to succeed. Combined with modern facilities like our state-of-the-art TAG building, we provide the structure, support, and opportunities for every student to thrive.

Campus Map

Interim Principal, Amy Alvarez

Amy Alvarez is the Interim Principal of Rancho Cotate High School and El Camino High School, the first Rancho alum to lead the school. She grew up right here in Rohnert Park, attending Richard Crane Elementary, Mountain Shadows Middle School, and graduating from Rancho. After earning her degree in Political Science and International Relations from California Baptist University, she came back to CRPUSD, teaching at Technology High School before spending three years as Assistant Principal at Rancho and then stepping into the principal role. Ms. Alvarez is a proud, unapologetic Dodgers fan, a loyalty she's held onto through more than two decades of living and working in Giants territory. She's also an avid traveler, always working to fill up her passport; her most recent stop was Scotland. She is honored to lead the school that shaped her, and looks forward to doing the same for the students of Rancho today.

Assistant Principal, Dr. LaRae Gainey

Dr. Gainey (she/they) joins the school community as Assistant Principal after serving in a variety of educational roles, including paraprofessional, elementary teacher, and Dean of Students. They began their career working in county special education programs before transitioning to the classroom and later into school leadership. Dr. Gainey earned their Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from San Francisco State University, where their research focused on creating more affirming and equitable educational experiences for Black queer students. They are passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, building positive school culture, strengthening student leadership, implementing restorative practices, and partnering with families to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging while being challenged to reach their full potential. Outside of school, Dr. Gainey enjoys spending time with their wife, teenage daughter, and two dogs, as well as trying new restaurants, traveling, and staying active. They are excited to join the school community and look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to support every student's success.

Assistant Principal, Justin Mori

Justin Mori comes to Rancho Cotate and El Camino High Schools as Assistant Principal with more than 25 years of administrative and teaching experience. He earned his Bachelor's degree in History from UC Santa Barbara, teaching credentials (History and Introductory Science) from UC Irvine, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administrative Services Credential from Chapman University. He began his career in the classroom as a science teacher and activities director. Throughout his career, which includes comprehensive and alternative education leadership roles in Marin and Sonoma counties, Mr. Mori has focused on expanding academic opportunities, strengthening social-emotional supports, and fostering inclusive, transparent school communities. Outside of school, Mr. Mori enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, exercising, and riding his motorcycle. He looks forward to partnering with Rancho Cotate and El Camino's students, staff, and families to support a vibrant and equitable learning environment.

Assistant Principal, Dave Ramalia

Dave Ramalia (Ruh-mail-ya) started his educational career as a high school campus supervisor and football coach at El Molino High School in West Sonoma County in 2005 and received his teaching credential in 2008. Over the past 17 years, he has taught and been an administrator for all levels of education, from elementary school to high school, including 3 years as a principal for a local nonpublic school serving students with significant emotional and behavioral needs. In addition to a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UC Monterey Bay, he has a Master's in Educational Administration and an Administrative Services Credential from Concordia University in Irvine. Mr. R is passionate about helping students live up to their potential by creating a culture rich in positive, trusting relationships and helping individual students feel a sense of belonging and connection.

Mr. R has 4 adult children, 2 adult step-children, and 3 beautiful grandchildren. He and his wife (also an educator) recently bought their first home here in Rohnert Park with their 2 furry children, an American Bulldog and an English Cream Golden Retriever. He is so excited about becoming a part of this community and being a part of “The Ranch!”

Assistant Principal, Lucia Papineau