The RV Scholars program allows highly motivated students to participate in the most rigorous course pathway Rancho has to offer. It provides them with specialized counseling from a dedicated guidance counselor and a program coordinator to help the students toward the ultimate goal of being admitted to the most prestigious colleges and universities across the country. It also seeks to foster a sense of community among these students, and to motivate them to become models of good citizenship to positively affect the RVHS community.

Students are invited to join the RV Scholars program either through participation in Junior Scholars in middle school, recommendation from their high school counselor, or recommendation from high school teachers based on stellar academic history.