Academics@RCS

List of 8 items.

• Active, Problem-Based Learning

  Academic play sparks engagement and develops the higher-order thinking, discipline, and collaborative skills required to promote independence, accountability, and self-advocacy. A challenging, interdisciplinary program combines core academics with arts, athletics, wellness, and innovation to deliver experiential and immersive experiences that promote understanding.

• Athletics and School Spirit

  Our playgrounds, sports fields, and gymnasiums are important extensions of the classroom. Our Physical Education program promotes self-confidence by building awareness of body and movement while introducing students to a variety of sports. Beginning in Grade 5, 100% of students participate in team sports. Sporting events, Walk to Cisqua, and Ripp Rally Day are just a fraction of the many opportunities for the RCS community to showcase their school spirit.

• Digital Citizenship

  Teaching responsible digital citizenship and providing early access to computer science prepares students for an ever-evolving and complex society. Computer programming is introduced in Kindergarten and continues as an elective through Grade 9 where students tackle complex coding challenges. Throughout a student’s tenure, they learn to master various software programs such as the Adobe Illustrator, TinkerCad, Google SketchUp, and AutoDesk Fusion 360 that supplement and expand the learning experience.

• Global Engagement

  We amplify cultural understanding through off-campus learning, exposure to world languages, and a diverse curriculum that focuses on the nexus between innovation and technology. Learning Immersion Days, community service, and the Innovation Center provide authentic experiences using real-world situations to deepen engagement.

• Health, Wellness, and Character Development

  Strong character-building based on a shared value system along with detailed attention to each student’s physical, mental, and socioemotional well-being, yields compassionate, kind, empathetic leaders. We teach teamwork, collaboration, and good citizenship in every aspect of our program from the classroom, to the stage, to the athletic field.

• Individualized Attention

  A low 6:1 student/teacher ratio coupled with flexible learning spaces provide critical opportunities for differentiated instruction and enrichment. Faculty stretch, challenge and lift young minds while forming strong bonds during the most impressionable years of our student's lives. In turn, students develop the confidence and self-advocacy skills they will need to master each subject and ensure future academic success.

• Integrated Arts, Innovation, and Communications

  Starting in PreK, students learn the art of active listening, public speaking, writing, persuasion, and critique. By Grade 9, students write a ten-page thesis paper, give TED Talks, and present Portfolio projects to faculty, staff, and students. Our performing and visual arts programs, science and art fairs, and project-based curricular work provide ample opportunities for creative expression, research, and presentation.

• Leadership and Service

  Students develop a strong sense of self and responsibility by becoming greeters, project leaders, captains, school representatives, grade partners, camp counselors, and school ambassadors. As young philanthropists, they regularly experience the value of volunteering and service through hands-on community activities that range from local food and clothing drives to the Midnight Run where ninth graders feed and visit with the homeless in New York City.