Now Enrolling for Spring Semester!

Upper Program

Ages 9-12 | Progressive Academics | Ownership, Confidence & Community

The RCS Upper Program is designed for 4th–5th grade students who are ready for deeper inquiry, meaningful collaboration, and increasing independence. Our progressive learning environment emphasizes critical thinking, real-world problem solving, and strong social–emotional foundations—while maintaining the flexibility homeschool families value.

Students engage in hands-on academic projects, community-based learning, and creative exploration across subjects. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, design solutions, build and test ideas, and reflect on their learning. Through small-group instruction and individualized guidance, each child receives support at their developmental level.

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Program Options & Pricing

4 Days: Tue–Fri

Time: 9 am–3 pm

Yearly Cost: $9,756

Spring Semester $5,420

Monthly Cost: $1,084

4 Days: Tue–Fri

Time: 9 am–12:30 pm

Yearly Cost: $7,348

Spring Semester $4,085

Monthly Cost: $817

4 Days: Tue–Fri

Time: 12:30 pm–3 pm

Yearly Cost: $5,480

Spring Semester $3,045

Monthly Cost: $609

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2 Day Option

Schedule: Tue/Wed or Thur/Fri

Time: 12:30 pm–3 pm

Yearly Cost: $2,740

Spring Semester $1,525

Monthly Cost: $305

Morning Core Add-On

Time: 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

Yearly Cost: $1,920

Spring Semester $2,800

Monthly Cost: $214

Morning Core Program

Tuesday-Friday 9:00-12:30

Morning Gathering

Each day begins with a warm, community-focused gathering that includes movement, group games, and reflective discussions. Students build connection, practice social-emotional skills, and establish a grounded, consistent rhythm for learning.

Math

Students deepen number sense and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, games, and real-world applications. They explore patterns, estimation, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, and early algebraic thinking while sharing strategies and learning from peers.

Reading & Writing

Our literacy instruction blends creativity with a structured, Science of Reading-aligned approach (Rooted in Language). Students strengthen fluency, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension through poetry, book discussions, and a variety of writing projects—stories, memoirs, poetry, and illustrated books. Individual conferences allow for targeted support in grammar, spelling, and revision.

Social Studies

Through immersive, project-based units, students study Native American cultures and early California history. Using artifacts, role-play, hands-on activities, and a visit to Sutter’s Fort, students learn to view history through multiple perspectives while building empathy and critical thinking.

Afternoon Enrichment

Tuesday-Friday 12:30-1:30 (Includes Free Open Play)

STEAM · Art · Team Building (Integrated Enrichment Block)

Tuesday-Wednesday

This enrichment class blends STEAM, Art, and Team Building into one interdisciplinary rotation. Students explore hands-on projects that connect science, engineering, creativity, and collaboration. Each session offers a mix of designing, building, experimenting, creating art, and working together on cooperative challenges—supporting problem-solving, communication, and innovative thinking in a dynamic, integrated way.

Garden to Table: Where Food Meets Science

Thursday -Friday

Garden to Table is an immersive, interdisciplinary class where students explore the full journey of food—from growing ingredients in our school garden to preparing meals alongside our on-campus chef. This guided cooking curriculum blends science, sustainability, nutrition, and hands-on culinary skills in a meaningful, real-world learning experience.

Students plant, harvest, investigate plant life cycles, and learn how food systems work. In the kitchen, they follow developmentally appropriate recipes, practice kitchen safety, and build confidence as young cooks. With support from our chef, students chop, measure, mix, and taste their creations while learning about flavor, nutrition, and cultural food traditions.

This class encourages curiosity, collaboration, and responsible decision-making as students discover where food comes from and how it connects to the world around them. It’s experiential learning at its best—engaging minds and hands through gardening, science, and cooking.

Open Play

Tuesday-Friday

Open Play is a cherished part of the RCS experience, giving students time to connect, move their bodies, and build friendships through meaningful play. Each afternoon, children enjoy lunch together followed by supervised play in our sand yard, small field, and outdoor game areas. This unstructured time supports social–emotional development, cooperation, creativity, and exploration.

For Morning Core Students:
Open Play may be added to your child’s schedule as an optional program extension from 12:30–1:30 PM (Tuesday–Friday).

For Full-Time & Afternoon Enrichment Students:
Open Play is already included in your program at no additional cost.

2026 Spring Schedule

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