Upper PROGRAM

The Upper Program prepares older students to apply language arts, mathematics, science, history, performing arts, leadership, and team building to succeed in their future learning opportunities.

Science: Our upper science program focuses on environmental studies. Students are encouraged to question, explore, observe, and record during weekly gardening and environmental classes and monthly creek visits. Student interest drives our program with freedom to explore personal curiosities; whether it be human impact of an area, our local watershed or seasonal changes.

Dissecting owl pellets

Archaeology class

Chemistry, physics, human body, and solar systems are explored through engaging in-class experiments. Students can be seen testing Newton’s Laws with an egg drop.

Mathematics: RCS is all about number awareness, real-world measurement skills, logic, problem-solving, probability, classification, geometry, patterns, multiplication, division, and fractions. Hands-on activities, directed lessons, independent explorations, and whole class discussions enable RCS students to think on their feet.

Math is the language of science. Students communicate their thinking with Math Journals, presentations, and group discussions. Connecting math with language enables multiple approaches for solving problems.

Do the Math - How much food must you purchase to serve dinner for eleven people? How much will it cost?

History: RCS presents a four-year rotation: Ancient Civilizations, Medieval and Age of Explorers, Colonies and Revolutionary War, Westward Movement and Native Americans. Students develop an understanding of historical events through an inquiry-approach to learning, through research and project based activities driven by the interests of the group. By exploring and sharing their findings, students take up the role of teacher and advance community understanding.

Field trips are integral to the RCS experience. The real world enriches our science, history and nature study. Washington D.C. is the defining learning experience, for students and parents alike. RCS students step into a real life connection to the symbols and institutions of American government. Through directed journals, each student records the experiences into lifetime memory.

Students plan their navigation throughout Washington D.C.

Touring Library of Congress

Performing and Expressive Arts: Experiences, observations, feelings, and imagination--these are how RCS students are taught to express themselves.

Artistic expression enhances cognitive skills: listening, thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. In the expressive arts, children experiment with design, color, texture, shape, and form using such mediums as paint, clay, wood, chalk, paper, wire, and found objects--provided in abundance in RCS classrooms and workshops.

Art is Global. RCS opens doors to the art of cultures from around the world, across time periods, to the various ways people think and communicate. Exploration and creativity are emphasized over imitation.

Vincent Van Gogh was the subject of one Artist Study. The students researched the artist, his life and times, his techniques, then painted their unique interpretations.

Performing Arts: All people, especially children, need avenues for self-expression, to build confidence, to grow their problem-solving skills. Throughout the year, RCS introduces students to dramatic performances, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and story-plays. We have one whole-school play each year. Our Drama Program Coordinator works hand-in-hand with the students to fine-tune the script, assemble the cast, make props, and invent costumes.

Students performing Alice in Wonderland

Students performing Wizard of Oz