The Upper Elementary program has been developed to meet the needs, talents and interests of our students.  The department’s goals build upon skills students have acquired in previous years. 

We believe that despite the stress of physical change and uncertainties associated with this age group, these years can be the most exciting and productive of a child’s academic career. We encourage the energy, enthusiasm and natural curiosity of our students, while providing the guidance and structure they need to broaden their knowledge and comprehension – a process that empowers them to take responsibility for their own learning.

The curriculum followed at RAS is drawn from the United States Common Core Standards and McRel, and combines a carefully structured approach to basic skills development with a dynamic and creative approach to learning.  In each of the subject area, learners develop key skills that are ‘authentic and connected’, giving them opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in ‘real world’ contexts where they can act like a scientist, think like a historian or problem-solve like a mathematician.   

In addition to traditional curriculum areas, there are many projects that cross the disciplines and engage students actively in posing meaningful questions, exploring answers and integrating the skills and understandings from the various subject areas.

We foster the growth and development of our students beyond the purely academic through our school counseling and advocacy program and through a focus on learning habits and social skills.  We place high value on self-awareness, reflection and collaborative skills and give students feedback in these areas alongside their academic progress with CPA reports.

At RAS, we help our students to develop a sense of themselves as lifelong learners and problem solvers. To do this, our students must acquire skills in reading, writing, math and critical thinking. They must also be armed with the ability to become skillful decision-makers and responsible citizens in a global community.