Common Core standards guide our teaching in Mathematics. They include both: Practice Standards: problem-solving, communicating reasoning, and modeling mathematics. Content Standards: Counting and cardinality, operations and algebraic thinking, number and operations in base ten, number and operations – fractions, measurement and data, and geometry.

Learning experiences are designed to develop conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Students learn Mathematical concepts by using manipulatives and drawings to make sense and construct their understanding. Students are encouraged to think of multiple strategies to solve problems and explain their thinking both in writing and orally.

The foundation of our ES Literacy program is built upon the English Language Arts Common Core standards. These standards emphasize the key areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and language foundations. Learning opportunities are differentiated in order to make learning experiences accessible and engaging.

Kinder – Grade 5 students receive a balanced literacy approach that provides authentic reading and writing experiences with targeted instruction. The balanced literacy approach ensures that all students have explicit instruction, opportunities to work on their independent levels, scaffolding, and feedback from teachers, and collaborative interactions with peers.

English Language Learner (ELL) support teachers and Learning Support (LS) teachers collaborate with Homeroom specialist teachers to provide differentiated and additional support for students to be fully supported in accessing, engaging, and expressing their learning.

The ES Science program has been designed using the Next Generation Science Standards. Through hands-on learning activities, students develop an understanding of how to think and work like a scientist. They ask questions and solve problems; they conduct investigations and then discuss and interpret the data. They use different ways to explain their thinking to others.

The ES Social Studies program utilizes the AERO standards. As students learn about their community and the world around them, they are supported to

1. Develop Questions and Plan Inquiries 
2. Evaluate the Credibility of the Sources and Relevance of the Information to the Inquiry 
3. Construct Coherent, Reasoned Arguments and Explanations 
4. Communicate Conclusions From an Inquiry 
5. Take Informed Action for the Common Good

All PreK – Grade 4 classes are equipped with iPads and Chromebooks to be used by students as tools to engage in learning and express their understanding. In Grade 5, all students are expected to bring their own Macbook. 

Technology is integrated into learning across all subject areas and is supported by our Integration Specialist, who collaborates with homeroom and specialist teachers to use technology in meaningful ways.

Starting in Grade 2, each student has access to their own RAS email account. Starting in Grade 3, students begin to use Google Apps for Education.

Students are provided with opportunities to learn a wide variety of artistic techniques and mediums in order to demonstrate and share their creativity. Our Art curriculum is based on the U.S. National Standards for Art Education. 

Students in PreK – Grade 5 have two Art classes per week with a specialist Elementary Art teacher.

Students are actively involved in creating, moving, singing, playing instruments, and performing. Our Music curriculum is based on the U.S. National Standards for Music Education.

Students in PreK – Grade 5 have two Music classes per week with a specialist Elementary Music teacher.

Our PE program follows the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) standards. RAS students will develop health-related fitness, physical competence, cognitive understanding, and positive attitudes about physical activity to make lifelong well-being (physical, social, mental and emotional, spiritual) enhancing decisions. We promote active participation and encourage students to develop intrinsic motivation for an active lifestyle. 

Students in PreK – Grade 5 have two PE classes per week with a specialist Elementary PE teacher.

Our English Immersion Program (EIP) is designed as a specific year-long program for students from Grade 3 upwards who are just beginning to learn academic English. This program ensures students build their English language skills to then be able to join their age-appropriate grade level following the completion of this course with the English skills needed to be capable and confident learners. 

Students in our Elementary EIP group also participate in classes with all specialist teachers.