Learning and Sharing at St. Raphael School

St. Raphael School recognizes that each student has a right to be in an environment where his or her academic needs are met and potential is tapped.  Children need guidance in attaining these rights, so the school program consists not only of a comprehensive curriculum but opportunities for social interaction so that students' growth can be nurtured to the fullest extent possible during their time in school.  Students are presented information, encouraged to develop thinking skills, and also taught the values of respect and responsibility as they face the tasks of each day.  "Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ" is the schoolwide theme which challenges the entire student body to practice good citizenship and use the above values when interacting with others.

The Religion curriculum is based on the four pillars of the Catholic Church (Faith, Celebrationg Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer) and provides the content for Religion classes.  A thorough education in Religion therefore encompasses intellectual, social and ethical development.  The students are enriched by religious studies and then encouraged to learn more about themselves and the world.

Our balanced literacy approach includes direct instruction in reading, writing, and working with words.  The scaffolded approach to teaching reading includes read-alouds, guided reading instruction, and both shared and independent reading at differentiated levels.  Literature circles are used to discuss selected texts, teach strategies, and foster personal satisfaction from reading a good book.  The Writing Process is taught as students create their own literary pieces in different genre.  English grammar is also emphasized within the literacy block.  Spelling and vocabulary are taught at all grade levels in age appropriate ways, and phonics instruction is formally given in the primary classrooms.  

The Mathematics program aims to give all students a thorough education in computation and concepts. Teachers are guided by a curriculum map so that concepts are taught in a sequence that builds on previous skills and most benefits each student.  Drill practice with basic facts,  problem solving techniques, and use of manipulatives also helps the students to develop a greater facility in mathematics.

Science classes give children exposure to life, physical, and earth sciences. Students learn to observe and analyze the world around them in an enjoyable way, increasing in complexity as they move through the program. We recently intalled a new science lab where all students can enjoy a specially designed environment that encourages hand-on experiments.

Social studies classes include instruction in history, civics, government, communities, and geography.  Younger students learn about family and neighborhoods, good citizenship, and holidays and special civic events; this foundation is extended as students learn about American history and government, world history, and related geography and skills.

Music, art, computer, and physical education are offered to students in kindergarten through grade eight once a week.  Grades one through eight have a weekly Spanish class as well.  Pre-kindergarten students have art and music classes once a week.  Students travel to the Cardinal Shehan Center (located just a few minutes away by bus) for physical education classes.

St. Raphael School also offers a variety of after-school activities. Our students are offered the opportunity to take part in choir, chess club, yearbook, craft club, as well as a religiously affiliated community service group, Little Friends of the Sacred Heart.  Students in grades 5-8 are able to participate in the student council.