Our Programs
Our school days run Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM,
with Fridays left open for family time and personal enrichment.
Looking for 5 days a week? Check out our Friday enrichment program for ages 3-7.
Early Childhood
3-6 years old
In our early childhood program, children ages 3-6 are immersed in an environment that fosters a deep reverence for life. Every detail—from the natural materials of our toys to the rhythm of daily activities—is intentionally designed to nourish the senses and support healthy development.
Through purposeful and artistic work such as chopping, baking, sweeping, gardening, painting, finger knitting, sewing, and felting, children engage in hands-on experiences that strengthen fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory integration. These activities play a vital role in the natural progression of neurological development, supporting the refinement of movement patterns and the integration of early reflexes—laying the groundwork for focus, emotional regulation, and academic readiness in later years.
By engaging in meaningful, rhythmic work, children develop a deep connection to their environment, build resilience, and cultivate the foundational capacities for creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional intelligence—skills that will serve them well beyond early childhood.
Lower Grades
Grades 1-4
Our lower grades curriculum is dynamic and multifaceted, integrating humanities, mathematics, science, movement, and the arts into a rich, engaging learning experience. Academic mastery is not isolated from creativity and hands-on work; instead, it is interwoven with artistic and practical activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Beginning in first grade, children are introduced to music through simple, pentatonic instruments like the flute or lyre. These early musical experiences are deeply connected to a child's natural sense of rhythm, breath control, and fine motor coordination, supporting the development of auditory processing, memory, and neural connectivity. As students mature, more structured musical instruction is introduced, and by third or fourth grade, they may begin learning string instruments like the violin or other orchestral instruments—further refining dexterity, focus, and perseverance.
Practical and artistic work such as form drawing, watercolor painting, handwork, and movement-based learning strengthens both the body and mind. These activities reinforce spatial awareness, sensory integration, and the ability to transition from concrete to abstract thinking—key skills for mathematical reasoning, literacy, and critical problem-solving.
Each teacher fosters the development of three essential capacities through their instruction:
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Social-Emotional Learning – Cultivating empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness.
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Academic Foundations – Developing literacy, numeracy, and intellectual curiosity.
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Aesthetic Sensibility – Awakening creativity, appreciation for beauty, and deep engagement with learning.
By honoring the interconnectedness of intellectual, artistic, and practical work, our lower grades program nurtures confident, well-rounded learners who carry a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of purpose into the future.
Upper Grades
Grades 5-8
The Upper Grades (5-8) at Raphael Springs Academy provide a dynamic and enriching environment where students transition from imaginative childhood learning into a more thoughtful, independent, and inquiry-driven stage of education. During these years, we emphasize intellectual curiosity, hands-on experiences, and personal responsibility, helping students develop the skills and confidence to engage with the world in a meaningful way.
Grade 5-6: Expanding Horizons
In these years, students move from mythology and storytelling into deeper cultural and scientific exploration. They study ancient civilizations (India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece), botany, astronomy, geography, and the early foundations of physics and chemistry. Movement is key, and the fifth-grade Greek Pentathlon fosters both physical strength and personal discipline. Mathematics advances into fractions, decimals, geometry, and the beginnings of algebra, while artistic and practical skills—woodworking, handwork, painting, and music—continue to be woven into daily learning.
Grade 7-8: Independent Thinking & Self-Discovery
As students step into adolescence, their education reflects their growing self-awareness, critical thinking, and desire for real-world engagement. Studies include the Renaissance, Age of Exploration, revolutions in history, human physiology, physics, chemistry, and complex mathematical concepts. They explore literature, poetry, and independent writing projects that challenge them to develop their own voice and perspective. Artistic expression through theater, fine arts, and music remains a vital part of the curriculum, as does hands-on learning through practical arts and service projects.
Throughout Grades 5-8, students take on more leadership, responsibility, and opportunities for outdoor education, nature immersion, and experiential learning—building resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. By the time they graduate from the Upper Grades, students have developed a strong foundation of academic skills, creativity, confidence, and a sense of purpose, fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
At Raphael Springs Academy, the Upper Grades nurture thinkers, creators, and leaders—young individuals who are ready to step into the world with courage, wisdom, and a lifelong love of learning.
Friday Enrichment
3-8 years old
Hours: 8:30-3:30
The children are immersed in an environment that fosters a deep reverence for life. The toys are made of natural materials and everything they experience is designed to be a healing sensory experience.
The day is filled with songs, movement, stories, and plenty of free play both indoors and out.
Non-Enrolled RSA Students: $110/drop-in rate or $380/per month
Enrolled RSA Students: $90/drop-in rate or $300/per month
Parent-Child
Birth - 3 years old
Our Parent-Child Program offers a warm, nurturing space for young children and their caregivers to share time together in a setting inspired by the rhythms of a Waldorf early childhood classroom.
Children will enjoy a gentle morning of free play, circle time, story, crafts, snack, and movement—both indoors and outdoors. Meanwhile, parents will have the opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore meaningful topics in parenting, often forming lasting friendships as they walk this journey together.
Our morning rhythm will include:
8:30 AM – Arrival, Free Play, Adult Craft & Conversation
9:05 AM – Bathroom & Tidy Up
9:10 AM – Circle and Story
9:20 AM – Snack
9:40 AM – Outdoor Play
10:15 AM – Goodbye
Cost: $15 per class or $40 for all three
Space is limited, so we encourage you to enroll soon!
This offering is open to the greater community—feel free to invite friends and neighbors to join in the experience.
Summer Camp
3 - 8 years old
We’ve crafted five magical weeks of camp designed to ignite your child’s imagination, connect them with nature and culture, and nurture their inner spark—all through hands-on, Waldorf-inspired experiences. From building wild inventions and setting sail on ocean adventures to singing campfire songs under the stars, every week is a chance for your child to explore, create, and truly be a kid. Scroll down to see our themed weeks and get excited for lemonade stands, popsicles, puppets, treasure hunts, and so much more joy sprinkled throughout the season.
Hours: 9am-3pm
Dates & Themes
June 23–26: Inventors & Creators Camp
July 7-10: Beach & Ocean Week – A Hawaiian Summer Escape
June 30- July 3 Happy 4th of July week! No Camp
July 14-17: Camping Week – Nature, Stars & S’mores
July 21-24: Road Trip Week – An American Adventure!
July 28-31: Mexican Fiesta Week – Color, Culture & Celebration!
Pricing:
$360 for the full 4 day camp
$1600 for full time (4 days per week) all 5 weeks. Save $200!
$185 for 2 days (you pick the two days that works best for you)
$95 for single day
Space is limited, so we encourage you to enroll soon!
This offering is open to the greater community—feel free to invite friends and neighbors to join in the experience.