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 4-9.
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
4-9 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
After Care Enrichment
MONDAYS
Musical Theatre
WAITLIST
5-10 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
This is a 12-week after-school musical theatre program designed to ignite creativity, confidence, and joy in your child. Led by seasoned theater educator Ms. Jeanna, this fun-filled class invites children to sing, dance, act, and perform to kid-friendly Broadway and movie favorites.
Students will make their own props and costumes and prepare for a special end-of-session performance for friends and family on November 17 at 4:15 PM.
Hours: 3:45pm-4:30pm
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Dates: Mondays, Sept. 8 – Dec. 1 (no class Thanksgiving week)
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Time: 3:45 – 4:30 PM (RSA students will enjoy snack time from 3:30 – 3:45 on campus)
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Tuition: $300 per child for the entire 12 week program.
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Ages: 5–10 (recommended)
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Capacity: 16 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy
About The Teacher
Jeanna brings over 30 years of experience teaching music, theater, dance, and early childhood education in both Austin and Los Angeles. A graduate of Texas State with a background in Theater Arts and Early Childhood Development, she’s the former owner of PAIYH Dance Studios and has served as Creative Director at multiple performing arts academies.
Jeanna is passionate about helping children grow through the arts. Her classes are joyful, expressive, and developmentally grounded—with just the right amount of sparkle.
Fun fact: Jeanna is also an actor, director, and filmmaker here in the Austin area. When she’s not teaching, she’s often found on set! She coaches actors and dancers and currently teaches Theater at The Magnolia School.
MONDAYS
Enrichment Art Essentials
10-14 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
Small group – limited to 10 students
This program runs Sept. 8 - Dec. 15
Students will deepen skills through graphite shading techniques, study the basics of animal and human form through archetypal shapes, and create living expression with watercolor painting.
At this stage of development, children are ready to engage more consciously with form and detail, and these mediums support focus, observation, and the awakening of their inner imagination.
Graphite teaches patience and precision, while form drawing nurtures confidence and a sense of proportion. Watercolor remains a vital tool for emotional expression, allowing students to explore mood and movement through color. This class offers a balanced blend of technical growth and creative freedom, supporting the whole child.
Topics We will explore throughout the semester:
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Color Theory & Shade Bands
Learn the foundational concepts of the color wheel and value scale using watercolor and graphite. -
Shading Techniques
Practice hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending to build depth and dimension using graphite. -
Archetypal Shapes & Directional Line Drawing
Explore the fundamental shapes that make up all forms and develop spatial awareness through guided drawing exercises in colored pencil and graphite. -
Observational Life Drawing
Apply learned techniques to draw from life, enhancing your ability to see and interpret form, shadow, and proportion with greater skill.
We will conclude with a special student art showcase on the final day, inviting families to celebrate the creativity and growth of our young artists.
Hours: 3:45pm-4:45pm
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Dates: Mondays Sept. 8 – Dec. 15 (no class Thanksgiving week)
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Time: 3:45 – 4:45 PM (RSA students will enjoy snack time from 3:30 – 3:45 on campus)
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Tuition: $165 per month per child
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Ages: 11-14 (recommended)
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Capacity: 10 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy
TUESDAYS
Hip Hop Tumbling
5-10 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
Does your child love to move, tumble, and dance? Our new Hip Hop Tumbling class combines high-energy movement with fun, kid-friendly music. Over the course of this 12-week after-school program, students will:
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Learn exciting choreography
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Build muscle memory
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Strengthen sequencing skills
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Stay active and engaged in a positive environment
To make the experience even more creative, children will also design their own performance shirts, hats, and props to wear in a special end-of-session show.
This unique program blends movement, rhythm, and art for a truly dynamic enrichment opportunity your child will love.
Hours: 3:45pm-4:45pm
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Dates: Tuesdays, Sept. 9 – Dec. 2 (no class Thanksgiving week)
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Time: 3:45 – 4:45 PM (RSA students will enjoy snack time from 3:30 – 3:45 on campus)
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Tuition: $300 per child for the entire 12 week program.
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Ages: 5–10 (recommended)
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Capacity: 16 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy
About The Teacher
Jeanna brings over 30 years of experience teaching music, theater, dance, and early childhood education in both Austin and Los Angeles. A graduate of Texas State with a background in Theater Arts and Early Childhood Development, she’s the former owner of PAIYH Dance Studios and has served as Creative Director at multiple performing arts academies.
Jeanna is passionate about helping children grow through the arts. Her classes are joyful, expressive, and developmentally grounded—with just the right amount of sparkle.
Fun fact: Jeanna is also an actor, director, and filmmaker here in the Austin area. When she’s not teaching, she’s often found on set! She coaches actors and dancers and currently teaches Theater at The Magnolia School.
WEDNESDAYS
Enrichment Art Essentials
5-9 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
This program runs Sept. 10 - Dec. 17
Small group – limited to 10 students
In this foundational art class we will journey into the world of watercolor, block crayons, and handwork.
Watercolor invites a sense of flow and wonder as children experience how colors blend and breathe on the page, encouraging patience, presence, and emotional expression.
Block crayons, with their broad strokes and rich pigments, support fine motor development while allowing young artists to explore form and story through color.
Handwork connects mind to hand and engages the fine motor skills to create beautiful works of art.
Our Art Essentials class fosters a soulful connection to creation, honoring each child’s inner world and natural rhythm of learning.
We will conclude with a special student art showcase on the final day, inviting families to celebrate the creativity and growth of our young artists.
Sample topics we will explore throughout the program:
Primary & Secondary Color Exploration
Discover the magic of color through hands-on work with watercolor and block crayons as we explore how primary colors mix to form secondary ones.
Blending & Simple Form
Move from color exploration into blending and shaping techniques, laying the foundation for form creation using watercolor and block crayon.
Nature Mandalas & Intro to Handwork
Create mandalas inspired by natural patterns and begin working with yarn to develop fine motor skills and creative expression.
Craft-Making & Mixed Media Integration
Apply learned techniques that weaves together watercolor, crayon, and handwork with yarn to create imaginative, tactile crafts.
We will conclude with a special student art showcase on the final day, inviting families to celebrate the creativity and growth of our young artists.
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Hours: 3:45pm-4:45pm
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Dates: Wednesday Sept. 10 – Dec. 17 (no class Thanksgiving week)
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Time: 3:45 – 4:45 PM (RSA students will enjoy snack time from 3:30 – 3:45 on campus)
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Tuition: $165 per month per child
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Ages: 5-8 (recommended)
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Capacity: 10 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy