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.
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Non-Enrolled RSA Students: $110/drop-in rate or $380/per month
Enrolled RSA Students: $90/drop-in rate or $300/per month
After School Enrichment
STARTS THE WEEK OF JAN 12 2026
MONDAYS
Musical Theatre
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 April 13 at 4:15 PM.
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Hours: 3:45pm-4:30pm
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Dates: Mondays, January 12 – April 20
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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
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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.
TUESDAYS
Passport to Creativity
4-8 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
This 12-week enrichment class invites children to explore world cultures through creative handwork and storytelling. Each session highlights a different country or region, with art and handwork projects uniquely tailored to its traditions. Students work with natural materials—like yarn, paper, and fiber—to create tactile crafts inspired by the colors, textures, and artistry of that culture. Storytelling, song, and sensory elements such as scent and sound—lavender for Italy, Indian spices, traditional music, and movement—make each class an immersive, multi-sensory journey. Every lesson begins with a cultural tale and ends with a song or poem, nurturing both skillful hands and a curious, creative spirit.
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Hours: 3:45pm-4:30pm
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Dates: Mondays, January 13 – April 21
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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: 4-8 (recommended)
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Capacity: 16 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy
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About The Teacher
Meet Ms. Marlo Holdren. Beloved by students for her creativity and warmth, Marlo brings learning to life through imaginative, hands-on projects that spark curiosity and joy. Her nature-based lessons, inventive crafts, and outdoor adventures keep children deeply engaged and excited to learn every day.
WEDNESDAYS
Enrichment Art Essentials
4 1/2 - 8 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
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This program starts Jan 14 - April 22.
Small group – limited to 10 students
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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.
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Blending & Simple Form
Move from color exploration into blending and shaping techniques, laying the foundation for form creation using watercolor and block crayon.
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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.
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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: Starts Wednesday Sept. January 7
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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 or $45/day drop in with 24hrs notice. Note: discount for RSA students, inquire within.
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Ages: 4 1/2 - 8 (recommended)
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Capacity: 10 students max — waitlist will begin once full
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Location: Raphael Springs Academy
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THURSDAYS
Find Your Voice
A Joyful Singing Class
5-10 years old (Recommended)
Open to the outside community as well as RSA students.
This is a 12-week after-school beginning"choir". In this playful, confidence-boosting class, children explore the joy of singing in a relaxed and supportive environment. There’s no sheet music, no formal vocal training, and no need for prior experience—just curiosity, imagination, and the desire to make music together.
Through call-and-response games, echo songs, simple rounds, rhythmic play, movement, and storytelling, students learn to use their voices freely, build confidence, and express themselves without fear or performance pressure. We focus on listening, group harmony, creativity, and finding the unique sound inside each child.
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Hours: 3:45pm-4:30pm
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Dates: Thursday, January 15 – April 23
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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
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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.