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Rapoport Elementary School employs a rich curriculum drawn from a variety of sources aimed at reaching the individual educational needs of each student.
- Our primary curriculum for grades K-4 is based on the Core Knowledge curriculum developed by E.D. Hirsch. Core Knowledge is a content-rich curriculum designed to provide students from diverse backgrounds a shared body of knowledge on which to base their academic experiences. The Core Knowledge curriculum has been seamlessly integrated with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) by our master teacher to produce a vertically aligned scope and sequence for our elementary (as well as middle school) students.
- Rapoport Elementary boasts a robust literacy program, with two dedicated reading specialists available to help students at all levels of reading development. Our approach to literacy involves highly individualized instruction, drawing on a variety of resources (such as Lexia and Guided Reading). Our literacy program has been featured in a study of the best programs among charter schools from across the nation.
- A unique aspect of our elementary program is our emphasis on entrepreneurship. Beginning in the 1st grade, each class develops a business plan as a group, working with their teacher to understand the basics of supply and demand, profit and loss, budgeting and marketing. The students then execute their plan using real money. Businesses have ranged from selling pencils to students and sodas to staff to growing and selling plants at the Cameron Park Zoo. In addition to class businesses, 4th grade students develop a classroom economy, which teaches them concepts like income, rent, and budgeting.
- New to our program in 2009-2010 is an emphasis on academically grounded physical education. Our PE teacher, with a degree in community health, will focus on helping students understand the biological and health issues that underlie their physical activities. She will also use this time to reinforce concepts students have learned in math and science, thereby enriching a traditionally underutilized portion of the school day. Our emphasis on total student health includes participation in the National School Lunch Program, including a free nutritional breakfast for all students.
- All Rapoport elementary students receive instruction in art and music daily. Our goal is to provide all students a structured, highly-enriched environment that allows them to flourish academically. With classes of about 15, and a staff that includes several teaching assistants and support staff, we are able to focus on each child's unique educational needs.
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