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RASA |
Rochester Public Schools |
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Student Teacher Ratio |
8:1 Our small school environment allows every teacher to know every student and every student to know every teacher. Our students develop deep and lasting connections with our teachers who understand their interests and learning styles. |
District | 21:1 |
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Class Size |
15 Students Max / Class At our school, we believe that small class sizes provide an optimal learning experience. With fewer students in each class, our teachers are able to provide individualized attention and support, catering to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. |
32+ Students / Class |
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Accelerated Curricula
Gifted + Talented Programming |
ALL students at RASA have access to accelerated reading and math programming based on their individualized learning needs and abilities. In all grades, our curriculum naturally moves at an accelerated pace. But RASA also offers individualized academic pacing with a variety of single, double, and triple accelerated courses to cater to students' unique needs and abilities. This fexible approach allows students to learn at a pace that challenges and stimulates them, promoting academic growth and achievement. With smaller class sizes, our teachers can personalize their instruction to suit the specifc learning style and interests of each student, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. |
Students must test into the Highly Gifted program for the middle school years based on CogAT Test scores. |
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Academic Day Calendar |
8:00 am - 3:25 pm Before school care is available starting at 7:00 am at no charge. Earlier days can be arranged on an as-needed basis. Clubs and after school enrichment are available until 6:00 pm for a fee. ~185 Academic Days |
Elementary School ~170 Academic Days |
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Educational Program |
International Baccalaureate RASA follows the rigorous, inquiry based, and globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. This curriculum addresses students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. It encourages students to develop independence and take responsibility for their own learning. Additionally, the IB Progrmme supports students' efforts to gain understanding of the world, function comfortably within it, and helps them establish personal values as a foundation upon which international-mindedness will develop and fourish. IB learners strive to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open- minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and refective. Students graduating from RASA are well prepared for rigorous high school programming including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the globally-recognized IB Diploma Programme. In addition to following the IB Programmes, RASA meets or exceeds all Minnesota State Educational Standards. |
Minnesota State Educational Standards |
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World Language Instruction |
French + Spanish Daily All students receive daily, in-person foreign language instruction in both French and Spanish. Language lessons are also aligned with Units of Inquiry ongoing in the classrooms. |
Gage Spanish Immersion district-wide choice school with lottery for limited admission spots. Middle School World Languages no longer offered. |
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Extracurricular Programming |
We offer a diverse range of high quality extracurricular clubs and activities throughout the year. We offer a wide range of targeted extracurricular activities and clubs that cater to the diverse interests and passions of our students. These activities include a business and fnance club, chess club, art club, music appreciation, fencing, coding, robotics, soccer, yoga, drama, and band among other rotating offerings. We partner closely with several community organizations to offer opportunities for our students to engage in team based activities that support their social and emotional development Additionally, students have access to all of the same programming as students enrolled in RPS through Community Education. Our middle school instruction is structured with a study hall at the end of the day to allow students to leave for activities that begin before our extended school day formally ends. |
Extracurricular programming through Community Education |
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Social + Emotional Learning |
Our small school, community oriented, environment allows students to develop a sense of self and social confidence. The IB curriculum focuses on social and emotional development of students in a variety of ways. All of our staff and students know each other and we value an environment where everyone is always looking out for each other. Having a bad day? We notice and work with you to help it get better. Because of our small size, parents frequently comment that students are developing a strong sense of themselves that enables and empowers them in social situations and peer relationships. Students often engage with broader peer groups in several extracurricular activities. Parents have found that RASA students thrive as they integrate into larger educational environments upon graduation. RASA offers students dedicated programming on social and emotional learning as well as holding our community to high standards of conduct. Bullying is not tolerated at RASA. RASA employs a Licensed School Counselor as well as a School Nurse who is trained as a Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner with training in psycho-social support. We aspire to develop lifelong learners who are wonderful friends, colleagues, and world citizens. |
Large educational environments |
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Student Assessment + Evaluation |
Frequent Personalized Communication with Teachers, Student-Led Conferences, Optional CogAT Testing At RASA, we believe that the most reliable and meaningful assessment of our students’ progress is by their classroom teacher who can tailor their educational journey to meet their needs. Our teachers use various assessments that take place in the classroom environment during the normal school day to continuously engage and assess our students’ progress and modify learning plans to customize their education. Parents receive, at a minimum, weekly emails from their students’ teachers and often communicate more often based on student need. Report cards are issued 3 times a year. We know that for some families it is important to understand their students’ capabilities on an objective level. We optionally administer the CogAT to grades 3-5. While the results of these tests do not directly impact curricular or placement decisions at RASA, we leverage the insights of these assessments to understand our students’ strengths and learning preferences. We have found that the majority of our students, after engaging with our IB curriculum, test into the highly gifted range as defined by RPS. |
ACCESS MCA MTAS FastBridge Reading FastBridge Math CogAT Summative Assessments Formative Assessments |
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Globally Minded Education |
Our students engage with the surrounding world with field trips, expert speakers, and national and international experiences The IB philosophy leaves space open in our educational programming for students to inquire and learn more deeply around topics. We frequently have nationally and internationally renowned experts speaking to our students during relevant lessons. Field trips are an important part of our program, and we work hard to ensure our students are learning in the community and world around them. Our Middle School students are excitedly planning trips to national destinations, including Washington, DC, as well as anticipated international trips in the coming years. |
Field trip opportunities are limited by class size and budget. |
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Music + Art |
Weekly Music Instruction Students enjoy weekly music instruction that includes piano lessons, traditional music appreciation, and introduction to instruments including recorders, drums, guitar, and ukulele among others. Beginning in grade 5 students have the opportunity to join the school band which meets 3 times / week. Art instruction is integrated into many of the curricular elements as well as a dedicated time and program that they engage with on a weekly basis. |
Music and Art offered to elementary students according to a rotating schedule. Band, Orchestra, and Chorus offered in the middle school years. |
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PE + Recess |
PE + Recess | 60 Minutes Daily All students have at least 60 minutes of physical activity during the instructional day. PE is offered daily. |
Students typically have 20 minutes of recess daily and engage in PE 1-2 times per week based on a rotating schedule. |
Since 2007 Rochester Arts & Sciences Academy has provided an individualized education emphasizing the arts and sciences in a community-based setting
RASA is a private independent school, serving preschool through 8th grade, where all grades are joined together in one vibrant community rooted in the International Baccalaureate Programme.
When students encounter an educational environment focused on global inquiry and individualized instruction, they thrive while engaging freely and joyfully.
What sets RASA apart?
What Our Parents Say…
“… our children are learning in a way that constantly relates to the world around them and allows them to step out of set norms, ask good questions, and take risks.”
— RASA Parent
“The small class size and rigorous academics at RASA ensure that my child is challenged and growing every day. RASA is truly a collaborative community where parents and teachers work together as partners in the child's education. And once the official school day is over, the variety and quality of the after-school options is a huge advantage—I know my son is participating in enriching, fun, and educational activities rather than just being ’in child care.’”
— RASA Parent
“RASA is unparalleled in the ability to provide an exceptional education for all students while catering to the needs of working adults with the after-school programs.”
— RASA Parent
"My child is much happier and confident since joining RASA. I know she will be well-prepared for the future.”
— RASA Parent
“We’re so fortunate RASA is in Rochester. There’s really no other choice for parents who value educating their child with a high awareness of his/her role in the world at large."
— RASA Parent
“We love the small class sizes at RASA and the individualized education our children receive. The extended school year and enrichment classes after school are a great plus. My kids love to go to school and especially enjoy the Spanish and French classes every day. RASA provides our children with a great well-rounded education in a nurturing caring environment with dedicated teachers.”
— RASA Parent
Why Choose RASA?
Our parents and families choose RASA because we are an ambitious and unique school in Rochester distinguished by our
Challenging academic environment with thriving students;
A proven record of a majority of students placing into gifted and talented programs upon entry to middle school;
International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum centered on student inquiry and global-mindedness;
Welcoming, diverse school community that emphasizes character development in a secular environment;
Small classroom experience where passionate teachers inspire reflective, knowledgeable thinkers; and
School calendar and daily schedule that meet the needs of modern families: maximizing instructional time and pairing it with ample after-school enrichment and child care.
Interested in hearing more? Learn more about our admissions process or contact us to schedule a tour!