Saint Raphael's School, Potomac

At St. Raphael School, we focus on the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially. Our top-ranked elementary school provides children with an inspiring and challenging academic program infused with state-of-the-art technology. Through differentiated learning and small-group instruction, we personalize the educational experience for each child. And all along the way, our Catholic identity shines through. Our school community, through faith and reason, prepares students to lead lives of service by embracing the love of God and neighbor. By fostering a strong sense of self-worth, we build character in our students and enable them to reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Some of the highlights that set us apart: Educational Building: Our building opened in 2011 and offers a science lab, art room, music room, computer lab and more. The middle-schoolers have their own home on the upper level. State-of-the-Art Technology: Classrooms are equipped with Promethean boards and document cameras for interactive learning. Middle-schoolers are assigned iPads, which enhance their cross-curricular learning while reducing the weight of textbooks. Warm and Welcoming: Our kind environment is consistently cited as a top reason for choosing St. Raphael School. Here, students are encouraged to use their gifts to be the people God created them to be. Customized Education: Differentiated learning and small-group instruction are woven throughout a rigorous academic curriculum. This means we’re able to accelerate children who are ready to advance while ensuring that those who require extra help get exactly that. Morning Prayer: The children begin their day in the church. The calming influence of prayer and quiet discussion helps them start every day with God in their hearts. Physical Education: Research has shown that physical activity stimulates the brain for better learning. Grades 3 and up have P.E. four times a week; K-2 have P.E. once a week and two recesses a day. Our new SPARK Room is equipped with cardio machines, punching bags and jump ropes. SPARK is a research-based program that emphasizes individual fitness goals that grow with the students, ideally into adulthood. Class Size: We cap our classes at 25. We strategically created a small school to give the children the attention they deserve. Lower teacher-student ratios allow each child to receive a customized education. Character Development: The Golden Rule is the moral compass that guides our students in their emotional development. Outreach projects teach the children that others need our compassion and care. Curriculum: St. Raphael School's curriculum is driven by the Archdiocese of Washington Academic Standards. The ADW modeled its curriculum after the top-ranked Indiana Standards, which allowed for an easy segue to the Common Core Standards. We do not "teach to the test" but instead employ thematic approaches to education. By developing a framework around a core theme, our teachers identify specific multi-disciplinary goals. Students explore independently and as a group as they accomplish cross-curricular milestones.