At St. Raphael, we believe a Christ-centered education best serves the growth of well-rounded, responsible children. Quality teachers, well versed in the Pennsylvania State Standards and Diocesan Guidelines, are the core of our students' learning experience. Parents and teachers partner to promote an intellectual journey that encourages depth of comprehension, courage in experimentation, and confidence in expression.
Art & Music Programs At St. Raphael, art classes are held weekly. Students are introduced to a variety of mediums such as charcoal, chalk, and pastel painting. Instruction also includes techniques in color, spacing, sketching, and mosaics.
Our music program consists of weekly classes which includes theory, voice, and introduction to recorders in grades 3, 4, and 5. In addition, music is taught in religion classes and is an integral part of liturgical celebrations. Band instruction is offered once a week for interested students. Language Arts Program A language arts component enhances the St. Raphael reading and literature programs. Language Arts includes grammar, spelling, and rubric-based composition. A vocabulary program is in place to supplement the literature series. Students demonstrate comprehension through projects, oral presentations, and testing. Poetry and prose compositions and research papers are part of the curriculum. Learning Support Program Title 1 provides remedial reading services to St. Raphael students in grades 1 - 8. Classes are planned to coordinate with the regular classroom material to practice and reinforce skills. Literature is also a part of the reading program.
Library Program The user-friendly library at St. Raphael boasts more than 7000 volumes, with excellent reference works for research. All students (K - 8) have a weekly library period.
Math Program The St. Raphael mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure understanding of problem solving through concrete approaches. Basic skills are reinforced through hands-on activities, practice exercises, and computer discs for tutorial purposes. Students are taught pre-algebra and algebra in grades 7 & 8. Physical Education & Health Programs Through the use of games and physical activity, St. Raphael students develop skills, habits, and attitudes that will give them the opportunity for greater success in life. The Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge Program is used to assist students in identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
Our health curriculum provides students with the opportunity to take a role in the learning process, becoming active partners in maintaining and improving their level of wellness. Healthy choices, sound knowledge, decision-making skills are components of the program that promotes personal responsibility for health.
Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Program St. Raphael Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten reflects the desire of the elementary school community to educate the total child. This includes a child's religious and emotional development as well as academic areas. The schedule offers times for religion, music, language/reading experiences, math, science, gym, art and social activities. A variety of teaching techniques presented in the class setting allows for various learning styles and the individual's own pace.
All children will be exposed to all material, in hopes of expanding, not limiting their experiences due to gender, ability, or age. The teacher will encourage the children to "do their best" and their work will remain as they have "designed" it.
The Pre-Kindergarten (ages 4 & 5) school year begins in September and ends in May. They meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00A.M. to 2:30 P.M. The Three Year Old Preschool Program is in session Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00A.M. to 11:00A.M. Reading & Literature Programs The reading and literature program at St. Raphael is designed to develop and encourage fluent, discerning readers at every level. In the early grades this includes decoding and work recognition, strategies for comprehension, and fluency.
In the upper grades (6-7-8), students are introduces to various works of literature, examining the styles and techniques of celebrated authors. Throughout the grades, every effort is made to create a lifelong love of reading. Religion Program Central to St. Raphael's religion program is a heartfelt love for Sacred Scripture, the Eucharistic Liturgy, and the Sacraments. All of our students are invited to live a responsible Catholic Christians, which includes cultivating virtues for life - particularly integrity, justice, faith, and peace.
Science Program The aim of the St. Raphael science program is two-fold -- acquainting students with the basic scientific concepts, including vocabulary, and providing opportunities for hands-on experiments. In the upper grades, a quality laboratory provides the ideal setting for discovery to take place.
Our program has been expanded through a current partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and membership in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.
Social Studies Program Social Studies at St. Raphael begins with the concept of general community formation and expands to encompass regions in the United States and abroad.
Students develop skills for understanding maps and discover how the location of resources has implications for economic viability.
Pennsylvania History enable fourth grade students to understand their heritage and local culture.
Upper grade students take on the challenge of exploring ancient civilizations and United States History.
All students engage in activities that encourage global awareness, futuristic thinking, and social justice.
Spanish Program Spanish is taught at every level at St. Raphael. The school has an ongoing agreement with Duquesne University whereby weekly visits from interns stimulate conversational Spanish. The audiovisual kit "Espanola Para Ti" reinforces conversation in K-6 and textbooks support written assignments in grades 7-8.
Speech & Language Programs Initially, all St. Raphael students are tested for the speech and language program. Depending on the individual, remediation takes place in the areas of language development and/or articulation.
Technology Program
St. Raphael is equipped with an internet-accessible computer lab, computers in each classroom, and interactive Smartboards, which the students and teachers use daily.
The students learn a variety of computer skills, from keyboarding to word processing and even creating spreadsheets. Students also participate in a math adventure on-line called "First in Math," as well as an individualized reading and math program called "Successmaker."
St Raphael Elementary School - 1154 Chislett St - Pittsburgh, PA 15206 - Phone: 412-661-0288 - Fax: 412-661-0428
