The Rice School Highlights
|| Pre-AP || Odyssey of the Mind || Rice University || PTO ||
|| Counseling Guidance Program || Sights || Soccer/Basketball || School Habitat ||
|| Amphitheater ||

SIGHTS for grades K-5 - The Rice School has an inclusion SIGHTS program, which means that all students who qualify for SIGHTS are taught in the regular classroom. We feel it is important to have diverse classrooms. The Rice School has always prided itself on its diversity and this philosophy governs all we do. We are very excited to offer this wonderful opportunity to our students!

Pre-Advanced Placement Program (Pre-AP) 6^th-8^th Grades is a challenging curriculum that is aligned with the College Board Advanced Placement course curriculum objectives for students in grades 6-8. Advanced skills are introduced through traditional subject areas by inquiry and problem-based learning. Research and analytical writing is emphasized in every core subject area. At The Rice School/La Escuela Rice we offer AP classes in English, Math, Spanish, Social Studies and Science (IPC).

Odyssey of the Mind - Since 1978, this program has been providing creative problem-solving opportunities for students of all ages. Through solving long-term and spontaneous problems, students learn life-long skills such as how to think critically, how to overcome obstacles, and how to rise to meet any challenge. Because their solutions to the problems are based on creativity, rather than rote learning, students learn to think divergently and are encouraged to express themselves without fear of criticism. They work in teams to create their own solutions, each member drawing on individual strengths to infuse their solutions with artistry, humor, technological skill -- or whatever it takes!

The Schoolyard Habitat and Garden allow our students to learn about the natural world around them without even leaving campus! Funding was provided through a grant from Rice University and our habitat was dedicated in May 2000. Thirty thousand square feet of our campus grounds have been restored to a natural habitat highlighting three native Texan environments: woodland, wetland and prairie. We also have over 720 square feet of raised beds that are being cultivated and maintained by our students, teachers and parents. This outdoor classroom enables our students to study natural systems as well as experience the joys of gardening. We have added a greenhouse and look forward to using it in conjunction with our plant studies. Habitat Workdays are held periodically on Saturdays throughout the year allowing parents the opportunity to come and help support our projects.

The Rice University Pre-College Science group sponsors and supports several programs in The Rice School. Through a grant to the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Science clubs have been established in Middle School through which students are matched with mentors from the surrounding business community and medical center. They come to the school and meet with students to inform them about their professions and also work in small groups to talk to them about what they need to do to go to college and get into a profession of their own.

Rice is quite involved in support of the science department in Middle School, providing materials and equipment along with specialized training as needed.

The Health Care Explorers Club - is designed to introduce middle school students to various careers in the medical industry through interaction with local professionals. Through field trips, guest lecturers, and volunteer work, the students become knowledgeable of the various duties and obligations required for particular medical fields. In addition, the students are introduced to the process and classes necessary to become a professional in the medical industry.

PTO at The Rice School is a group of parents and teachers, who are dedicated to communication between the staff, teachers, and parents, support for the teachers in the classrooms, fundraising, and the welfare of our students. Meetings are held once a month and a speaker presents topics relevant to students and their parents. The PTO enjoys the camaraderie of working together and with teachers and staff.

Counseling and Guidance Program is to enhance the quality of education, promote achievement and foster a sense of self-worth for all students. We will provide opportunities for greater parental and community partnership involvement.

Our goals are as follows: (1) to improve student competency attainment; (2) to increase parental participation; (3) to maintain an active partnership with community members;(4) to improve management efficiency and (5) to promote the Safe School’s curriculum.

Soccer / Basketball - The Rice School/La Escuela Rice has boys’ and girls’ soccer and basketball teams. Students benefit from the soccer and basketball program in various ways. Besides developing good motor skills and spatial coordination, the program also emphasizes team concept and social skills. These are skills participants will need long after they have left The Rice School. School and community support for the program is another reason for the success the program has enjoyed since its inception.

University of Houston-Graduate Design and Build Studio - The Architecture students from the University of Houston have designed and constructed a modern amphitheater, which will serve as an outdoor classroom for all students.

|| offerings ||