Curriculum & Instruction

The Curriculum & Instruction Department at Rhodes School for the Performing Arts ensures that our students are being taught the same skills as their public-school peers. The department provides identifiable measurable results based on objectives to help determine student progress and academic achievement; keeps our students competitive when compared to others across the state; and ensures that our students can be successful in any educational setting, public or private.

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Progress Learning

Did you know your child uses the valuable online tool, Progress Learning, at school? It’s a fun & easy-to-use platform designed and tailored to your scholar’s INDIVIDUAL academic success.

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Getting Back to the Basics

We are CREW…Not Passengers! At RSPA, parents, students, teachers, and administrators are active participants in the learning process. We work together as a team to accomplish the goal of producing outstanding student achievement. No one gets to go along for the ride! We are CREW!

2025 STAAR Assessment Results Now Available

Visit TexasAssessment.gov to learn more about your child’s STAAR performance and how you can provide additional support at home.

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Our Curriculum

Experience High-Quality Texas Math for Grades K-5

SBOE Approved | TEKS & ELPS Aligned | Knowledge Building

RSPA’s new math curriculum for scholars in grades Kindergarten-5th is here! Bluebonnet Learning are state-developed instructional materials that provide teachers with the tools to foster student success. Developed using the latest cognitive science, Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials cover 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and provide a full suite of resources including scope and sequence, daily lesson plans, and student materials. All Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials are designed to be high-quality, suitable, and grade-level appropriate.

To learn more, check out the Bluebonnet & Open Education Resources below under C&I Resources.

A Fresh Take on Math for Grades 6-8

RSPA’s 6th-8th grade scholars are discovering the wonder of mathematics in our everyday world with STEMscopes Math. Our educators create a meaningful learning experience that empowers our students with 21st-century skills to succeed in future STEM careers.

Next-Gen STEM for Next-Gen Science Standards in Grades K-8

STEMscopes provide a carefully curated, rigorous curriculum that both challenges and sparks the curiosity of students across the country.

Research studies show that using STEMscopes results in a higher number of students who meet or exceed science proficiency benchmarks on state assessments.

Our science curriculum is just the beginning.

PreK Curriculum

Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) is a leader in the development of research-based tools to improve early education quality for early care and education programs in Texas.

Social Studies Curriculum for K-8th & ELA for K-5

More inclusive, accessible, and relevant learning

We combine scientifically based research with personalized learning experiences to make our English language arts curriculum more effective, inclusive, and rewarding. Improve reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills, as well as 21st century skills.

ELA Curriculum for Grades 6th-8th

Windows & Mirrors are diverse curriculum materials that act as mirrors, allowing students to see themselves reflected in stories and materials, fostering a sense of belonging and validation, and as windows, providing insight into the lives and experiences of others, thereby promoting empathy, understanding, and a connection to the wider world.

Through Mirrors, we aim to provide students with texts that reflect their own identities, cultures, and experiences.

Through Windows, we aim to offer students glimpses into the lives, cultures, and perspectives of people different from themselves.

District STEAM Day 2026

MISSION STEAMPOSSIBLE CONTINUES!

RSPA’s District STEAM Day is Friday, January 30th!

All PreK-8th grade scholars will enjoy interactive STEAM Experiences from Audio Engineering, Robotics, Art, GATE & NSBE Jr. stations. Plus, the Port City Chapter of The Links, Inc. and TechFest Live returns with an extra special treat, along with Mommy & Me, 21st Century’s Pearls of Elegance, STEMPIRE, and San Jacinto College!

This year’s Special Guest Speaker is Dr. Montrey Pertile with SC4M Education, LLC.

We look forward to an exciting MISSION STEAMPOSSIBLE STEAM DAY in the Cafetorium from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM!

2025 STEAM Day Guest Speaker

Montrey J. Pertile, Ph.D, SC4M Education Co-Founder

Montrey J. Pertile, Ph.D., is a professional researcher and 12-year educator whose work centers on equity
in STEM education for Black youth. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Pertile co-founded SC4M Education, an organization grounded in the pillars of STEM, Community, Awareness, and Maker.

As a published scholar and frequent conference presenter, he is dedicated to advancing research and practice that transform STEM learning ecosystems through community engagement, creativity, and equity. Dr. Pertile holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Prairie View A&M University, as well as a Master of Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, where he specialized in Learning Design and Technology. Read full bio here.

Science Fair 2025

Congratulations!

Science Fair Winners

2nd-3rd Grade

1st Place: Dissolving the Rainbow by Khari Williams, 3rd grade

2nd Place: Do All Objects Hit the Ground at the Same Time by Journei Boutte, 3rd grade

3rd Place: Who’s Worth Popping? by Omari Williams, 2nd grade

4th-5th Grade

1st Place: What’s Poppin’? by Brielle Adams, 5th grade

2nd Place: Wing It by Lawrence Jackson, 5th grade

3rd Place: Ice Ice Baby by Dior Josey, 4th Grade

6th-8th Grade

1st Place: From Dirty to Clean by Nyah Hayes, 8th grade

2nd Place: Decaying Apples by He’Nai Moore, 7th grade

3rd Place: Solar Ovens by Chandler Bonton, 6th grade

Thank You!

A special thanks go to our esteemed judges and speakers for their hard work and dedication as they diligently combed through every project to select our very best! Also, thank you to all of our teachers and staff who aided our scholars’ efforts!

2025 Science Fair Judges

Karen Carter, MSRRT, Master of Science, Respiratory Care, Texas State University

Nazim Ansari, BS, Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University

Addie Smith, MS, Biomedical Diagnostics, Arizona State University

Robbyn Pope, B.S., Master of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

2025 Science Fair Guest Speaker

Khalil Vinson, Tech Fest Live Founder & CEO

Khalil Vinson is the Founder & CEO of Tech Fest Live, Houston’s largest youth tech expo dedicated to bridging classrooms to careers. Through large-scale STEM experiences, strategic partnerships with schools, corporations, and civic leaders, Khalil has connected over 5,000 students to hands-on technology and workforce opportunities. A passionate advocate for education equity and innovation, he leverages creativity, community, and cross-sector collaboration to inspire the next generation of leaders and ensure access to future-ready skills for all youth. Learn more about Tech Fest Live by visiting techfestlive.com.