Mission and Philosophy


In keeping with the independent school tradition, RCDS provides recess, interscholastic and intramural sports, and physical and health education. RCDS has a competitive co-ed soccer team and basketball teams for boys and girls, as well as intramural golf and tennis.

In recognition of the important role physical fitness and overall health plays in academic readiness and lifelong health, a comprehensive PE and health curriculum has been incorporated into the curriculum and student and family handbooks. The Children’s School has a physical education teacher three days per week to teach age-appropriate movement skills, fitness, and games as the foundation for more complicated sports and activities. In addition, an award winning ballroom dance instructor will begin introducing foundation-building dance techniques. This is to foster a sense of competence and confidence in their bodies and in their social skills.

In grades 6-12 the schedule has been designed so that all Upper Division students will enjoy a variety of games, activities and sports together in various campus locations. A minimum of three activities will be offered each trimester from which students may choose to participate, such as dance, frisbee, basketball, soccer, tennis, snowshoeing, running, ping pong, yoga and softball. Additional activities will be added as students contribute their ideas and as adult supervision permits. Activities will be taught and supervised by existing faculty who are qualified in the activity. The school also will have access to a new baseball field which creates additional play space.

Combined with a nutritional dining service program, Fitness for Life provides the personal, educational and lifelong examples of the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle of wellness, exercise and balance.