Our Unique Programs
Our two mainstream programs- the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP) and STEAM (GenEd) Program - learn the same core curriculum. Our STEAM students have regular time in the STEAM Lab, while our JBBP students have daily Japanese language lessons.
Students in both programs interact regularly at recess, lunch and special events. We are proud of the inclusive and welcoming community that we have built between the two mainstream programs.
Our Special Day Class (SDC) is a personalized program, with SDC students sharing recess and lunch times with their grade level cohorts in the wider school community. Eventually, students spend part of their day in either a STEAM or JBBP classroom according to their individualized learning and development plan.
The Early Education program at Raphael Weill is hosted in a separate building on site and the preschool students do not interact with the K-5 program at Rosa Parks on a daily basis except during a few events.
Read more about each program below!
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STEAM / General Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
Our General Education program focuses on STEAM curriculum, providing our students with projects that require them to embrace a growth mindset and creatively solve real world design and technology problems. These problem-based projects have been fine tuned over our program’s 10+ year history to be aligned with Common Core Science Standards and Maker Mindsets. Our students are artists, makers, builders, and engineers.
Our STEAM Lab, which is staffed by a dedicated credentialed STEAM Coordinator, gives students opportunities to tinker, create, design and problem-solve collaboratively on independent projects. Lessons focus on hands-on learning, allowing students to learn STEAM concepts and problem solving skills that culminate in opportunities to showcase their work in beloved annual events like Let It Glow and the Makers’ Arcade.
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JBBP
Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program
Our Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program is a unique foreign language program with over 50 years of history. In partnership with the Japanese American community, San Francisco’s first elected Board of Education established JBBP in 1973 to preserve and share the legacy of Japanese Americans and Japanese language and culture with future generations of San Franciscans.
JBBP integrates Japanese language instruction with a rigorous core curriculum taught in English, all in an environment that promotes community, diversity, and positive values. Our students learn Japanese through daily instruction and cultural activities and events that are led by native Japanese-speaking Sensei; students learn to speak, read, and write in Japanese.
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SDC
Special Day Classes
Our Special Education Program consists of three classes (Kindergarten-1st, 2nd -3rd, and 3rd-5th) that are all supported by Resource Specialist (RSP) services. Our classes have an autism focus, and are designed for students with mild to moderate learning differences; classes focus on the learning and developmental needs of our students. Our RSP teachers work with students with IEPs using modifications, accommodations, adaptations, strategies, and supports based on the core curriculum.
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Pre-K
Raphael Weill Early Education
We provide challenging curriculum and engaging instruction in a student-centered learning environment. Our structured program focuses on early literacy, English language arts and mathematics, and includes guided learning, outdoor recreation and free choice activities. Our students and families come from around the globe, with many diverse home languages. We promote our common ties--one being our shared vision of success for all students.