After-School Extracurricular Offerings (2024-2025)
Piano Lessons
Rafiki Classical Academy is offering piano lessons in partnership with our music teacher, Dr. Van Meggelen.
Why should RCA students take piano? Hear from Dr. Van Meggelen:
“Piano lessons are a practical means to carry out Rafiki Classical Academy’s commitment to “cultivate students who love God, pursue wisdom, model virtue, and serve.” Piano lessons can support child cognitive development in the areas of memory, concentration, focus, and processing; improve eye-hand coordination; increase hand strength and dexterity; strengthen listening skills; enhance creativity; promote self-discipline and patience; and relieve stress and anxiety. Piano lessons are also helpful building blocks for other musical endeavors, including choir and band. Most importantly, piano lessons offer rich opportunities to use our God-given gifts in bearing witness to God’s truth, goodness, and beauty for the glory of God, blessing of others, and personal enjoyment.”
Who: Kindergarten through fifth grade
Where: Rafiki Classical Academy, in the Agora
When: Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, starting August 19, 2024
Time: 30 minute sessions are available between 3:30 PM and 5 PM – One session a week
Cost: $23 a session, per student. Family discount: $20 per student. Cash or check. Checks made payable to Randall Van Meggelen.
To schedule a weekly piano lesson for your student, please email Dr. Randall Van Meggelen at Randal.vanmeggelen@gmail.com.
Jiu-Jitsu (martial arts)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known as the gentle art and is one of the most practical martial arts for self-defense. Students of Jiu-Jitsu will grow in confidence, respect, range of mobility, and hand-eye coordination. They will also learn how to control their emotions under pressure and use their body in a controlled manner. Because of these incredible benefits, which align with RCA’s student outcomes, Rafiki Classical Academy is pleased to be offering Jiu-Jitsu in partnership with Dunamis MMA (Mount Dora).
Who: All students are welcomed and encouraged to participate
Professor Corey Wingo and Coach Vanessa Wingo, owners of Dunamis MMA, will be instructing the classes. By day Corey is a Lake County Deputy and Vanessa is a graphic designer. By night the couple teaches Jiu-Jitsu.
Where: RCA, the Agora
When: Every Wednesday and Friday, starting August 21, 2024
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 PM
Please visit this website for information on cost and to register: Kids BJJ at RCA | Dunamis MMA
Chess Club
What game increases concentration, sharpens problem-solving skills, and develops logic, creativity, and critical thinking? Chess! Rafiki Classical Academy is pleased to be offering a Chess Club.
Who: First through fifth grade; beginners are welcome!
The club will be led by Mrs. Bliss. Mrs. Bliss is an RCA mom and chess instructor.
Where: Rafiki Classical Academy, classroom location
When: Every Tuesday, starting August 20, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Cost: $30 a month, per student — Cash or check. Checks made payable to “The Bliss Club”.
To register your student in chess club, please email Coach Bliss at DBliss@theblissclub.net.
Robotics Club
Robots have been used for manufacturing in factories for years, and in recent years the use of robots in non-manufacturing businesses has been growing rapidly. The Rafiki Classical Academy Robotics Club offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with robots. The first robots will be relatively simple, but will be capable of some complex behaviors. Each student will be assigned a robot and will learn about the robot’s sensors and movement capabilities. They will then learn multiple methods for controlling the robot. These methods include using a remote controller, using bar codes, using an app on a tablet, and creating a program and downloading it to the robot. As students advance, they will eventually build and use more advanced robots and learn to program. The Robotics Club will develop logical and creative thinking as well as problem solving skills in RCA students.
Who: First through fifth grade students
Mr. Robert Sullivan will be leading the club. Mr. Sullivan is a IT specialist who loves the Lord, children, and robotics.
Where: Rafiki Classical Academy, classroom location
When: Every Monday
Time: 3:30-4:30 PM, starting August 20, 2024
Cost: $40 a month – Cash or check. Checks made payable to Rafiki Classical Academy.
To register your student in Robotics club, please email Rob Sullivan at kfore@rafikiclassical.org