FAQ

Performing in front of an audience is intimidating, but at RSAR we work together to feel comfortable performing in front of the class and then later for family and friends at our showcase and play. We do not expect students to come to RSAR with any predeveloped performing expertise as we will teach them. Performances are mandatory for all students at RSAR.

RSAR performance curriculum includes ensemble work, student written scenes, improvisation, monologues, scene work, and elements of design. Students will participate in onstage performances of the showcase which is primarily scene work and a one act play with their grade at the end of the year.

Performances are rehearsed in class. Students are expected to spend some time daily running lines (10-30 minutes) outside of school. Leading up to performances students will be required to attend tech rehearsals after school to ensure safety for all performers. Tech rehearsals will begin after school and end by 6pm. Talent shows are optional, showcases and plays are mandatory for all to perform.

Family involvement is highly valued and needed at RSAR! We ask that all families contribute 25 volunteer hours per year, per student. There are many ways to contribute including, but not limited to: camp chaperone, field trip chaperone, supervising clubs, making costumes/props, yearbook, lunch supervision, PTSA board or committees, etc. Families have the option to buy out volunteer hours through the PTSA; please contact the RSAR PTSA for more information. Any person volunteering at the school must be an approved LWSD volunteer.  

• The LWSD volunteer application can be found here: Volunteer Application
• More information about becoming a volunteer can be found here: Volunteering in LWSD - Lake Washington School District

At RSAR we attend overnight camp annually as well as multiple out of school and in school fieldtrips. Each family who has the means is asked to contribute an annual fee per student to the general PTSA fund as well as school/class fees. This funding is necessary to provide students with amazing and enriching experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. If you lack the resources to make this family contribution, reach out to the PTSA or the RSAR office/counselor for assistance. 

Some fieldtrips RSAR have gone on include Washington State History Museum, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Art Museum, World of Dance, Seattle Children's Theater and more!

Families are responsible for transporting students to and from RSAR each day. Families often set up carpools, use buses that service the Eastlake High School attendance area, or public transportation.

• Did you know that public transportation is free for children ages 6-18 with an ORCA card? More information about getting your free youth ORCA card can be found here: ORCA Card - Lake Washington School District

There is no music program and no after school sports at RSAR.

RSAR students may still be able to participate in sports at their neighborhood school. Please reach out to your student's neighborhood school for more information.

Yes! Renaissance offers many different before/after school clubs including:

After School Clubs vary each year based on student interest. The list below includes examples of the different types of after school clubs that have taken place. 

• National Junior Honor Society
• Green Team
• Art Honor Society
• D&D Club
• Yearbook Club
• Spanish Club
• French Club
• Needle Works
• Service Projects
• Magic (the Gathering) Club
• Wings of Fire Club
• Battle of the Books 
• Music Club 

We offer Algebra 1 at RSAR and Geometry, which is taken at Eastlake High School. 

Renaissance does not conduct traditional fundraisers throughout the year. In lieu of requesting financial support for student activities through fundraisers, Renaissance families are asked to contribute a flat sum for class fees, camp, and field trips.

The Renaissance School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) administers the Family Contribution fund. These funds provide for many school activities and programs, enrichment materials, guest artist visits, and field trips. Families are asked to contribute a donation annually. Scholarship funds are always available to those who have a financial need. (See PTSA bylaws for more information.)

For those who require financial assistance, please reach out to the office manager or school counselor: Contact Us.

Apply for free/reduced lunches here: MySchoolApps.

RSAR has two electives that are mandatory as part of the curriculum - Performing Arts and Visual Arts. There are no other electives offered. Students are expected to participate in both of these electives.

Yes, students participate in core curriculum classes: Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. The only electives offered at RSAR are Performing Arts and Visual Arts.

RSAR is housed in portables on the Eastlake High School campus.

Yes, students with an IEP or 504 can attend RSAR.

RSAR is 100% inclusion.