The Culture and Climate at RQES reflect an environment that is focused on students needs, both academic and social. We have a student ambassador program. Project Lead the Way, AMSTI, International Day, ROCKFEST, Junior Achievement and Second Step Guidance Programs. In addition, there are extracurricular activities after school: PARA, art, chess, karate, music and Children’s Theater.

In coordination with TCS to focus on building readers by third grade, we place a strong emphasis on reading instruction. Our efforts are supported by teachers with strong success in teaching reading skills. We offer a variety of educational programs and teaching supports to provide excellent reading instruction for all students. We use student data to support our efforts and strengthen the reading skills of our students.

We are ongoing learners at RQES. Our faculty and staff engage in regular professional development to strengthen their craft by learning from colleagues. We participate in PCN (Powerful Conversations Network) professional development through the Alabama Best Practice Center. We have served as a model for site visits and participate in schoolwide “RQE Learns” professional development, Learning Walks and classroom visits.

We enjoy a partnership that includes two Adopt-a-School agencies. Parent volunteers and a strong PTA support our school and our students. Our PTA provides recognition of our teachers and students on a regular basis. In addition, parents volunteer in the office, library, classrooms and with the Parent-Teacher Leadership Academy through The University of Alabama.