Founded as a mission of a small Baptist church in the heart of Houston, ROBS’ Christian identity is a cornerstone of its academic philosophy. Now, more than 65 years after its inception, the two-part mission remains a steady compass. ROBS melds ambitious academics with robust character and spiritual development.
Our program is purposefully designed around how kids learn best. Much like the growth mindset we promote among our learners, we are continuously enhancing our research-based curriculum with modern advances in brain science, social emotional learning, differentiated instruction, and educational psychology. As a result, kids at ROBS love learning.
“Associating learning with happiness is a lifelong gift from ROBS to our children.”
Robs parent
Mission
The mission of River Oaks Baptist School is to prepare its students to meet life’s challenges and lead tomorrow’s world through a superior educational program undergirded by faith in Jesus Christ and Christian principles.
We believe that strong foundations are built upon:
- Balanced growth of the interdependent aspects of human nature—intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral, and social;
- Principles of responsibility, diligence, and cooperation, as well as respect for diversity and the dignity of the individual; and
- Skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication.
We believe that our students will reach their fullest growth in a school environment which:
- Encourages students, faculty, and staff to see themselves as uniquely created by God with special qualities and gifts for development;
- Balances high expectations with developmentally-appropriate nurturing; and
- Works cooperatively with parents in concert with the School’s mission for the benefit of the student.
Diversity Mission Statement
The River Oaks Baptist community acknowledges and respects the diversity that exists in our ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, the languages we speak, the traditions we observe, our financial and educational resources, how we learn, and the special needs and gifts that we may have. River Oaks Baptist School believes that welcoming people with diverse points of view and being sensitive to the interests and traditions of others while remaining true to our Christian foundation emulates Christ-like principles of living.
River Oaks Baptist School is committed to a diverse School community whose members embrace the Mission, the School’s religious teachings and values, and policies of the School by:
- Attracting, retaining, and supporting a diverse student-body and their families who acknowledge and accept that Christian principles will be integrated into all areas of school life;
- Attracting, retaining, and supporting a diverse faculty and administration who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior;
- Actively teaching and advocating the appreciation and valuing of diversity throughout the School and community.
How We Define Diversity at ROBS
Our definition of diversity, as outlined in our Diversity Mission Statement, acknowledges the biblical portrait of God’s kingdom comprised of people from all nations, one body made up of many members using different God-given gifts to serve one another. Through God’s grace, we seek reconciliation where there is division and restoration of unity in Christ.
Revelation 7:9 “I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.”
1 Peter 4:10 “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
John 17:11, 23 “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one…that they may be brought to complete unity.”
Equity at ROBS embodies our efforts to ensure that we provide everyone with an exceptional experience unhindered by obstacles we can control. For example, our Student Support team facilitates targeted support for students with diagnosed learning difficulties, increasing their chances of success. Classroom teachers also practice equity when differentiating instruction to help each student reach his or her potential.
Philippians 2:4 “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
ROBS aspires for everyone in our community to feel welcome and valued for who we are and the gifts we bring; to be accepted for our differences and similarities; to know that we are included and heard; to belong. We embrace the truth that we are made in the image of God and affirm the dignity and worth of all.
Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Racism includes negative beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward people based on their race, ethnic background, or skin color. Without labeling, at ROBS, we help everyone understand the impact of unkindness. We teach that all are made in the image of God and are to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage our community to be upstanders against unkindness and to show God’s love to everyone.
John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Psalm 69:5-6 “God, you know my foolishness, and my guilty acts are not hidden from you. Do not let those who put their hope in you be disgraced because of me, Lord God of Armies; do not let those who seek you be humiliated because of me.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.”
An awareness of how culture shapes us and those around us is critical in fulfilling our biblical mandate to relate to one another in an understanding way. At ROBS, we demonstrate cultural competence in seeking knowledge about cultures different from our own, recognizing and using the cultural resources students bring to our community, and developing the skills needed to interact effectively across cultures. We grow in unity through respecting and welcoming the gifts our differences bring.
Acts 17:26 “From one man, He has made every nationality to live over the whole world and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
I Corinthians 9:20-23 “When I am with the Jews, I live like a Jew to win Jews…And when I am with people who are not ruled by the Law, I forget about the Law to win them…When I am with people whose faith is weak, I live as they do to win them. I do everything I can to win everyone I possibly can. I do all this for the good news because I want to share in its blessings.”
Colossians 3:11 “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.”
Strategic plan
ROBS has always believed children’s intellect, spirituality, and character are inextricably intertwined. Our winning aspiration is to strengthen that twine so our students can thrive in a fast-paced and changing world. Our strategic initiatives compel us to nurture what is special in each of us, to support the healthy development of all community members, and to promote a diverse and inclusive community unified through the love of Jesus Christ.
In 2020 ROBS published Roadmap 2020 which serves as the School’s current strategic plan.
In 2022 the ROBS Board of Trustees affirmed and expanded the diversity strategic initiative. Read the ROBS Statement on Diversity, Inclusion, and Unity through Christ.
