The River School

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At The River School, we specialize in nurturing the youngest learners, helping children from 18 months through Grade 5 build a strong foundation for a lifetime of success. Here’s why families choose River: Experts in Childhood Development At The River School, we understand the formative power of early education. By focusing exclusively on children in their earliest years, we are uniquely equipped to guide their development in language, literacy, and social skills. From their first steps into our classrooms, children learn to collaborate, share, and grow in a way that prepares them to become tolerant, thoughtful, and engaged members of society. We don’t just teach—we cultivate the skills and mindsets that will serve your child for a lifetime. A Small School With a Big Heart Small schools create a world of opportunity for young learners. At River, our intimate setting ensures that each child rece...

The River School’s inclusive program challenges each child to work collaboratively, to think critically, and to develop the confidence to take risks, embrace their curiosity, and find their voice. Pillars Innovative Teaching From Mouth Time to Mindfulness, The River School creates new programs and develops evidence-based teaching strategies that draw from the best current research in education. Co-Teaching & Personalized Education Our co-teaching model pairs a master’s level educator with a speech-language pathologist in each classroom, a unique and effective combination for cementing strong language, literacy and social skills. Our low teacher-student ratios and small class sizes promote strong, personal relationships between teachers and students and allow educators to tailor teaching to each child. Passionate & Highly Engaged Educators Our teachers are energetic, creative, curious and committed. They model the qualities we hope children will develop: mindfulness, empathy, pe...

Innovative and Research-Based Teaching Our approach to education is grounded in evidence-based practices, ensuring that students benefit from the latest in educational research. We’ve developed signature programs like Mouth Time and Mindfulness , which are designed to engage young learners in meaningful ways. These programs help children develop important skills and strategies that set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. Co-Teaching for Personalized Learning One of the distinctive features of The River School is our co-teaching model , where each classroom is led by a master’s level educator paired with a speech-language pathologist. This combination allows us to provide specialized support in language, literacy, and social skills, ensuring personalized attention for every child. Our low teacher-student ratios and small class sizes allow our educators to tailor their instruction to meet each student's individual needs. Passionate and Skilled Educators Our t...

At The River School, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential from ages 18 months through grade 5. Our private school in Washington, DC, is dedicated to creating an enriching, child-centered learning environment where each student can find their voice and thrive. Here’s a glimpse into what makes our approach to education exceptional: Innovative Teaching Methods Our commitment to innovative teaching is at the heart of what we do. From Mouth Time to Mindfulness, we continuously develop and refine evidence-based strategies rooted in the latest research. These programs are designed to engage and inspire students, ensuring they have the tools and strategies needed for success. Co-Teaching & Personalized Education The River School’s unique co-teaching model pairs a master’s level educator with a speech-language pathologist in each classroom. This combination provides a strong foundation in language, literacy, and social skills. Our low teacher-student ratios and small class sizes ...

Nuturing the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of each child. Our research-based approach combines innovative teaching, personalized learning, and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. A Unique Approach to Education Co-Teaching Excellence: Our unique co-teaching model pairs master educators with speech-language pathologists to create a rich learning experience. Passionate Faculty: Our dedicated teachers inspire curiosity and a love of learning in every student. Thematic Curriculum: Our engaging curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Inclusive Community: We embrace diversity and create a welcoming environment for all learners. Strong Partnerships: We believe in a collaborative relationship between home and school to support student success. A Commitment to Financial Aid We are committed to building a diverse school community and offer financial aid to ensure access to a Rive...

The River School has spent years refining its research-based, child-centered approach to teaching. The basis of our educational philosophy is grounded in the pillars below. Ultimately, our goal is to help children find their voice and thrive. Innovative Teaching From Mouth Time to Mindfulness, The River School creates new programs and develops evidence-based teaching strategies that draw from the best current research in education. Co-Teaching & Personalized Education Our co-teaching model pairs a master’s level educator with a speech-language pathologist in each classroom, a unique and effective combination for cementing strong language, literacy and social skills. Our low teacher-student ratios and small class sizes promote strong, personal relationships between teachers and students and allow educators to tailor teaching to each child. Passionate and Highly-Qualified Educators Our teachers are energetic, creative, curious and committed. They model the qualities we hope childre...

Welcome to the River School Blog! Here, we'll share a glimpse into the vibrant world of learning that unfolds within our walls. Growing with Our Students We're excited to announce the expansion of our program!  Since 2000, we've fostered a love of learning in children from 18 months to Grade 3. Now, we're proud to offer an Upper Elementary program (Grades 4-5)! This expansion allows us to continue supporting our students as they take those giant leaps in their educational journey. Learning Through Collaboration and Exploration At River School, we believe in fostering a love of learning that extends far beyond textbooks. Our inclusive program challenges students to work together, think critically, and embrace their unique curiosities. We create a safe space where students can take risks, find their voices, and develop the confidence to become lifelong learners. A Unique Approach to Education One of the things that sets River School apart is our co-teaching model. Each cl...