Welcome to The River School Where We Know That First Steps Matter
From Head of School and Founder Nancy Mellon
Welcome to River! My vision for this school took shape in 1999 when I signed the ownership papers for our first building on MacArthur Boulevard in Washington, DC. With the support of family, friends, colleagues and a generous foundation, we launched what became—and remains—the only independent school in the nation designed to bring together children with hearing loss and their hearing peers in a truly inclusive setting.
We opened with just 10 students. Today, nearly 200 children fill our classrooms with curiosity, laughter and learning. Many take their very first steps as learners here—steps that grow into giant leaps in language, critical thinking and social development.
Why The River School and Who Do We Serve?
My personal journey is woven into River’s mission. My son Will was born in 1992 and was diagnosed with profound deafness. In 1994 he received a cochlear implant and could hear for the first time. While he benefitted from excellent individualized services outside of school, I also watched him flourish in a small DC preschool alongside hearing children. He was joyful and communicative, singing, talking nonstop and loving books.
I wanted to create a place where every child with hearing loss could have that same experience: a dynamic classroom environment with the specialized support they need, all under one roof. I also believed that hearing children would benefit from a learning community built around strong language, social and literacy development. That belief has proven true again and again.
Parents often tell me, “River is the best first school for a child.” Our small classes, highly educated and passionate teachers, and individualized attention help children develop language, ideas and a solid sense of self during the most foundational years.
What Grade Levels Do We Offer?
We serve children 18 months through Grade 5 across our Preschool, Elementary and Upper Elementary divisions.
What Makes River Unique?
- We are inclusive. In every class, one to three children with hearing loss learn alongside their hearing peers. This inclusive environment strengthens social-emotional learning and creates a community grounded in empathy, engagement and support.
- Our singular co-teaching model is effective. Having a master’s level educator and a speech-language pathologist working together as a team greatly enhances students’ language, literacy and social outcomes.
- We have intentionally small classes. With an average 5:1 student–teacher ratio, your child is truly known. Teachers personalize instruction, respond to individual needs, build strong relationships, and balance challenge with support to inspire authentic learning.
- Our curriculum is designed to enliven learning across multiple domains, building each year as a student moves through the program through Grade 5. Children thrive in an environment of experiential and collaborative learning through a thematic curriculum, which empowers and inspires children as they learn. Our robust Arts & Sciences program is led by specialists in science, drama, music, visual arts, physical education, and library sciences.
- We’ve always been, and will continue to be, deliberately low-tech. During the foundational years, we prioritize face-to-face connection, hands-on materials and opportunities for communication and conversation, problem solving and play. Technology is thoughtfully introduced in Grade 3 with an emphasis on responsible and purposeful use, continuing through Upper Elementary.
Will My Child Be Well Prepared for Middle School?
Absolutely. A River education builds strong academic skills, confidence and independence. We prepare our students with the skills they need for a confident entry into middle school, including mathematics, reading, writing, leadership and independence, and executive function. A River graduate is resilient, collaborative and a strong self-advocate.
The River School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, gender, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its admission, financial aid and other school-administered programs.