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Register for one of our Parent Admission Open House events at 9:00 am on November 8 or January 8, or for our virtual Lunchtime Chat with River’s Program Architects on December 11 at noon, using the Ravenna System.
2024-25 Admission Deadline Dates
January 12 - Admission Application Due
January 22 - Recommendations/Supporting Materials Due
February 2 - Financial Aid Application Due
March 1 - Decision Notification Via Email
March 15 - Enrollment Contract & Deposit Due
June 1, 4:00 pm - Enrollment Contract Binding Date
River’s Upper Elementary (Grades 4 - 5): A Place for Joyful Learning in a Challenging and Supportive Environment
River’s Upper Elementary Program may have officially launched in September 2022, with our inaugural Grade 4 class, but we’ve been laying the groundwork for years to provide a natural evolution of our progressive Preschool and Elementary programs that feature experiential, collaborative learning through a thematic curriculum. At all levels, our educators organize their teaching around posing and answering significant questions that nurture democracy, equity, justice and joy.
Programmatic Approach
In Grades 4-5, students transition to project-based, inquiry-driven immersive learning with extended periods of time for active engagement. Students’ schedules are designed to have time for exploration, innovation, collaboration and making. Teachers and Arts & Sciences educators work together to create cross-disciplinary connections for the students throughout the school day. Our faculty share an enthusiasm for intermediate education and inspiring students through their creativity, curiosity and commitment. They understand the importance of attending to children’s personal and social development.
The Friday schedule allows for experiential Field Studies off campus, including:
- Smithsonian Museums
- Writopia
- Politics and Prose Bookstore
- Made in DC/Mini Makers
- KID Museum
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Upcycle
- Calleva
- Imagination Stage
- Experiential Learning Overnight Trip
Curriculum Development Approach
In Upper Elementary, students learn through a Project Based Learning (PBL) model which provides a vehicle to gain important knowledge, skills and deeper understanding, and places student voice and choice at the forefront of the learning process.
Academic Domain and Skills Development
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Integrated Tech and Engineering
- Digital Citizenship
- Spanish
- Civic Engagement
- Music (guitar)
- Performing Art
- Visual Art
- Yoga
- Physical Education
- Executive Functioning
- Health & Wellness
- Leadership
- Keyboarding
- Research Skills