"The River School is in a class of its own. My children have developed a deep love of learning and gained confidence in themselves as scientists, writers, mathematicians, explorers, readers, learners, and tinkerers! River's incredible teaching teams have empowered them to explore their own curiosities about their world and to engage as thoughtful citizens. We are excited about River's Upper Elementary and being a part of the first Grade 4 class in fall of 2022!" — Louisa Imperiale
Contact Megan Campbell in Admissions to learn more. Email mcampbell@riverschool.net or call 202.380.9206.
Upper Elementary School (Gr. 4-5)
Our Upper Elementary experience is intentionally responsive, adaptive and inclusive—rooted in the mission of helping every child find their voice.
Building the Skills, Strengths and Mindsets for Middle School Success
River’s Upper Elementary (Grades 4 & 5) is uniquely designed to care for, inspire and fully prepare students for their middle school years and the future. Grounded in authentic, student-centered learning and supported by highly skilled educators and speech-language pathologists, the program nurtures confident, empathetic and resilient learners who transition to Grade 6 with strong academic foundations, mature executive functioning skills and a clear sense of self.
What Sets River’s Upper Elementary Apart
River’s UE program is built around a distinctive set of commitments that shape daily learning:
- Authentic, purposeful, student-centered learning
- Inquiry and investigation of complex ideas
- Intentional development of executive functioning skills, supported by River’s Sound Spot literacy program
- Experiential learning through frequent Field Studies, using the city as an extension of the classroom
- Immersive, arts-based education that encourages creativity and innovative thinking
- Deep expertise from master’s-level educators and speech-language pathologists
Together, these elements create a learning environment that is both structured and flexible—allowing students to stretch academically while growing socially, emotionally and personally.
Upper Elementary Learner Profile
Parents often ask: How will River’s 4th and 5th grade prepare my child for what comes next?
Our answer can be found in our graduate profile—a clear picture of the skills, habits and mindsets a River student develops before entering middle school. A River School graduate will be able to:
- Engage in meaningful inquiry
- Ask higher-order questions
- Persevere through challenges
- Show resilience in new environments
- Solve problems collaboratively
- Listen to and consider multiple perspectives
- Lead with curiosity
- Communicate with confidence and respect
- Empathize with diverse lived experiences
- Take action on issues that matter to them
This profile guides our program design and ensures students leave River ready for the academic rigor, independence and social complexity of Grade 6 and beyond.
Pedagogical Approach: Inquiry, Thematic Learning & Project-Based Work
River’s thematic curriculum prepares students to engage in inquiry-based learning, where they explore meaningful, real-world questions through a structured project-based cycle. Teachers design immersive units of study with year-long throughlines—big ideas that connect learning across disciplines including:
- Language & Literacy
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Library Sciences and Digital Skills
- Social-Emotional Learning and Executive Functioning
This approach strengthens academic independence while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
Field Studies: City as Classroom
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Upper Elementary program. Field Study Days, typically held on Fridays, connect classroom concepts to Washington, D.C.’s rich cultural landscape. These experiences deepen content knowledge, broaden perspectives and build confidence navigating the world beyond school.
Students visit institutions such as: National Portrait Gallery, KID Museum, Politics & Prose, Battery Kemble Park (Water Testing), National Museum of Women in the Arts, Homes Not Borders—and many more.
UE Schedule: Focused Learning & Time To Connect
The day is organized into extended learning blocks that support deep concentration. Mornings emphasize:
- Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Sound Spot
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Students make natural connections to their Arts & Sciences classes—science, physical education, visual art, drama, and music—where concepts overlap intentionally. Social connection is also prioritized through shared lunchtime, leadership opportunities (Kindness Week, Scratch Day), performances, and culminating events like Riverfest.
Assessment & Feedback
Assessment in Upper Elementary is strengths-based and growth-oriented. Teachers use formative and summative assessments to understand where each learner is in the process and how to differentiate instruction. Students receive:
- Scored assessments
- Verbal and written feedback
- Opportunities to identify next steps
- This approach builds self-awareness, independence, and confidence, critical traits for middle school success
Homework & Executive Functioning
- Homework is introduced intentionally in Grades 4 and 5
- Purposeful, relevant assignments
- Daily use of planners to build habits
- Practice in organization, planning, time management, decision-making
- Guided problem-solving when work is incomplete
These routines lay essential groundwork for the demands of middle school. Students also practice timed and untimed assessments in developmentally appropriate ways to gain familiarity without unnecessary pressure.
Responsible Technology Use
Beginning in Grade 4, students are introduced to technology with a focus on safe, appropriate, skill-building use:
- Internal email accounts
- Google Docs & Slides
- Digital citizenship curriculum (Common Sense Media)
- Controlled access to additional platforms in Grade 5
Teachers guide students in communication, collaboration and digital responsibility.
After School Opportunities
From 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm daily, students can choose from enrichment options that complement the curriculum:
- Clubs (hiking, art, maker, film study, passion projects)
- Study Hall
- Seasonal athletics
- Wind Down Zone (gym, playground, library until 6:00 pm)
These offerings allow students to explore interests, collaborate and manage their time, mirroring middle school structures.
"The River School is in a class of its own. My children have developed a deep love of learning and gained confidence in themselves as scientists, writers, mathematicians, explorers, readers, learners, and tinkerers! River's incredible teaching teams have empowered them to explore their own curiosities about their world and to engage as thoughtful citizens. We are excited about River's Upper Elementary and being a part of the first Grade 4 class in fall of 2022!" — Louisa Imperiale
