"During our daughter's seven years at River, the small classes enabled the amazing teachers to work with her one-on-one to ensure she was challenged, constantly learning and having fun." —Robin Moore
Mother of 2012 Falcon graduate.
Elementary (K – Gr.3)
River's multi-curricular approach allows educators to tailor instruction to each class and each child. Themes serve as the backbone of a rich, multi-sensory learning experience for all students.
A Dynamic Approach That Cultivates a Love of Learning
At the heart of The River School’s Elementary Program is a steadfast commitment to instilling a love of learning. Our multi-curricular approach (meaning, we invest and implement a number of programs and courses of study) allows educators to tailor instruction to each class and each child. Master’s level educators and speech-language pathologists co-teach in every classroom, supported by Arts & Sciences specialists, teaching assistants and graduate-level interns, to create a uniquely robust instructional team. Students at River build skills across subjects through hands-on exploration, exploratory play, sensory experiences, math tools, literacy work and experimentation.
Themes serve as the backbone of a rich, multi-sensory learning experience that expands across River’s three divisions: Preschool, Elementary and Upper Elementary. Teachers collaborate with students to select themes that reflect their interests, classroom experiences and high-quality literature. As students progress, themes grow in scope and complexity, with older learners engaging in immersive, inquiry-based units of study. From our youngest students to our oldest, themes build background knowledge and life experiences and transition to ideas and concepts related to our community and world.
Classrooms are intentionally transformed to capture the essence of each theme unit, using real objects, props, books, images and art to spark curiosity and provide authentic opportunities to explore literacy, math, science, social studies and the arts in meaningful ways. Through socio-dramatic play, children take on roles, test ideas and use new vocabulary in context. Teachers support and extend children’s thinking, laying a strong foundation for storytelling, reading and writing.
Thematic Approach That Inspires Readers, Writers and Thinkers
Literacy experiences emerge naturally throughout the day as children engage in hands-on, interactive activities (e.g., they write lists, read menus, follow recipes or research theme-related topics). In Elementary and Upper Elementary, these experiences develop into deeper work with multiple genres, creative writing, research projects and long-term, project-based studies. This integrated, thematic approach promotes engagement, vocabulary growth and the development of confident, capable communicators and strong critical thinkers.
At River, innovative academics and a culture of empathy, inclusivity and kindness work together to help every child grow into a confident, lifelong learner.
As students move through our program, projects become more complex and engaging. The level of research, writing and critical thinking increases in each grade as they work collaboratively to answer questions and share knowledge.
In addition to robust academic preparation, River's safe, caring environment shapes healthy self-esteem, celebrates individuality and invites self-reflection. Children graduate River with a clear, distinct voice, inspired to become leaders, global citizens, but most importantly, change agents.