Explore Our Funds
The River School is strengthened by a community of families, alumni and friends who believe in our mission and invest in our students and educators. Each fund below plays a unique role in ensuring that River remains a place where all children can find their voice.
The River Fund
Making the River Experience Possible
The River Fund is the foundation of philanthropy at our school. It's our community's annual opportunity to come together in support of River, and we ask every family to participate at a level that is meaningful to them.
Your generosity makes River's unique educational experience possible. Gifts to the River Fund help us attract and retain outstanding faculty, maintain a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and provide the field trips and hands-on learning experiences that make River special. They also help ensure that this extraordinary education is accessible to more families.
With 30% of River students receiving tuition assistance, philanthropy is essential to creating a community where children from a wide range of backgrounds, with and without hearing loss, can learn, grow and thrive together.
Special Initiatives
Honoring Our Legacy and Investing in River's Future
Throughout the year, special events and community initiatives offer additional opportunities to support River, including RiverWalk & Spring Picnic and opportunities to contribute to tuition assistance. Families can also make a lasting impact through the John K. Niparko Endowment and investments in River's future.
Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund
Each spring, RiverWalk & Spring Picnic brings our community together to celebrate River and honor the memory of beloved teacher Jill Bailey Chenet. Proceeds support tutoring that strengthens students' literacy skills while also contributing to the endowed scholarship fund established in Jill's memory.
You can also make a gift directly to the Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund at any time throughout the year.
John K. Niparko Endowment
The John K. Niparko Endowment honors Dr. John K. Niparko, a founding Board Member, world-class surgeon and early believer in River’s mission. Dr. Niparko established the endowment in 2011 and was its first and largest donor.
This permanent fund provides long-term financial strength for River, helping us:
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Invest in mission-driven priorities
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Sustain programs through economic shifts
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Retain exceptional educators
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Maintain meaningful tuition assistance
The endowment preserves Dr. Niparko’s legacy and protects River’s ability to innovate for generations of children.
Harry R. Weller Future Fund
Established in 2016 by Trustee Rachel Moore Weller in memory of her husband, Harry Weller, the Future Fund supports River’s long-term vision. Harry believed deeply in River’s mission and invested generously in our future.
Gifts to the Future Fund have exceeded $5 million, enabling River to pursue a new campus designed to welcome more children and share our inclusive model more broadly. The fund honors Harry’s legacy as a devoted parent to River alumni Luke (2016 Falcon) and Cash (2018 Falcon), visionary leader and champion of River’s next chapter.
