Explore Our Funds

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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

The River Fund is our community’s annual opportunity to come together in support of River. Gifts to The River Fund provide essential resources that sustain our unique educational model and enhance every child’s experience.

Your generosity allow us to:

  • Deliver River's unique co-teaching model with a master's-level educator and speech-language pathologist in every classroom
  • Provide scholarships to children with and without hearing loss;
  • Recruit and retain outstanding faculty
  • Keep class sizes small
  • Make field trips and hands-on learning possible
  • Support the innovative program that sets River apart

Most River families give each year, joined by alumni, grandparents, and friends. Every gift matters and directly supports joyful, inclusive learning.

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.

A man and woman with sunglasses on the beach with their two young children

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:

  • Invest in mission-driven priorities

  • Sustain programs through economic shifts

  • Retain exceptional educators

  • Maintain meaningful tuition assistance

The endowment preserves Dr. Niparko’s legacy and protects River’s ability to innovate for generations of children.

Dr. John Niparko in a white lab coat with a tie

Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund

Named in memory of our beloved teacher and friend, Jill Bailey Chenet, who passed away in 2012, the Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund supports tutoring at River. Jill dedicated her career to her students, bringing them to their fullest potential with joy and a sense of wonder that was palpable in her classroom daily.

We are grateful to the many friends and family who contribute to the Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund each year as part of Jill Bailey Chenet's RiverWalk. Each year, a portion of RiverWalk proceeds supports tutoring at The River School to help children succeed in school and become lifelong readers. You can make a gift to the endowed Jill Bailey Chenet Scholarship Fund anytime during the year.

A young woman with a dark sweater and long brown hair smiles and looks up at the camera