Where Small Steps Become Giant Leaps.
Knowing first steps are foundational,
we’ve been 18 months - Grade 3 since 2000.
Now we've grown an Upper Elementary program (Grades 4-5)!
"I am constantly amazed at the amount of thought, research and intentional planning behind every decision relating to every child at River. The school manages to combine thoughtful, research-based educational methods with a playful approach to learning. Sending my children to River is a gift." — Jaynie Lilley, River Parent
2026-27 Admission Deadline Dates
January 9
Admission Application Due
January 16
Recommendations / Supporting Materials Due
January 16
Tuition Assistance Application Due
February 27
Decision Notification Via Email
March 13
Enrollment Contract & Deposit Due
May 1, 4:00 pm
Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Discover The Magic of The River School's Kindergarten Program
We Are Experts in Childhood Development
At The River School, a top private school in Washington DC, we bring energy and innovation to teaching core academics, and foster children’s growth in language, literacy and social skills, creativity and problem solving. Our co-teaching model of master's level educators and speech-language pathologists in every classroom provide a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment
We Are a Small School for Young Children
Small schools ensure individualized attention. We maintain the most favorable class sizes and student-to teacher ratios in the region. Your child will be known, challenged and supported, and will quickly feel a part of a warm and engaging community. What better way to be open to new experiences and ideas, than to start from a place of comfort and security?
Kicking Off Our Elementary Program with Kindergarten
For our Kindergarten program, like all our class levels, we follow a blended and balanced approach, with differentiation as a natural part of the learning experience. Our educators are trained in a wide range of programs and have access to many resources, allowing for a customized approach for each class and student.
Our play-based, thematic curriclum seamlessly integrates Literacy, Math, Social Studies, Science, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Creative Movement, and Library Sciences. Themes are student-directed, and this classroom structure:
- Taps students' imaginations and interests
- Integrates math, literacy, language arts, writing and science lessons
- Requires collaboration and cooperation
- Builds problem-solving skills
We follow a project-based approach in order to:
- Provide opportunities for exploration and inquiry
- Practice abstract reasoning
- Promote conceptual understanding
- Encourage critical thinking
- Challenge students to become problem-solvers
- Undertake rich and complex studies
In addition to robust academic preparation, River's safe, caring environment shapes healthy self-esteem, celebrates individuality and invites self-reflection.
Our Upper Elementary Program (Grades 4-5) features project-based, inquiry-driven immersive learning experiences.
Our philosophy is grounded in The River School’s Pillars, ten elements that define our remarkable school.