Applying to The River School

The admission process is an opportunity for you to discover our exceptional program and for us to learn more about your child and family. Please contact River’s Admission Team to discuss both the standard admission process and open spots we might have throughout the year. We look forward to working with you!

• Megan Campbell, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management, mcampbell@riverschool.net, 202.380.9206.
• Katie Brebbia, Assistant Director of Admission, kbrebbia@riverschool.net, 202.380.9266.

We use the Ravenna system to help manage the admission steps, starting with your initial interest in The River School for your child. Submitting an initial Inquiry Form through Ravenna will help us create a smooth process for you. After submitting your information (please complete a separate inquiry form for each of your children), you can register for our Admission events. Please note: the Inquiry Form is not an application.

Step 1: Schedule Your Parent Interview

Schedule a Zoom/phone call if you are interested in rolling admission for the 2025-2026 school year or placement for the 2026-2027 school year. This initial discussion can serve as the parent/guardian interview, or you can schedule an individual in-person tour, and we can do it then. 

The parent/guardian interview can take place after you submit an application.

Step 2: Visit The River School

Although a visit to The River School is not required before submitting an application, we encourage you to attend one of our Parent Admission Open House events or schedule an individual parent tour with the Admission Team to get a firsthand look at our one-of-a-kind model. We offer individual tours at 9:00 am during the school week. 

Step 3: Submit Admission Application Online

A completed online application and $65 application fee must be submitted. If you'd like to request an application fee waiver code, please email admission@riverschool.net. The Application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year is Friday, January 9, 2026.

Start your application!

Step 4: Schedule Applicant Visit

The Admission team will be in contact to schedule a required applicant visit for your child once you complete the application. We will be offering fall visit dates for those who complete an application before the January 9 deadline (PreK - Grade 5 only). If you apply closer to the deadline, we will be in touch with you soon after January 9, 2026.

• Preschool applicants: 30-minute Group Play Session (18 months - 3 years 11 months programs) to be held Thursday, January 29 - Friday, January 30, between 9:00 am and Noon. 
• PreK - Grade 2 applicants: Two hour in-person visits.
• Grade 3 applicants: Half-day (8:30 am - Noon) in-person visits (includes math and literacy assessments and writing activity).
• Grade 4-5 applicants: Full-day visits (includes math and literacy assessments and writing activity)
• Out-of-town applicants: Zoom visits for PreK - Grade 5; video submissions for Preschool.

Admission Testing

Admission testing (e.g., WPPSI and WISC, SSAT tests) is not required by The River School.

Recommendation Forms

Teacher Recommendation forms should be submitted for PreK - Grade 5 applicants, using the Ravenna System. River requires one teacher recommendation per applicant. Teacher recommendations are considered confidential and should not be shared with parents for submission to River.

Supplemental Materials for Grades 4-5 Applicants

Through Ravenna, please provide:

• Current and Previous Year Report Cards

Decision Notification

Emailed Friday, February 27, 2026 at 4:00 pm for the standard admission process for 2026-2027 School Year.

Enrollment Contracts

Signed enrollment contracts are due Friday, March 13, 2026 with a non-refundable deposit for the standard admission process for 2026-2027 School Year.